Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide for Weight Loss in Adults With Overweight or Obesity

So, if you weighed 100 kg, that would be a 25 kg weight loss. However, semaglutide has been developed to last longer in the blood and provide a sustained effect of lowering hunger, helping people eat less and lose weight. This means there’s currently more flexibility with the dosing schedules of tirzepatide over semaglutide. A Deep Dive Into Semaglutide Vs Metformin Vs Tirzepatide Weight Loss Battle What works best in studies might not be what works best for you, so talk to your healthcare provider about your options. "Tirzepatide is unique because it activates both GLP-1 and GIP hormone pathways at the same time," explains Eapen, MD. "In contrast, most other GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic, target one pathway." As obesity continues to be a global health challenge, such advancements provide hope for better therapeutic strategies. The following table highlights the key similarities and differences between semaglutide and tirzepatide. However, further studies are warranted to explore other clinical outcomes and long-term effects.

Quick Comparison Table

Hypoglycemia is a risk if you’re on other diabetes treatments, so monitor glucose levels more frequently during the transition. Starting tirzepatide at a low dose after stopping semaglutide helps prevent gastrointestinal issues. Converting doses between these medications isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula because they have different potencies and titration schedules. Moreover, the financial implications of this groundbreaking medication cannot be ignored; despite its promising attributes, it may remain an inaccessible option for patients who cannot afford such treatments. Numerous weight loss medications have gained traction, quickly becoming a household name. Both medicines have a high potential for weight loss, and tirzepatide may provide more significant success in some studies. Both the drugs, tirzepatide and semaglutide, for weight loss, must be consumed under the medical observation of a weight loss expert as a part of their well-designed program. Finally, after immunohistochemical analysis, retatrutide exhibited lower expression levels of inflammatory and fibrotic mediators compared to tirzepatide and liraglutide, highlighting its potential in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease. Practical studies indicate that the discontinuation rates of GLP-1RAs can reach between 20% and 50% within the first year, and patients often use significantly lower dosages compared to those tested in clinical trials . After its discovery in 1921, its contribution to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus opened a new age in antidiabetic medications and in the study of metabolic diseases. This breathing disorder significantly increases the risk of heart failure by 140%, stroke by 60%, and coronary heart disease by 30%. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in people with obesity. However, they may also come with a higher price tag and potentially more intense side effects. If issues arise, your doctor might pause the increase or add supportive treatments like anti-nausea meds. Regular follow-ups, perhaps every two weeks initially, ensure the dose is working without complications. Once tirzepatide begins, follow the prescribed titration schedule, increasing every four weeks as tolerated. The first step in switching is a thorough consultation with your doctor to review your medical history and current dose. Always discuss benefits versus risks with your provider before making a change.
  • Our healthcare provider can determine which medication is the right fit for you based on your unique needs.
  • The semaglutide 1 mg arm of STEP 2 was excluded from the heterogeneity assessment and ITC as this dose is not licensed for weight management.
  • Discuss factors such as their individual health conditions, weight loss goals, and consultations with professionals at Weight Loss Clinic LA.
  • Because Tirzepatide activates two hormone pathways, it has been engineered to amplify appetite-suppressing and metabolic effects more potently than GLP-1 agonists alone.
  • Greenway writes that the trial "provides helpful guidance to physicians treating patients with obesity and points out differential mechanisms of weight loss between men and women."
  • To compare the two drugs within equivalent subjects, we focused on the STEP 2, SURPASS-1, and SURPASS-2 trials.
The results showed a greater weight reduction in the SURMOUNT-1 trial (without diabetes) compared to studies that included individuals with diabetes(Table S7). To further investigate the impact of T2D on weight loss, a subgroup analysis was conducted by separating studies enrolling diabetic patients from SURMOUNT-1 (non-diabetic patients). Subgroup analysis based on treatment duration was performed for both percentage (%) and absolute (kg) changes in BW across the three tirzepatide doses compared to placebo (Table S6). Research has shown that individuals with both obesity and T2D tend to experience a smaller reduction in weight in response to anti-obesity drugs compared to those without diabetes 23, 24. However, adherence and effectiveness of tirzepatide was found to be significantly higher. “Findings in this study are broadly consistent with existing evidence from RCTs. The study was conducted between May 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Contact us today to explore your options and take the first step toward a healthier future.
  • Both semaglutide and tirzepatide share similar digestive side effects because they affect appetite and digestion in related ways.
  • It works best when combined with a diabetes-friendly diet and regular exercise.
  • After adjusting for residual confounding, the difference in weight loss between those receiving tirzepatide vs semaglutide was −2.0% (95% CI, −2.1% to −1.8%) at 3 months, −3.2% (95% CI, −3.5% to −3.0%) at 6 months, and −5.1% (95% CI, −5.8% to −4.3%) at 12 months.
  • Ready to take control of your health?
  • Check your insurance, savings programs, and long-term costs — Ozempic often has broader diabetes coverage, while tirzepatide coverage for weight loss is still limited.
If you have questions or concerns about your medications, please do not hesitate to contact us and/or your medical practitioner, including your pharmacist. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Tirzepatide may have a slightly higher incidence of gastrointestinal side effects than Semaglutide, particularly at higher doses. Semaglutide is generally well-tolerated, but like any medication, it can cause side effects. Work with our expert lifestyle coaches to develop healthy habits and build a sustainable foundation for long-term success. Regulatory agencies will demand comprehensive efficacy and safety data before considering label expansions for these agents in T1D. Despite the promising results, further research is needed before GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists can be integrated into standard T1D treatment. With growing interest in adjunctive therapies, pharmaceutical companies may pursue formal clinical trials to secure regulatory approval for these agents in T1D.
  • These symptoms are most common during the early stages of treatment as your body adjusts.
  • Tirzepatide’s dual action intensifies GI side effects.
  • That means you’ll need to draw up your specific dose with a syringe prior to injecting it.
  • To improve outcome observability, we limited our analysis to patients with regular interactions with the health care system during the year prior to their index date, defined as at least 1 encounter, observation, or medication request in each consecutive 6-month period preceding the index date.
  • I was back in my old body where nothing worked again.
  • Tirzepatide leads to significantly greater loss of weight and waist circumference compared with semaglutide among adults with obesity but without diabetes, according to new results from the SURMOUNT-5 phase 3b trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
  • The mean (SD) baseline weight was 110 (25.8) kg.
  • But as of February 2025, the FDA declared that the semaglutide shortage was resolved.
The most common adverse effects were also gastrointestinal and dose-related and were partially mitigated with a lower starting dose (2 mg vs. 4 mg). At 48 weeks, a weight reduction of ≥5%, ≥10%, and ≥15% had occurred in 100%, 93%, and 83% of those who received 12 mg of retatrutide and 27%, 9%, and 2% of those who received placebo. In summary, 72 of the participants received at least 1 dose of the drug, while 43 completed the study. Gastric emptying was assessed 2 days pre-treatment and 24 h after the dose at day 2, day 30, and day 79. These findings strongly indicate that all three drugs are effective in reducing food intake and promoting weight loss, with retatrutide demonstrating the most significant impact. If you want faster and larger weight loss, tirzepatide may be the stronger option. They were originally developed for diabetes but are now widely used for medical weight loss. What are the side effects of these weight loss injections? How fast can I lose weight with tirzepatide or semaglutide? A JAMA 2024 study also found tirzepatide users were 2.5 times more likely to lose at least 10% of their weight. The inclusion of both RCTs and observational studies may have contributed to methodological heterogeneity. The follow-up duration of included studies ranged from six to 12 months. Among all included studies, five were observational and two were RCTs. It’s commonly prescribed under brand names like Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight management. Switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide requires careful planning to maintain effectiveness and safety. However, it is essential to emphasize that additional phase 3 clinical trials are crucial to further evaluate the drug’s safety and long-term effects. Learn which works faster, how they differ, what clinical trials show, and which may be right for you. Unlock access to expert guidance and a weight care plan crafted just for you. But the “best” medication always depends on medical history, side-effect tolerance, and your provider’s guidance. This offer is only available to patients trying the WAYT-less™ Program for the first time.

What lifestyle changes should be made while using these medications?

Schedule a Medical Weight Loss Consultation for Expert Advice & Tailored Treatment Plan On average it leads to greater total weight loss, but individual responses vary. Is tirzepatide stronger than semaglutide? Large trials also show improvements in waist circumference, liver health, blood pressure, and even certain measures of appetite regulation and food reward. Tirzepatide can sometimes cause slightly stronger early side effects because of its dual action, but this depends heavily on individual tolerance and dose titration.
  • The STEP clinical trials, for instance, demonstrated that participants using semaglutide could achieve an average weight loss of 14.9% over 68 weeks, significantly more than those who received a placebo 5.
  • CI, confidence interval; OR, odds ratio.The results and direction of all sensitivity analyses were consistent with primary analysis results, with one exception.
  • While initially developed for blood sugar control, many patients experience significant weight loss as a beneficial side effect.
  • This network meta-analysis assessed the comparative efficacy and tolerability of various doses of tirzepatide and semaglutide in non-diabetic adults with obesity.
  • The SUSTAIN FORTE metformin‐only population comprised 222 and 227 participants for semaglutide 1 and 2 mg, respectively.
  • Lines connecting two nodes represent direct comparisons between two treatments.
  • Addi­tionally, clinical trials typically report higher medication adherence rates than real-world settings.
Compared with basal insulin and placebo, more frequent gastrointestinal adverse events occurred, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and constipation in all tirzepatide groups. However, no significant statistics were found between tirzepatide and GLP-1 RAs (5mg and 10 mg) or between tirzepatide (10mg and 15 mg) and basal insulin. The sensitivity analysis removing SURPASS J-mono trial showed that statistical heterogeneity decreased from 95% to 0%, 97% to 90%, and 98% to 90%, respectively. The sensitivity analysis excluding the SURMOUNT-1 trial showed that statistical heterogeneity decreased from 94% to 43%, 97% to 35%, and 96% to 78%, respectively. Five RCTs described the detailed randomization methods, allocation concealment, blinding of participants and personnel, incomplete outcome data, and other biases. Take the first step toward your weight-loss goal with personalized GLP-1 injections. Learn more about the relationship between compounded versions and brand-name options in our article on compounded semaglutide vs Ozempic. These combined effects result in better blood sugar control and reduced appetite. Ozempic works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which your body naturally produces in response to food. In this guide, we’ll compare how they work (GLP-1+GIP vs GLP-1), what to expect for results and side effects, and the practicals of dosing, cost, and coverage.

Summary of the study

While semaglutide has been on the market longer, improving its affordability, tirzepatide offers unmatched results that may justify its price point. It’s essential to discuss your medical history with a healthcare provider to determine which medication is safer for you. Such evidence will be essential for refining clinical guidelines and optimizing pharmacologic strategies in the treatment of obesity. How do the different categories of weight loss medications compare in terms of cost?
Semaglutide Is Not the Best GLP-1 Drug You Can Take for Losing Weight Fast
These results were significantly better than those observed with semaglutide, where the weight loss at 12 months was 7.2% 14. Furthermore, tirzepatide users were over two times more likely to experience 10% weight loss and three times more likely to reach 15% weight loss within a year 12. This multifaceted approach not only helps in managing type 2 diabetes but also supports significant weight loss by reducing caloric intake and modifying eating behaviors 87. In a notable phase 3 trial, participants experienced an average weight reduction of 20.9% over 72 weeks when administered the maximum tolerated dose. Side Effects & Tolerability Join us at DrNewMed and let’s redefine your weight loss journey together. At DrNewMed, we recognize that your weight loss journey is unique, and our Medical Weight Loss Programs featuring Semaglutide and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are designed to support your individual goals. Known for promoting substantial and sustainable weight loss, Tirzepatide is perfect for those wanting faster results. Furthermore, another study showed that tirzepatide did not increase the risk of major cardiovascular events in participants with T2DM versus controls . Tirzepatide can lower the hemoglobin A1C level more than other medications to which it was compared 16, 17. GLP-1RAs are now considered the choice of injectable therapy for many people with T2DM and obesity, with several members of the class having weight loss efficacy 11–13.
Figure 4. Forest plot comparing the number of subjects with at least 10% weight loss.
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide Dosage Chart In-Depth Comparison In the MA of Cai et al, , 10 out of 12 RCTs compared tirzepatide with the placebo or other medications. Compared to the current study, the MA of Dutta et al included two head-to-head trials of tirzepatide vs. semaglutide. The mechanism underpinning tirzepatide-induced weight loss may involve concurrent activation of GLP-1R/GIPR and the synergistic effects of the two GLP-1 and GIP at central nervous system (CNS) level . In contrast, Semaglutide primarily utilizes the GLP-1 pathway, which, while effective, may not harness the total potential available for weight management. Fortunately, many users find that these symptoms can be managed with proper dosage and guidance from healthcare professionals. However, it’s essential to remain vigilant about potential side effects, which may include nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. Individual factors like starting weight influence outcomes. For diabetes, both achieve targets in over 80% of users. For oral semaglutide, take on an empty stomach with water, no food for 30 minutes after. Finally, the TRIUMPH-4 study will assess the subset of obese or overweight participants with concomitant knee osteoarthritis, after being treated with retatrutide. The promising results of the above trials led to the design of the first phase III trials for retatrutide—the TRIUMPH trials, where the efficacy and safety of retatrutide in participants who are obese or overweight will be evaluated. 98 patients having ≥10% liver fat content (as defined by magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction) were randomly assigned to 48 weeks of once-weekly subcutaneous retatrutide (1, 4, 8, or 12 mg dose) or placebo. A further 27 studies were excluded during the full-text review. Following title and abstract screening, 204 duplicate records and 470 studies were identified and removed. Forest plots displayed the results of the meta-analysis, while funnel plots were used to assess potential publication bias. Regardless of the I² value, all analyses were conducted using a random-effects model. The Higgins I² index was used to assess potential statistical heterogeneity between trials, with a threshold of I² ≥ 50% indicating substantial heterogeneity.
  • However, further studies are warranted to explore other clinical outcomes and long-term effects.
  • This reduction in weight often supports better management of PCOS symptoms.
  • Instead, they should be used to help you kickstart your weight-loss journey whilst you focus on building new, healthy habits.
  • The rates of nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting were similar, indicating a comparable tolerance level among patients 15.
  • Baseline body weight‐related characteristics were slightly higher in the SUSTAIN FORTE full population versus the SURPASS‐2 refined population or full population.
  • This phenomenon raises important questions about the quality and composition of weight loss, as retaining lean body mass is essential for maintaining overall strength, mobility, and metabolic health.
  • But it’s especially important to be aware of them with compounded semaglutide.
  • Tirzepatide for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and obesity.
Brand name medication pricing is based on insurance coverage. Your provider will collaborate with you to create a personalized health plan. Please be sure to complete this at your earliest convenience to avoid any delays in your treatment plan. Study quality was estimated by Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) and Cochrane risk of bias (RoB) version 2 tool, and publication bias was estimated through forest plots and the Egger's test. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated with Cochran's Q and I2 tests. After deduplication, title/abstract and full text screening was conducted, and studies were assessed based on the eligibility criteria. This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions. The intervention duration ranged from 24 to 28 weeks in five trials and from 30 to 56 weeks in 21 trials. Most trials were multinational, except for five that recruited exclusively Japanese participants 39,40,41, 48, 49. All trials had a parallel-group design and 15 were open-label (Table 1). The search retrieved 2798 records, of which 28 RCTs 6, 7, 26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,51 with 23,622 participants were included in the systematic review and network meta-analysis (ESM Fig. 1). Tirzepatide works by imitating two natural hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, that your body produces after eating. Tirzepatide is a newer medication that targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) that your body naturally produces after eating. Obesity rates are climbing worldwide, prompting a search for effective treatments. Your daily dose of the clinical news you may have missed. The dosage for both medications is carefully titrated based on the individual’s response to treatment, with the ultimate goal of achieving optimal glycemic control and clinically meaningful weight loss. The providers at BE-Lite Medical Center are experts with years/decades of experience using medications, such as wegovy or semaglutide, to help patients lose weight. The main finding was that tirzepatide led to significantly more weight loss than semaglutide over 72 weeks of treatment. You need to know exactly how the dual-action science works, which compound’s data better matches your personal goals, and how a tailored protocol gets you back to walking with your neighbor or enjoying stress-free weekend BBQs. Future study is needed to understand differences in other important outcomes. The analysis was completed on April 3, 2024. However, Wadden et al. suggest that an initial lifestyle intervention period followed by medication addition can maximise weight reduction . GLP‐1 RA's effects extend beyond T2DM and obesity and into reducing the risk of systemic conditions as well . Notably, weight loss of 5%–10% has been shown to improve glycaemic control and decrease the incidence of diabetes by over 50% . Furthermore, the doses of semaglutide used are lower than the approved doses for T2DM or obesity, which may not reflect the results seen at higher doses. In addition to EHR data for care delivered within Truveta constituent health care systems, medication dispensing and social drivers of health (SDOH) information are made available through linked third-party data. Patients were followed up for weight loss and gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs) until the first of discontinuation of therapy, GLP-1 RA switching, administrative censoring, or study end (November 3, 2023). Only adult patients with regular interactions with the health care system and an available baseline weight were included (see Study Population below). On-treatment weight change in a propensity score–matched population, assessed as hazard of achieving 5% or greater, 10% or greater, and 15% or greater weight loss, and percentage change in weight at 3, 6, and 12 months. Start your Fridays weight loss journey with confidence, knowing that any compounded GLP-1 medication prescribed comes exclusively from highly regulated pharmacies.

Sudden Weight Gain in Perimenopause: Balance Hormones For Weight Loss.

Buying semaglutide online can increase the risk of receiving a counterfeit product. Some websites may claim that adding vitamin B12 helps boost your metabolism for added weight loss. Many of these risks are possible with any medication. Crucially, it is not interchangeable with semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) or liraglutide (Saxenda®)—despite shared GLP-1 activity. This guide cuts through marketing claims and regulatory gray zones to help you evaluate tirzepatide sources with clinical rigor—not hope. Unlike FDA-approved products, compounded tirzepatide is not evaluated for purity, potency, sterility, or stability. But outside the prescription channel, a growing number of compounding pharmacies and online vendors offer “tirzepatide peptide injections”—often at lower prices and without medical oversight. Tirzepatide is not just another weight management drug—it’s the first FDA-approved dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
  • For semaglutide, GI adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have been reported, with incidence rates varying across studies.
  • Whether you’re considering weight loss medications or simply seeking inspiration for your own journey, my experience might just be the insight you need to take that crucial next step.
  • Adults with overweight or obesity and regular care in the year before initiation, no prior glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist use, a prescription within 60 days prior to initiation, and an available baseline weight were identified.
  • While the study characteristics of SURMOUNT‐2 and STEP 2 were generally very similar, there may be differences in the reporting of AEs, which may impact the interpretations of the safety analysis results.
  • These changes contribute to lower calorie intake and gradual, consistent weight loss over time.
  • Results demonstrated that tirzepatide was significantly superior to semaglutide in achieving weight reduction.
  • The mechanism underpinning tirzepatide-induced weight loss may involve concurrent activation of GLP-1R/GIPR and the synergistic effects of the two GLP-1 and GIP at central nervous system (CNS) level .
“It also typically has a higher rate of negative gastrointestinal side effects.” Milligrams per tirzepatide dosages, for example, are significantly higher. “In my practice, I’ve also seen fewer gastrointestinal side effects with Tirzepatide. Although individual responses vary, the overall pattern across multiple trials shows that tirzepatide generally works faster for most people. While semaglutide has been the gold standard for several years, tirzepatide represents a new advancement in GLP based therapies. Yes — but women often experience greater weight loss on Tirzepatide. Insurance may force switching between medications due to formulary contracts. Both medications use “start low, go slow” titration. Compared to the placebo, all three tirzepatide doses resulted in a reduction in DBP. As shown in Figure S6 and Table S3, all tirzepatide doses significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) compared to placebo. 4b and Table S3, the administration of subcutaneous tirzepatide was also linked to a notable decrease in WC compared to placebo for all three doses, which revealed an MD for 5 mg (−6.8 cm, 95%CI −9.3, −4.3, p
  • Tirzepatide is a once‐weekly injectable glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP‐1 RA; representing a new class of OMM indicated for obesity management and T2D treatment in several regions globally.23, 24, 25, 26
  • Semaglutide, in Wegovy for weight management, focuses on GLP-1 alone.
  • Those sensitive to GI effects might prefer its single mechanism.
  • For trials with multiple publications, we used the most complete or longest follow-up report available.
  • Studies of tirzepatide in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in morbidity/mortality in obesity (MMO) are ongoing.
  • Side effects and costs also play into the decision, making personal factors key.
Many users appreciate the rapid onset of its effects, reporting that they feel satisfied sooner during meals, leading to less overall calorie intake. Tirzepatide, often referred to by its brand name Zepbound, is a newer contender in the weight-loss arena. Common reactions may include nausea, headaches, and digestive issues, which can often diminish over time as your body adjusts. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the weight loss efficacy of tirzepatide versus semaglutide in overweight and obese adults through direct comparative studies. In this study, we included 10 RCT (12 reports) and compared the weight loss effects of tirzepatide with placebo, insulin, and GLP-1 RAs. Over all, meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in body weight in the tirzepatide group versus the placebo group by -9.81 kg (95% CI (-12.09, -7.52). Authorship; year of publication; randomization; intervention; and patient number; study design; study duration; study site; study population; therapy duration; body weight; and risk of AEs were extracted from all included studies.
H2: What Happens When They Mix: Alcohol, Other Drugs & Social Situations
Tirzepatide, on the other hand, operates through a dual mechanism that may enhance weight loss even further. This reduction in weight often supports better management of PCOS symptoms. Semaglutide not only improves insulin sensitivity, as previously discussed, but it’s also linked to noticeable weight loss. While results vary from person to person, current evidence suggests that Tirzepatide may lead to greater reductions in weight. Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have shown promise in aiding weight loss for individuals with PCOS. A major study showed that after 72 weeks, patients on tirzepatide lost 20.9% of their body weight compared to 14.9% with semaglutide. Tirzepatide and semaglutide confer greater weight loss than other FDA-approved obesity medications with no significantly higher risk for adverse events, according to findings from a network meta-analysis published in Obesity. Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity (STEP) phase III trials found a substantial weight reduction with semaglutide 2.4 mg given once weekly in both diabetic and non-diabetic obese patients.11-14 The SURPASS trials validated the weight-losing effect of weekly tirzepatide up to a 15-mg dose only in T2DM patients;15-18 a phase III tirzepatide study restricted to non-diabetic participants, SURMOUNT-1, is still ongoing. While several systematic review (SR) and MA have compared the efficacy of tirzepatide or semaglutide in reducing body weight, the included trials mostly compared either of these drugs with placebo or any other medication 22-24, 28, 29. While tirzepatide produces greater weight loss than semaglutide in patients with T2D,11 data from head-to-head trials comparing these therapies in patients with overweight or obesity are not yet available. In addition, all the included studies were RCT, and some studies have a high bias risk for research because they did not have detailed randomization methods and allocation concealment or open-label. In this study, the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite, and the incidence of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation were similar when comparing tirzepatide with GLP-1 RAs. When compared with placebo, the incidence of injection site reactions was lower in tirzepatide (5 mg and 10 mg), but no significant difference in tirzepatide (15 mg). After consuming tirzepatide, most of the patients experienced diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, injection site reactions, and nasopharyngitis. In this study, there was no significant difference in the incidence of serious adverse events between tirzepatide and placebo, and basal insulin, but significant difference to GLP-1 RAs.
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Both SURMOUNT‐2 and STEP 2 were considered to have comparable study designs as they were both double‐blind, parallel‐group, randomised, placebo‐controlled, phase 3, multinational trials, with similar inclusion criteria for participants with both T2D and either obesity or overweight. Both doses of tirzepatide had a generally similar safety profile compared to semaglutide. We used data from two large clinical trials, SURMOUNT‐2 and STEP 2, which tested tirzepatide and semaglutide, respectively, against a placebo, all adjunct to diet and exercise. Excess weight and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are strongly connected, where most patients with T2D have obesity or overweight. They switch off hunger signaling by regulating areas responsible for fullness, cravings, and hunger, helping you lose weight. These reactions lead to a reduction in food consumption by helping lower blood sugar levels and promoting feelings of fullness after meals. Access is provided after a proposal has been approved by an independent review committee identified for this purpose and after a receipt of a signed data‐sharing agreement. No expiration date for data requests is currently set once data are made available. Durations (overweight/obesity and T2D) refer to time (years) since first evidence in electronic health record. Finally, analyses were replicated excluding patients with missing weight values (complete case analysis). This analysis included all available follow-up weights regardless of whether the patient was receiving treatment. For at-risk patients without a weight value in this window, multiple imputation was used to impute weight change using information on all measured covariates and outcomes from the full at-risk population. Percentage change in body weight was calculated as (follow-up weight − baseline weight)/baseline weight. Zepbound contains tirzepatide, while Wegovy contains semaglutide. If your prescribed dose isn’t working well enough for you, talk to your healthcare team. Since Zepbound and Wegovy work in similar ways, this combination could increase the risk of side effects. This gives your body time to adjust to Zepbound and find the right dose for you. But each medication’s dosage schedule looks a bit different. Age can also affect which medication is prescribed. But each medication also has additional uses. However, Wegovy’s manufacturer is seeking approval of a 7.2 mg injection dose, which is 3 times higher than the current highest available dose. But the FDA has approved the same drug as an overweight and obesity treatment under the name Wegovy. While semaglutide is quite effective for weight loss, not everyone is a suitable candidate for it. Ozempic and similar drugs have several functions that make them helpful for managing diabetes and weight loss. Misaligned combinations can blunt tirzepatide’s efficacy, worsen GI side effects, or introduce avoidable risks. Fortunately, 20 additional trials 17, 44, 45 aiming to investigate the efficacy of tirzepatide in the clinical setting of T2DM or obesity are ongoing. However, in patients without diabetes, the primary treatment objective is weight management. However, no prior studies have evaluated its economic value for obesity treatment in nondiabetic populations after the approval of tirzepatide. These findings provide valuable insights for health care decision-makers in selecting antiobesity medications. The study population were adults with obesity or overweight with at least 1 weight-related comorbidity but without diabetes. Studies indicate tirzepatide at mg often results in greater loss, around 20-25% of body weight. Finally, this study included medications labeled for T2D only. We observed no significant differences in the risk of any gastrointestinal AEs between those receiving tirzepatide vs semaglutide (eTable 4 in Supplement 2). Negative differences indicate greater weight loss with tirzepatide. Hazard ratios greater than 1 indicate higher likelihood of reaching weight loss threshold with tirzepatide.

Tirzepatide vs. semaglutide: clinical decision-making in the GLP-1 landscape

As the first research assessing the effects of tirzepatide versus insulin degludec on liver fat content (LFC), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT) through MRI techniques, the SURPASS-3 MRI trial revealed promising results. Based on the findings of the SURMOUNT program, we believe that tirzepatide represents a unique, successful, and effective pharmacological strategy with promising results for individuals suffering from obesity. Following diet and exercise interventions, patients typically regain nearly 33% of the weight they initially lost within the first year . Long-term weight loss maintenance is the ultimate goal of weight management. This unique mechanism is believed to contribute to weight loss exceeding that achieved with selective GLP-1RAs 28, 29. This can make you feel full for longer and eat less, which may help you lose weight. These pills are supposed to be taken along with healthy diets and regular workouts for the best outcomes. Some work on hormones in your body that regulate hunger and sugar. Adherence to medication is crucial for achieving desired weight loss outcomes. Not all patients have insurance that covers these medications, and for those who do, the copay amount varies depending on the insurance plan’s prescription drug coverage 11. However, serious adverse events were slightly higher in the tirzepatide group, reported at 5 to 7%, compared to 3% for those receiving semaglutide 15. This indicates not only a faster onset of weight reduction with tirzepatide but also a sustained effectiveness over time.