Tirzepatide & Semaglutide: What's the difference?

Tirzepatide - similar to Mounjaro or Zepbound manufacturer names

Semaglutide - similar to Ozempic or Wegovy manufacturer names

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are both medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and more recently weight loss. They belong to the class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists and are similar in some ways, but they also have some differences.

Semaglutide

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide primarily works by activating GLP-1 receptors to increase insulin secretion, reduce glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying, and promote weight loss.

Ozempic is the manufacturer name and prescribed to help manage type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy is the manufacturere name and prescirbed to help manage weight loss.

Both contain the active ingredient Semaglutide and are the same medications, just prescribed at different doses.

When taking Semaglutide for weight loss, dosage in medication is increased gradually over 8 to 16 weeks to an amount that is effectively controlling an individuals hunger levels while allowing for a healthy and sustainable weight loss at 1 to 2 pounds per week. The common dosage that is found to be effective is 1mg to 1.7mg, while some individuals stay at even lower doses and some increase to the max dose of 2.4mg.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is unique because it combines the actions of both GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists. It stimulates both pathways to enhance insulin release and inhibit glucagon secretion, leading to improved blood sugar control.

Mounjaro is the manufacturer name and prescribed to help manage type 2 diabetes.

Zepbound is the manufacturer name and prescirbed to help manage weight loss.

Both contain the active ingredient Tirzepatide and are the same medications, just prescribed at different doses.

When taking Tirzepatide for weight loss, dosage in medication is increased gradually over 4 to 12 weeks to an amount that is effectively controlling an individuals hunger levels while allowing for a healthy and sustainable weight loss at 1 to 2 pounds per week. The common dosage that is found to be effective is 5 mg to 7.5 mg, while some individuals stay at even lower doses. Clients usually do not need to exceed the 7.5mg dose to find the medication effective, but there are several dose increases that can be taken beyond the 7.5mg dose.

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Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have shown efficacy in regulating blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss. However, Tirzepatide's dual action on GIP and GLP-1 pathways may provide unique benefits in terms of blood sugar control and weight management. Individuals taking Tirzepatide also commonly experience less side effects compared to Semaglutide.

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