Everyone is jumping on the medical weight loss train when it comes to modern-day weight loss. Commonly used drugs, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, are an essential part of a weight loss routine, primarily when diet and exercise do not provide the results you want. Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are injectable medications that help manage blood sugar levels and aid in weight management in those with obesity. More recently, these medications have been used to help individuals achieve their ideal weight goals and overall wellness. But choosing if semaglutide vs. tirzepatide is suitable for you, there are quite a few respects to consider to make the most of your medical weight loss journey.
What is Semaglutide?
The ever-popular semaglutide medication is known by its brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. The injectable medication is a synthetic version of a hormone naturally produced by the body GLP-1. Semaglutide works to target glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 hormones slow digestion so that you feel full for longer. The GLP-1 receptors are present in the brain, pancreas, and stomach so that when stimulated, the appetite reduces and digestion slows down. With a slower digestive process, you remain fuller for longer. You are also less likely to snack and overeat, contributing to overall weight loss (and diabetes management in those who use the medication). On average, in studies using Ozempic to help with weight loss, the drug caused subjects to lose 12.4% of their body weight.
When choosing between semaglutide vs. tirzepatide, the main reason for taking these medications may be weight loss, but semaglutide has additional benefits. Research shows that semaglutide can reduce many of the potential health risks that are associated with obesity, including heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. So, while losing weight on semaglutide may be the most apparent visible effect, there are plenty of other life benefits for using it, too.
What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is an injectable medication also used for weight loss with FDA approval. Known by its brand name, Mounjaro, tirzepatide helps decrease the desire to consume food while keeping the metabolism steady. In clinical studies, diabetes patients on Mounjaro for weight loss lost about 20% of their body weight.
Like semaglutide, tirzepatide is an injectable drug used for weight loss. It’s different, though, in that it mimics two hormones in the body, GLP-1 and GIP, which regulate glucose and insulin levels. Tirzepatide aids in weight loss by helping to reduce appetite and, therefore, regulates blood sugar levels by targeting the receptors that trigger the production of insulin and GLP-1. The medication helps obese patients lose weight and has the benefits of controlling blood sugar and reducing inflammation.
Injectable Medication and Their Impact on Weight Loss
Both tirzepatide and semaglutide are used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise to treat those who wish to lose weight and maintain weight loss. We recommend semaglutide over tirzepatide at CARE Esthetics when determining your weight loss strategy and goals.
- The dosing. Both medications are administered via injection, but the frequency differs between semaglutide vs. tirzepatide. With semaglutide, two doses can be given once per week, while with tirzepatide, once-weekly doses are given in various dosing options. It’s important to discuss your goals when using semaglutide with our team so that we can determine the appropriate dose for you.
- The side effects. While both medications help lower blood sugar levels, you should be aware of potential side effects when deciding between semaglutide and tirzepatide. With semaglutide, the side effects include nausea, constipation, and diarrhea, yet with tirzepatide, the side effects are more substantial. They can consist of more gastrointestinal issues like vomiting as well as an increased risk of hypoglycemia.
- The expected results. Even though some studies show that tirzepatide leads to more weight loss than semaglutide, the studies did not use comparable doses with less semaglutide medication than tirzepatide. The differing doses lead to significantly different results, so if you are not taking tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes, you may not see the same type of results. Also, in the studies, tirzepatide was tested on diabetes patients and not weight loss patients, and Ozempic on overweight patients without diabetes, which is another reason we prefer semaglutide vs. tirzepatide.
Ultimately, deciding between semaglutide and tirzepatide weighs heavily on your health status, weight loss goals, and what we feel is the best option for you. At CARE Esthetics, we take a comprehensive approach to weight loss combining medical treatments with personalized coaching to support you in achieving your weight loss and wellness goals. When weight loss medications are combined with a physician-directed diet and exercise program under the supervision of a qualified health coach, they offer scientifically proven weight loss.To get started on your weight loss journey today, schedule a consultation with our team.
