The main difference between Tirzepatide and Semaglutide is that Tirzepatide is a “Dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist”, whereas Semaglutide is a sole-acting GLP-1 Agonist.
In layman’s terms, this means that Tirzepatide utilizes multiple pathways to decrease appetite and cause you to lose weight, whereas Semalgutide only uses one pathway.
Keep reading to understand the full difference between Tirzepatide and Semaglutide and discover which one is right for you!
Tirzepatide Vs. Semaglutide: Which Is Better For Weight Loss?
Research shows that Tirzepatide is more effective than Semaglutide when it comes to weight loss.
One study from JAMA Internal Medicine found that Tirzepatide was “associated with significantly greater weight loss than Semaglutide”.
In their study, they found that in terms of weight loss of 5% at 3 months, 10% at 6 months and 15% at 12 months, Tirzepatide showed better results than semaglutide.
Another study published in the New England Journal Of Medicine found that tirzepatide at doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg resulted in greater reductions in body weight compared to semaglutide at a dose of 1 mg. At 40 weeks, the mean reductions in body weight were -7.6 kg, -9.3 kg, and -11.2 kg for tirzepatide, compared to -5.7 kg for semaglutide. The study concluded that tirzepatide was superior to semaglutide in terms of weight loss at all doses tested.
Why Is Tirzepatide More Effective For Weight Loss?
Tirzepatide is a dual agonist, targeting both the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. This dual action enhances its effectiveness in reducing body weight. The GLP-1 receptor agonism helps in reducing appetite and slowing gastric emptying, while GIP receptor agonism further enhances insulin secretion and may contribute to additional weight loss.
As stated in our intro paragraph, Semaglutide is solely a GLP-1 receptor antagonist, meaning it is missing the advantage of having a second mechanism to help reduce bodyweight.
Can You Switch From Semaglutide To Tirzepatide?
Yes, you can switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide if you find that the results from semaglutide start to falter. However, patients generally start with semaglutide as it is less expensive and still very effective at causing weight loss. Semaglutide is a proven medication that effectively manages weight and diabetes for many patients, but if its efficacy decreases over time, transitioning to tirzepatide can be a viable option. Tirzepatide’s dual action on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors may provide enhanced benefits for some patients.
Is Tirzepatide More Expensive Than Semaglutide?
Tirzepatide is only slightly more expensive than Semaglutide. At Weight Wise, a one-month supply of semaglutide is $400, while a one-month supply of tirzepatide is $480. This small price difference might be worth it for those who need the additional benefits tirzepatide offers.
If you choose to go with the branded option of either Tirzepatide or Semalgutide expect to pay upwards of $1,000 a month for either option.
Which Has Less Side Effects, Tirzepatide or Semaglutide?
Both tirzepatide and semaglutide can cause side effects, and the severity and frequency can vary among individuals. Generally, both medications have similar types of side effects, but the intensity may differ based on the dual action of tirzepatide.
Common Side Effects:
Semaglutide:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Tirzepatide:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Potential for Severe Side Effects:
Both medications can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms in some patients.
Pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and thyroid tumors (in rodents) are serious but rare side effects associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Comparison:
Nausea and Gastrointestinal Issues: Both drugs can cause nausea and other gastrointestinal issues, which tend to be more pronounced when starting the medication or increasing the dose.
Weight Loss: Tirzepatide may result in more significant weight loss due to its dual mechanism, which could potentially lead to more pronounced side effects in some patients.
Overall, both medications have a similar side effect profile, but individual experiences can vary.
If you have previously tolerated Semalgutide well, you should have no issues tolerating Tirzepatide.
Takeaway
Overall, Tirzepatide is more effective than Semaglutide when it comes to weight loss. For individuals who have tried neither, it is recommended that you start with Semaglutide and then move onto Tirzepatide if your weight loss results with Semaglutide falter.
If you are interested in starting your weight loss journey with either Tirzepatide or Semaglutide, reach out to Weight Wise Center today!
