Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Which GLP-1 is Better for Weight Loss?

If you're considering GLP-1 medication for weight loss, you've probably heard of both semaglutide and tirzepatide. These are the two most popular options, but they work differently and produce different results. Here's everything you need to know to choose the right one for you.

Quick Overview

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. It mimics a natural hormone in your body that regulates blood sugar and appetite.

The medication became famous under the brand names Ozempic (FDA-approved for diabetes) and Wegovy (FDA-approved for weight loss). Both contain the same active ingredient—semaglutide—just at different dosages and with different FDA approvals.

Semaglutide works primarily by:

• Slowing gastric emptying (making you feel full longer)
• Reducing appetite and food cravings
• Improving blood sugar control
• Affecting brain centers that control hunger

What Is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a newer medication that works differently than semaglutide. It's a dual-action drug that activates both GLP-1 receptors (like semaglutide) AND GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors.

This dual mechanism makes tirzepatide more powerful than traditional GLP-1 medications. It's sold under the brand names Mounjaro (for diabetes) and Zepbound (for weight loss).

Tirzepatide works by:

• Activating GLP-1 receptors (like semaglutide)
• Also activating GIP receptors for enhanced effect
• Significantly reducing appetite
• Improving insulin sensitivity
• Promoting greater fat loss compared to single-action GLP-1s

How They Work Differently

While both medications reduce appetite and promote weight loss, the key difference is tirzepatide's dual mechanism:

Think of it like this: Semaglutide is a very effective single tool, while tirzepatide is two tools working together for potentially better results.

Weight Loss Effectiveness: The Numbers

Clinical trials show clear differences in weight loss between the two medications:

The bottom line: Tirzepatide generally produces greater weight loss than semaglutide. However, both are highly effective, and individual results vary based on diet, exercise, starting weight, and adherence.

Side Effects Comparison

Both medications have similar side effect profiles since they work on related pathways. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal:

Common Side Effects (Both)

• Nausea: Most common, especially when starting or increasing dose
• Diarrhea or constipation: Digestive changes are normal
• Vomiting: Less common, usually improves with time
• Stomach pain: Usually mild and temporary
• Decreased appetite: This is actually the intended effect
• Fatigue: Some people feel tired initially

Key Differences

Some studies suggest tirzepatide may cause slightly more nausea and gastrointestinal side effects than semaglutide, particularly at higher doses. However, many users report similar tolerability between the two.

Both medications require slow dose escalation to minimize side effects. Starting low and increasing gradually over weeks or months helps your body adjust.

Cost Comparison

Cost is a major factor for most people since insurance rarely covers GLP-1 medications for weight loss:

Cost Winner: Semaglutide is cheaper both for brand-name and compounded versions. The lowest-cost providers like CoreAge Rx offer semaglutide starting at just $99/month compared to $249+ for tirzepatide. See our complete cost breakdown for more details.

Which One Should You Choose?

The "better" medication depends on your specific situation. Here's how to decide:

Choose Semaglutide If:

• Budget is a priority: It's significantly cheaper ($99-$300/month vs $249-$450/month)
• You want proven results: Semaglutide has more long-term data and proven effectiveness
• You're risk-averse: It's been on the market longer with well-established safety profile
• Cost matters more than maximum results: 12-15% weight loss is still excellent

Choose Tirzepatide If:

• Maximum weight loss is your goal: Clinical trials show 15-22% weight loss vs 12-15% with semaglutide
• You can afford the premium: $150-$200/month more than semaglutide is manageable
• Semaglutide didn't work well for you: The dual mechanism may produce better results
• You want the newest technology: Dual GLP-1/GIP action is the latest advancement

My Recommendation

Start with semaglutide. Here's why: At providers like CoreAge Rx ($99/month) or Super Healthy Rx ($279/month), you can try semaglutide for $150-$250 less per month than tirzepatide. For most people, semaglutide produces excellent results.

If you reach a plateau with semaglutide or don't get the results you want after 6+ months, then consider switching to tirzepatide. But there's no reason to pay 2-3x more for tirzepatide right from the start when semaglutide works excellently for most people. Compare all providers to find the best option for your budget.

The Bottom Line

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are highly effective GLP-1 medications that produce significant weight loss. Tirzepatide generally produces greater weight loss (15-22% vs 12-15%), but costs significantly more. Semaglutide offers excellent results at a much lower price point, making it the better value for most people.

Start with semaglutide, see how your body responds, and consider tirzepatide only if you need even greater weight loss or semaglutide plateaus for you.