The Complete GLP-1 Comparison Guide
Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are FDA-approved medications for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management. They represent cutting-edge treatments in metabolic health, but they work through different mechanisms and deliver different results.
Brand names: Wegovy (weight loss), Ozempic (diabetes)
Mechanism: Single GLP-1 receptor agonist
Average weight loss: 13.7% (72 weeks)
Dosing: Once weekly injection
Status: Established, widely available
Brand names: Zepbound (weight loss), Mounjaro (diabetes)
Mechanism: Dual GLP-1 + GIP receptor agonist
Average weight loss: 20.2% (72 weeks)
Dosing: Once weekly injection
Status: Newer, increasingly available
Semaglutide works by activating GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors. This hormone naturally regulates your appetite and blood sugar. By mimicking this hormone, Semaglutide:
Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist—it activates two hormone pathways simultaneously:
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide have transformed weight loss treatment, but cost remains a major barrier for many patients. Affordable GLP-1 weight loss programs starting at $189/month now make these medications accessible beyond traditional retail pharmacy prices.
| Factor | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
|---|---|---|
| Receptor Type | GLP-1 only | GLP-1 + GIP (dual) |
| Brand Names | Wegovy, Ozempic | Zepbound, Mounjaro |
| Dosing | 0.25–2.4mg weekly | 5–15mg weekly |
| Average Weight Loss (72 wks) | 13.7% | 20.2% |
| ≥15% Weight Loss Achievement | 53.8% of patients | 73.2% of patients |
| ≥25% Weight Loss Achievement | 16.1% of patients | 31.6% of patients |
| Market Maturity | Established (longer track record) | Newer (emerging data) |
| Insurance Coverage | Generally better established | Improving, varies by plan |
Tirzepatide demonstrates significantly greater weight loss outcomes than Semaglutide, based on the SURMOUNT-5 trial and other clinical studies:
| Outcome Measure | Tirzepatide (15mg) | Semaglutide (2.4mg) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Weight Loss | 20.2% | 13.7% | +47% with Tirzepatide |
| ≥10% Loss | 84.3% | 74.8% | +9.5 percentage points |
| ≥15% Loss | 73.2% | 53.8% | +19.4 percentage points |
| ≥20% Loss | 52.8% | 30.1% | +22.7 percentage points |
| ≥25% Loss | 31.6% | 16.1% | +15.5 percentage points |
| Patient Adherence | 80% | 70% | +10 percentage points |
Both medications cause similar gastrointestinal side effects, though Tirzepatide users report fewer overall.
| Side Effect | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 22% | 25% | Most common in first 4-8 weeks |
| Vomiting | 12% | 14% | More during dose escalation |
| Diarrhea | 16% | 14% | Usually intermittent |
| Constipation | 15% | 12% | Often with reduced food intake |
| Fatigue | 10% | 8% | May relate to caloric deficit |
| Headache | 7% | 8% | Usually transient |
Beyond medication selection, research shows that choosing accessible GLP-1 programs with ongoing support dramatically improves treatment persistence. Programs offering coaching, side-effect management, and reasonable pricing help patients stick with therapy long enough to see results.
Retail cost: $800–1,500/month
Insurance coverage: Generally better established
Pros: Longer market history, more coverage options
Cons: Still expensive out-of-pocket
Retail cost: $1,000–1,700/month
Insurance coverage: Improving but still varies
Pros: Better efficacy for cost
Cons: Newer, less established coverage
Explore transparent pricing and features from the top affordable GLP‑1 programs to find your ideal fit. Most include a free consultation with licensed providers before you start.
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