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Tirzepatide is a medicine that helps people with diabetes and weight loss. You might know this medicine by its brand names Mounjaro or Zepbound. Doctors give this medicine as a shot once a week.
This medicine works in two ways. It’s a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist medication used for treating type 2 diabetes (brand name Mounjaro) and obesity management (brand name Zepbound).
Most people who take this medicine will have some side effects. The good news is that many side effects get better after a few weeks. Due to medications, your body needs time to get used to the new change.
Brand Names And Forms
Semaglutide comes as both shots and pills. Tirzepatide only comes as shots you take once per week.
Semaglutide Brand Names:
- Ozempic: Injection for diabetes
- Wegovy: Injection for weight loss
- Rybelsus: Pills for diabetes
Tirzepatide Brand Names:
- Mounjaro: Injection for diabetes
- Zepbound: Injection for weight loss
How These Medicines Work
Both medicines work in three main ways:
- Make more insulin: They help your body make insulin when blood sugar goes up.
- Stop liver sugar: They tell your liver to make less sugar.
- Slow stomach: They make food move more slowly through your stomach, so you feel full longer.
Weight Loss Comparison
Studies show tirzepatide helps people lose more weight than semaglutide.
In one big study with 18,386 people:
- 82% of people taking tirzepatide lost 5% or more of their weight
- 66.5% of people taking semaglutide lost 5% or more of their weight
People taking tirzepatide were:
- 2 times more likely to lose 10% of their weight
- 3 times more likely to lose 15% of their weight
Average Weight Loss Results:
- Semaglutide: 6 to 10 kg (13 to 22 pounds)
- Tirzepatide: 7 to 13 kg (15 to 29 pounds)
Diabetes Control (A1C Reduction)
Both medicines help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
- Semaglutide: Lowers A1C by 1% to 2%
- Tirzepatide: Lowers A1C by 2% to 2.5%
Tirzepatide appears to work better for controlling diabetes than semaglutide.
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide Side Effects
Both medicines have similar side effects. Most side effects happen in your stomach.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Headaches
- Feeling tired
Side Effect Rates
The side effects of the medicines are almost the same as those in the table below.
Difference Between Semaglutide And Tirzepatide In Effectiveness
This table shows how well each medicine works for different health problems. It helps you see which one might be better for what you need.
Factor | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide | Winner |
Weight Loss | 10-20% of body weight | 5-8% of body weight | Tirzepatide |
A1C Reduction | 1.69-1.75% | 1.4-2.0% | Semaglutide |
5% Weight Loss Rate | 82% of users | 66.5% of users | Tirzepatide |
Monthly Cost | $1,400-$1,500 | $1,000-$1,200 | Varies |
Side Effect Rate | Higher | Lower | Semaglutide |
Heart Protection | Not proven | Proven | Semaglutide |
Kidney Protection | Not approved | Approved | Semaglutide |
Choose Semaglutide If:
- You have heart disease
- You have kidney problems
- You want fewer side effects
- You prefer taking pills (Rybelsus option)
- You are under 18 (Wegovy only)
- You have diabetes and heart disease
Choose Tirzepatide If:
- You want maximum weight loss
- You need better diabetes control
- You have sleep apnea with obesity
- Cost is not the main concern
- You can handle more side effects
Important Safety Information
Do Not Use If:
- You or your family has had thyroid cancer
- You have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Tell Your Doctor If You Have:
- Pancreatitis history
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney disease
- Digestive problems
- Depression or mental health issues
How Fast Do They Work?
Both medicines work quickly for weight loss:
- First results: Within 2-4 weeks
- Significant weight loss: 3-6 months
- Maximum effects: 12+ months
For diabetes control, both medicines start working within days to weeks
Switching Between Medicines
It is safe to switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide with doctor guidance. Studies show switching to tirzepatide may help people lose more weight. Never switch medicines without talking to your doctor first.
Key Takeaways
Tirzepatide works better for losing weight and controlling diabetes than semaglutide, but semaglutide is better at protecting your heart and kidneys. Both medicines can make your stomach hurt, but tirzepatide might cause more tummy problems. Both medications are expensive. These medicines give you better results when combined with healthy eating, regular exercise, and ongoing medical care.
Frequently Asked Question
Can I take pills instead of shots?
Only semaglutide comes as a pill called Rybelsus. Tirzepatide only comes as a weekly shot right now.
Which one is safer for my heart?
Semaglutide has more studies showing it protects your heart. Tirzepatide is newer, so doctors know less about its long-term heart effects.
How long before I see results?
Most people start losing weight in the first month with both medicines. The biggest weight loss usually happens in the first 6 months.
Can I stop taking them once I lose weight?
No, if you stop taking either medicine, you'll likely gain the weight back. These are long-term treatments you need to keep using.
Which one should I choose?
Talk to your doctor about your health goals. Pick tirzepatide if losing weight is your main goal, or semaglutide if you have heart problems too.
