Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide: Which Weight Loss Injection is Right for You?

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are the two most talked-about prescription weight loss injections available today. Both medications are highly effective at helping people lose weight, but they have different formulations and mechanisms that may affect individuals differently.

Choosing the right weight loss injection depends on your health history, weight loss goals, and how well you tolerate the medication.

At MyFitMed, with locations in Dallas, Frisco, Heath, and Southlake, Texas, our weight loss specialists prescribe both semaglutide and tripeptide to help patients safely and effectively reach their weight goals.

Here, we explain the similarities and differences between these two medications to help you make a more informed decision.

Semaglutide vs. tirzepatide: The basics

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are the newest drugs for managing obesity and supporting metabolic health. While both are given as weekly injections and share some similarities, they’re not the same type of medication. 

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone produced in the body, which plays a role in appetite regulation and blood sugar control. 

Semaglutide supports weight loss by:

• Slowing digestion so you feel full sooner
• Reducing appetite and hunger signals
• Increasing insulin release to help regulate blood sugar

Wegovy® is the FDA-approved brand name for semaglutide, approved for chronic weight management. 

Tirepatide

Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. This means it mimics the action of two hormones involved in appetite control and glucose management: GLP-1 and GIP. 

Because of this dual action, tirzepatide:

• Enhances appetite suppression and satiety
• Improves blood sugar control
• May have additional effects on fat metabolism

Zepbound® is the FDA-approved brand name of tirzepatide for chronic weight management.

Weight loss results

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are more effective at promoting weight loss than the earlier generations of weight loss medications. Clinical studies show that patients can lose a significant percentage of body weight with either drug.  

On average, people lose about 20% of their weight over 18 months on tirzepatide and 13% over the same amount of time on semaglutide. 

While many people lose more weight on tirzepatide, individual results vary, and effectiveness depends on dosing, lifestyle changes, and consistency. 

Side effects

Although these medications are life-changing for many people, they’re not without side effects.  Because both drugs affect digestion and appetite, gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common. 

Possible side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Fatigue 

Some people experience more gastrointestinal symptoms with semaglutide, and some find tirzepatide easier to tolerate. Adding GIP activity to tirzepatide may help reduce digestive side effects for some people, though responses vary. Fatigue has been reported slightly more often with tirzepatide.

Side effects differ from person to person, you may need to try one or both medications before deciding which is the better fit. 

Cost and insurance coverage

Currently, a one-month supply of brand-name semaglutide and tirzepatide costs around $1,000 or more. Compounded versions of semaglutide are significantly less expensive, ranging from $200 to $500. Availability of compounded medications can vary due to legal restrictions.

Insurance coverage for weight loss medications is inconsistent. Some plans may cover these drugs, while others don’t, and prescription coverage formularies can change at any time.

Manufacturers of Wegovy and Zepbound do have cost-saving programs and direct-to-consumer options that may lower monthly costs to $500 or less for eligible patients. 

You don’t have to choose a weight loss injection on your own. Our weight loss specialists review your medical history, goals, and preferences to help determine which medication may work best for you. 

Because we offer both semaglutide and tirzepatide, we can adjust your treatment plan as needed, switching medications based on effectiveness, tolerance, and results. Hormone replacement therapy and HGH peptides are also part of our weight loss program for patients who need additional support.

Call us today or book an appointment online to schedule your weight loss consultation so you can take the next step toward reaching your goals.