Tirzepatide and Semaglutide for weight loss: What are the differences?

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are both type 2 diabetes medications often used to manage weight. Based on current research, it's still too early to tell if tripeptide is more effective. The use of medications to lose weight is on the rise. Some doctors prescribe type 2 diabetes medications to help manage weight. This is called "off-label" use, which means that doctors are using the drug to treat a condition other than what it was approved for by the Food and Drug Administration.

Doctors prescribe Semaglutide and Tirzepatide to help with weight loss. Both medications can make the brain feel less hungry, but they have differences that should be considered with your doctor. It is not clear which medication works better.

Is Semaglutide Better than Tirzepatide?

Semaglutide, known as Ozempic Wegovy and Rybelsus, is FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes. Only Wegovy is approved by trusted sources to be used for weight management.

Semaglutide mimics GLP-1 and reduces hunger.

The GLP-1 is released by your digestive system when you eat. This causes the body to produce more insulin. It can also send signals of fullness to the brain.

Mounjaro is the brand name for Tirzepatide. It is a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic Polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptor antagonist that mimics both the GLP-1 and GIP hormones. The GIP can also trigger insulin production and feelings of fullness.

It is possible that tripeptide can help you lose weight faster. However, it is only approved to treat type 2 diabetes, so any weight loss use would be off-label.

Semaglutide is available as oral tablets or injections. Tirzepatide can only be purchased as an injection.

Both work to lose weight?

Recent studies have compared the effectiveness of semaglutide versus tirzepatide in weight loss.

Trusted Source 2023 found that semaglutide did not result in as much weight loss. Researchers concluded that despite the higher price, tirzepatide was more effective and better value. Trusted Source, a study from 2021, also concluded that tirzepatide is more effective.

These Studies Are Not Without Their Limitations.

The doses of tirzepatide and semaglutide administered to the participants were not identical. It is possible that the higher dose of tirzepatide affected results. If the semaglutide dose had been similar, it's possible weight loss would have been greater.

These studies also only examined the effects of weight loss in people with diabetes type 2, so it is possible that those without diabetes may not have experienced the same results. FDA approval of Tirzepatide only applies to people with type 2 diabetics. Trusted Source suggests that semaglutide could be a weight-loss treatment for those without diabetes.

Each medication has its own side effects

Both tirzepatide (semaglutide) and its side effects are similar. This is likely due to the fact that they both work in a similar way.

The following are some of the more common side effects that tirzepatide or semaglutide may cause.

  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Vomiting, nausea and upset stomach
  • Headaches
  • Abdominal pain
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  • Low blood sugar ( Hypoglycemia).

The following are more severe side effects that may occur with tirzepatide or semaglutide:

  • Vision changes
  • pancreatitis
  • Kidney Failure
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Allergies

These medications carry boxed warnings about the possibility of thyroid cancer. The FDA's most serious warning is a boxed one.

Tirzepatide warning

The side effects of the drug in people who do not have type 2 diabetes are still unclear. According to current research, there may be other limitations and side-effects that are unknown. This is because these medications are relatively new for weight loss.

You can get the best advice from your doctor or healthcare team about these medications, and any symptoms that you might be experiencing if you use Mounjaro.

Takeaway

Doctors often prescribe semaglutide and tirzepatide to patients with type 2 diabetes for weight loss. Current research may indicate that tirzepatide is more effective due to its mechanism of action, but it's not conclusive. It is too early to say which drug will be more effective, especially for those without diabetes.

Numerous studies have shown that tirzepatide helps people with type 2 diabetics lose weight more effectively. However, the research is not clear. You can get the best advice from your doctor on what weight loss methods and medications are best for you.