Managing your weight is an important part of staying healthy.
Obesity is linked to numerous chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. If you can manage your weight, you can improve the quality and length of your life.
Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide: Innovative Solutions
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are two groundbreaking medications on the market that have helped thousands of people lose weight. Which one you choose depends on your goal, lifestyle, and health conditions.
Though they are both approved for weight loss, they have different mechanisms of action.
Semaglutide was originally developed for type 2 diabetics to help manage their condition, while Tirzepatide–a newer drug–combines the effects of two hormones to stimulate weight reduction.
Here at Treasure Valley Aesthetics & Wellness in Boise, ID, we love keeping our patients up to date with the latest in aesthetic and wellness news.
This article will compare both weight loss medications, and discuss their effectiveness, side effects, and risks. We’ll even take a look at their compounded forms.
If you’ve been considering Semaglutide or Tirzepatide for weight management, then this article is perfect for you!
Understanding Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide
Let’s take a deeper look at the science behind both medications, to help you understand the key differences and similarities between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.
Your Guide to Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the action of the hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and food intake.
By enhancing the release of insulin, it helps control blood sugar levels and makes you feel fuller while eating less–ultimately resulting in weight loss.
The FDA originally approved it for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it has recently gained approval for chronic weight management in obese adults, or anyone who is overweight with at least one weight-related condition, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
Semaglutide is usually administered once weekly via an injection. Your provider will typically start you at a lower dose and gradually increase you until you find the dose that allows you to maintain your weight loss while minimizing your side effects.
Your Guide to Tirzepatide
Unlike Semaglutide, Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, activating glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptors.
By having two mechanisms of action, insulin secretion is increased and glucagon release is inhibited. Because of this, digestion takes longer making you feel “fuller” for longer.
Additionally, your blood sugar will be better controlled, decreasing your appetite and ultimately leading to weight loss.
Tirzepatide is newer than Semaglutide, yet is showing impressive results in clinical trials for both diabetes management and weight loss.
It is currently under review by the FDA for use in weight management.
Just like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide is administered once weekly via injection. Dosage usually starts low and increases gradually over time until you and your provider find the dose that achieves the best results for you with the least amount of side effects.
Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide: Effectiveness in Weight Loss
Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are being extensively studied for their effectiveness in weight loss in people who need medical intervention to get to a healthy weight.
Semaglutide Clinical Trials
Semaglutide has been extensively studied in several major clinical trials, such as the STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity) trials.
The result? Most participants lost significant amounts of weight, with many achieving over 10% body weight reduction. The trials also highlighted improvements in metabolic rate and overall health for participants.
Tirzepatide Clinical Trials
Tirzepatide has shown remarkable results in clinical trials, including the SURPASS (Study of Tirzepatide in Participants with Type 2 Diabetes) trials.
Participants treated with Tirzepatide experienced substantial weight loss, often exceeding the results seen with Semaglutide. These studies also reported significant improvements in glycemic control.
Here’s a recap of everything we’ve covered so far.
Semaglutide Facts
For Weight Management- Average weight loss of around 10-15% of initial body weight.
- See results within six months to a year.
- FDA-approved for use in weight loss treatment.
Tirzepatide Facts
For Weight Management- Average weight loss ranges from 15-20% of initial body weight.
- See results within six months to a year.
- Still awaiting FDA approval for use in weight loss but has promising trials.
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide Side Effects
Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have well-documented side effects, though they can present differently for each person. Regardless of which medication you choose, you can generally expect:
- Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
- Nausea and vomiting, especially when just starting the medication.
- Reactions at the injection site, as well as headaches and fatigue.
These symptoms are often mild to moderate in their severity and diminish over time as your body adjusts to the medication.
As Dr. Brenna Butler, our Medical Director here at Treasure Valley Aesthetics says, patience is key! Stay committed to your weight loss journey, and the side effects will eventually dissipate.
How long do Semaglutide side effects last?
If your provider recommends Semaglutide instead of Tirzepatide, you may be concerned about how long your side effects may last.
Semaglutide side effects typically appear shortly after beginning treatment and can last for several weeks. Most of our patients find that these symptoms subside within a few weeks to a couple of months.
To reduce the chance of adverse reactions, we start with a lower dose and gradually increase it.
It’s also important to eat smaller meals more frequently. Avoiding fatty, spicy, or overly-rich foods can also help.
And as always: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: Compounded Forms
Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide come in compounded forms, and your provider may recommend a compound of either medication as part of your medical weight loss plan.
What is compounded Semaglutide?
Think of compounded Semaglutide as a customized formulation created by a pharmacist to meet the specific needs of an individual patient.
This can involve adjusting the dosage, combining it with other medications, or altering how it is administered to suit your preferences or medical requirements.
What is compounded Tirzepatide?
Like compounded Semaglutide, compounded Tirzepatide is a tailored version of the medication prepared by a pharmacist to meet specific patient needs.
Dosage can be adjusted by combining the medication with other agents to make your treatment more effective, or more comfortable based on a specific need.
Pros of Compounded
Semaglutide & Tirzepatide- Customized to meet the individual needs of patients.
- Medications can be formulated to exclude certain allergens or irritants for patients with allergies and sensitivities.
- Unique dosage forms (topical creams, gels, liquids) may be easier to take than an injection.
- Can combine multiple drugs into a single dosage form, simplifying the regimen for patients who need multiple therapies.
Pros of Compounded
Semaglutide & Tirzepatide- Because each compound is unique, they aren’t FDA-regulated.
- There may be a slight variation in consistency and quality between different batches of compounds.
- Compounded medications can be more expensive because of the additional labor required to make them.
- Availability can be limited due to the patient’s proximity to compounding pharmacies, and the pharmacies’ capabilities.
Compounded Semaglutide and compounded Tirzepatide can be highly beneficial for certain patients, but the need for them is evaluated on a patient-by-patient basis by your provider. If you require a compounded version, we’ll be sure to let you know.
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: Which One Is Right For You?
When it comes down to it, the choice of Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide depends on your individual health goals and concerns.
If you are taking certain medications or have an existing health issue like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or a gastrointestinal disorder then your provider will help you choose between the two.
Your lifestyle can also play a factor in which you choose. Both medications have some differences in the frequency of administration, ease of use, and potential side effects. Dr. Butler will help you choose the one best suited for you.
Book Your Consultation With Us
Here at Treasure Valley Aesthetics & Wellness, we’re committed to providing stellar medical weight loss interventions in the Boise, Idaho area. Our team of qualified healthcare professionals, led by Dr. Brenna Butler will help you make the right choice between Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide.
Here are some questions you will get the answer to during your consultation with us:
- What are the potential benefits of Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide for my goals?
- How would either of them interact with my current treatments?
- Will Semaglutide or Tirzepatide work better for me?
- What side effects should I expect and how can I manage them?
- How often and how long will I take this medication?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to enhance the effectiveness?
If you have any additional questions or concerns, be sure to make a note of them. We’ll be delighted to answer them.
Are you ready to take the first step into a new, healthier future? Click here to contact us and schedule a consultation with Dr. Butler. You can also call or text us at 208-580-7703.
We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
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