Medical Weight Loss: Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide

Are you interested in trying one of the new highly-touted weight loss medications? Learn about Semaglutide and Tirzepatide to figure out which one may be right for your health goals.

When your willpower and efforts to eat healthier alone don’t help you achieve your weight loss and health goals, medical weight loss can be an effective alternative.

M. Zafar MD, SC, serving Illinois statewide by Telehealth, offers innovative and effective medications such as Semaglutide — the active ingredient in Wegovy™ and Ozempic™ — and Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro™.

You have probably heard many success stories about these medications but may not know the difference between the two and whether one is right for you. Read on to learn more about these two popular weight loss medications.

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide: What they have in common

Both drugs were initially developed to help people with Type 2 Diabetes. They both mimic the actions of naturally occurring hormones. These hormones slow gastric emptying, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness after meals.

Both have mild side effects that may include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation and must be administered weekly through injection. Lastly, they have both shown great success as weight loss medications in clinical trials.

How are semaglutide and tirzepatide different?

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, while Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor co-agonist. Tirzepatide’s dual action enhances the glucose-lowering effects and may lead to better glycemic control and additional weight reduction.

Semaglutide has been on the market longer and is currently approved for weight loss under the name Wegovy. Mounjaro are awaiting official approval from the FDA for weight loss. Both have been shown in clinical trials to be effective weight loss medications.

Which one should I choose?

If you are trying to lose weight and have not succeeded with diet and exercise alone, then you are a candidate for medical weight loss with Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. Dr. Zafar will help you decide which medication is the better choice for your weight loss and health goals.

If you live in Iliiniois and are ready to lose unwanted pounds, conveniently book an appointment online one online.