Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: What Weight Loss Medication is Right for You?

These days, it seems like the talk about injectable weight loss medications is everywhere you turn. As these medications rise in popularity, you may be wondering if you’re a good candidate and which medication you’d take. 

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Two of the most promising weight loss medications on the market are semaglutide and tirzepatide. These medications are designed to help individuals who struggle with obesity or excess weight achieve and sustain significant weight loss. 

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While their end result is the same, semaglutide and tirzepatide differ in a number of ways. In this article, we’ll review how each of these medications works, their similarities and differences, and some key points to consider in order to choose the right medication for your needs.

Understanding Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are two medications that are rapidly gaining attention for their weight loss effects. Though these medications were both originally developed for treating type 2 diabetes, they are quickly becoming well-known for their efficacy in promoting and sustaining weight loss in overweight and obese patients. 

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1and help to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels in the body. Semaglutide slows down the gastric emptying process and sends fullness signals to the brain. Patients taking semaglutide experience a reduction in hunger leading to a reduced caloric intake. This results in significant weight loss amongst a large population of patients.

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Semaglutide is prescribed as a once-weekly injection that comes in a prefilled syringe. In most cases, it is self-administered at home. In order to be prescribed semaglutide, there are certain criteria that patients must meet. Semaglutide, under the brand name Wegovy, has been FDA-approved for weight loss in adults with a BMI of at least 30 or adults with a BMI of at least 27 and one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. It’s also approved under the brand name Ozempic for diabetes, although Ozempic is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.

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The cost of semaglutide depends heavily on insurance coverage. Without insurance, the price tag is quite high. Patients paying out of pocket can expect to pay around $1,300 to $1,600 a month. With insurance coverage, the cost of semaglutide can vary widely. Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost, if a provider deems the medication to be medically necessary and supporting documentation is provided. Other savings may be found through coupons from the manufacturer or through using certain telemedicine providers.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a medication that also targets the same GLP-1 receptors as semaglutide. However, Tirzepatide is known for having a dual-action approach, targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. By targeting two different types of receptors, Tirzepatide has enhanced capabilities to reduce blood sugar and reduce appetite, leading to notable weight loss in its users. Tirzepatide was originally approved for diabetes, but in 2023 the FDA also approved it for weight loss.

Key Differences Between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

While semaglutide and tirzepatide are quite similar in many ways, they have some notable differences. For instance, though they both yield great results for weight loss, the mechanism through which they do so differs. Semaglutide promotes weight loss by exclusively targeting GLP-1 receptors, leading to a decrease in appetite. Alternatively, tirzepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors in order to control appetite, increase insulin sensitivity, and improve metabolism. 

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These medications also differ in their approval status. While semaglutide is approved by the FDA for weight loss, tirzepatide is only FDA-approved for the management of type 2 diabetes at this time. However, some providers may be willing to prescribe tirzepatide off-label for weight loss purposes. This difference in FDA approval status has a notable impact on the accessibility of these medications. Given that it is specifically approved for weight management, semaglutide is much more widely available for those seeking a weight loss solution. 

Semaglutide Vs Tirzepatide: Comparing Efficacy for Weight Loss and Diabetes Control

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide have proven themselves to be incredibly beneficial for both weight loss and diabetes control. In clinical trials, patients taking semaglutide lost an average of 15-20% of their body weight. Clinical trials of tirzepatide have shown even higher efficacy, with some patients losing up to 22.5% of their body weight. 

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While semaglutide is approved for weight loss without a diagnosis of diabetes, it was originally developed as a medication to aid in diabetes management and is quite effective in doing so. Semaglutide is highly effective in lowering blood sugar levels, as evidenced by significant reductions in the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels of the patients taking this medication. Its weight loss effects also further improve insulin sensitivity. However, with its dual-action formulation, tirzepatide has demonstrated even greater results in diabetes management. Some clinical trial participants have seen up to 2% reductions in their HbA1c levels, along with a dramatic reduction in insulin resistance and improvements in overall metabolic health.  

Understanding Side Effects

When comparing tirzepatide vs semaglutide side effects, both medications share many side effects, but their differing mechanisms also yield different side effects. Patients taking either tirzepatide or semaglutide may experience side effects of nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. Both medications also  increase the risk of gallbladder issues and can lead to fatigue, headaches, and low blood sugar if used with insulin. Rare but potentially serious side effects include  pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, and hypoglycemia.

An Overview of Cost and Accessibility

When it comes to cost and accessibility, semaglutide and tirzepatide differ greatly. Semaglutide tends to be the pricier medication, ringing up at an average out-of-pocket cost of $1,300 to $1,600 per month, compared to the $1,000 to $1,300 out-of-pocket price of tirzepatide. However, since semaglutide is approved for weight loss use it may be  more widely available for patients without diabetes than tirzepatide, which is only approved for the treatment of diabetes. 

Dosage Guidelines: Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide

The dosing of semaglutide and tirzepatide are fairly similar. They are both prescribed as once-weekly injections and start at a low dose which is gradually increased over time to minimize side effects. Semaglutide dosing usually starts out at 0.25mg, then is increased over the course of a few weeks to a maintenance dose of 2.4mg. Tirzepatide dosing typically starts out at 2.5mg, then is increased to a maintenance dose of between 5 and 15mg depending on each patient’s tolerance and response.

Patient Suitability and Lifestyle Considerations

The efficacy of semaglutide and tirzepatide depends heavily on lifestyle factors. Lifestyle considerations like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress can have a major impact on how well these medications work. To maximize and maintain results, it is important to consume a nutrient-rich, low-calorie diet and to regularly engage in physical activity. As poor sleep and high stress can hinder weight loss, it is also key to prioritize good sleep hygiene and incorporate stress management techniques into your routine.

Boost Your Health Journey with Ahara

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of semaglutide or tirzepatide, Ahara is here for you. Through Ahara’s weight loss program, patients can get easy online access to doctor-prescribed weight loss medication at affordable prices. Ahara’s compounded semaglutide starts at just $195 for your first month, with the compounded tirzepatide starting at only $345. These medications have the same active ingredient as the brand name version and provide the same results. 

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To ensure sustained weight loss results, Ahara also offers regular check-ins with registered dietitians. In these check-ins, you’ll receive personalized nutrition support to aid your weight loss journey. Patients are provided with a free nutrition plan that helps them to stay on track with their goals.

Long-term Use: Benefits and Downsides

Long-term use of semaglutide and tirzepatide has proven to be effective in promoting and sustaining significant weight loss. Other health benefits of long-term use include heightened insulin sensitivity, lowered HbA1clevels, and a decreased risk of stroke or heart attack. 

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Unfortunately, long-term use of these medications does have some downsides. Stopping either medication after long periods of use can lead to weight regain, and long-term use can be incredibly expensive. While these medications are safe for use, they are quite new, so their long-term side effects are still being researched. 

Switching Between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide: What You Need to Know

It is possible to switch between semaglutide and tirzepatide, but making this switch should be done under close supervision from a medical provider. A switch in medication may be made to optimize treatment efficacy, to avoid intolerable side effects, or if other health changes arise. If you are considering making the switch from one medication to another, be sure to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. The process of switching from one medication to another will likely involve a tapering period to come off of one medication while starting the other. Regular follow-ups with your provider are of high importance and additional dosage adjustments may be needed as you start your new medication regimen.