Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide: What’s Best for Weight Loss?

When it comes to weight loss, the medication you choose may determine your outcomes. Tirzepatide and semaglutide are two leading options that have shown promising results in clinical studies. Both weight loss medications work by mimicking hormones that help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels, but they have some key differences that might make one a better fit for you than the other.

Top things to consider are average results, potential side effects and cost. Read on to learn about the similarities and differences between tirzepatide and semaglutide to make the best decision for your weight loss journey.

What is tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide belongs to a class of medications called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It is prescribed to help lower blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes and as a weight loss aid for individuals with obesity.

Tirzepatide mimics the GLP-1 hormone released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. It increases insulin availability and decreases glucagon, a hormone that controls the amount of glucose the liver makes. It also works by slowing food movement through the stomach, which may decrease appetite and support weight loss.¹

Tirzepatide is manufactured under the brand name Mounjaro® for type 2 diabetes² and under the name Zepbound® for obesity treatment.³ There is currently no generic version of tirzepatide available; however, the FDA has approved the creation of tirzepatide by state-licensed compounding pharmacies. When produced in those independent pharmacies, the drug is referred to as compounded tirzepatide.⁴

Compounded tirzepatide is available in a weekly injectable form or a daily rapid dissolve oral tablet from RedBox Rx.

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone released in the digestive tract as a response to eating. It helps increase insulin, lower blood sugar, reduce appetite, and signal the feeling of fullness. Semaglutide is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and as a weight loss aid.⁵

Semaglutide is available as a weekly injection and as a daily oral tablet. Injectable semaglutide is manufactured under the brand names Ozempic®⁶ to treat type 2 diabetes and as Wegovy®⁷ to treat obesity. Semaglutide oral tablets are manufactured under the brand name RYBELSUS®.⁸

Compounded semaglutide is produced by independent compounding pharmacies rather than from brand manufacturers. The compounded versions contain the same active ingredients as name brands and work similarly.⁹

What’s the difference between tirzepatide and semaglutide?

Both tirzepatide and semaglutide mimic the GLP-1 hormone that is released in the digestive tract as a response to eating. Tirzepatide also mimics the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) digestive hormone.

Head-to-head studies of semaglutide and tirzepatide are not yet available. However, in a cohort study of diabetes patients prescribed semaglutide or tirzepatide, patients on tirzepatide lost more than those on semaglutide. Most people in both groups lost at least 5% of their body weight on average over a year.¹⁰

How do dosages compare for tirzepatide and semaglutide?

Individual dosing varies among individuals for weight loss medications. Always follow the guidance of your medical provider.

Dosages for Semaglutide Injections

A common course of dosages for semaglutide for weight loss is:¹¹

• Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg once a week

• Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg once a week

• Weeks 9-12: 1 mg once a week

• Weeks 13-16: 1.7 mg once a week

• Week 17 and onward: 2.4 mg once a week

Dosages for Oral Semaglutide

RedBox Rx prescribes compounded semaglutide in 2 mg rapid dissolve tablets.

Dosages for Tirzepatide Injections

The average starting dosage is 2.5 mg injected under the skin once a week for four weeks. The provider may increase the dose in subsequent weeks, as needed, up to the 15 mg maximum dose.¹²

Dosages for Oral Tirzepatide

RedBox Rx offers compounded tirzepatide rapid dissolving tablets in 3 mg, 4 mg, 5 mg and 6 mg daily doses.

How do side effects and safety compare for tirzepatide and semaglutide?

Common side effects of tirzepatide include:¹³

• Nausea.

• Diarrhea.

• Decreased appetite.

• Vomiting.

• Constipation.

• Upset stomach.

Common side effects of semaglutide include:¹⁴

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Diarrhea.

• Abdominal pain.

• Constipation.

• Heartburn.

• Burping.

While generally well tolerated, both tirzepatide and semaglutide may increase the risk of developing cancer in the thyroid. If you have a family history of thyroid cancer, please let your provider know.^{15, 16}

How effective are tirzepatide and semaglutide for weight loss?

In an overall study of GLP-1 weight loss medications, significantly more participants lost more than 5% of their body weight than with a placebo.¹⁷

In clinical studies of semaglutide, participants lost an average of almost 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks of semaglutide use.¹⁸

In clinical studies of tirzepatide, participants lost up to 21% of their body weight in 72 weeks.¹⁹

Direct comparison research of tirzepatide and semaglutide for weight loss is still needed, but when comparing individual studies, tirzepatide results in more weight loss on average than semaglutide.²⁰

How do costs compare for tirzepatide and semaglutide?

Compounded semaglutide, both injectable and oral tablet, is $189 per month (28 days) with a 6-month subscription from RedBox Rx.

Compounded tirzepatide injections are $429 per month (28 days). Compounded oral tirzepatide rapid dissolving tablets are $397 per month (28 days).

Can tirzepatide and semaglutide be used together?

Using tirzepatide and semaglutide together has not yet been studied. Because tirzepatide and semaglutide work in similar ways, it is possible that using the two medications together will increase side effects, and it is not recommended. Consult your medical provider before combining medications.²¹

What should I know if I switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide?

The average weight lost in clinical studies was higher for tirzepatide than for semaglutide. Individual results will vary, but for some, tirzepatide may increase weight loss.²² However, side effects could be more severe when taking tirzepatide. In one clinical trial, more individuals treated with tirzepatide developed hypoglycemia, injection site reactions, gallbladder disease and hypersensitivity reactions more than those treated with semaglutide.²³

The cost of the two medications varies as well. For example, compounded semaglutide from RedBox Rx starts at $189 per month, while tirzepatide starts at $397 per month.

Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide Comparison Chart

How RedBox Rx can help

RedBox Rx provides convenient, affordable telehealth services and prescription treatments for weight loss.

Benefits of RedBox Rx include:

• Compounded semaglutide injections and oral dissolvable tablets starting at $189 per month with a six-month subscription.

• Compounded tirzepatide injections starting at $429 per month and oral dissolvable tablets starting at $397 per month.

• Flat-rate, no intro pricing — no cost increase based on dosage.

• Online consultations with a U.S. licensed medical professional included in subscription price. Unlimited provider follow-ups through messaging or video.

• One FREE dietitian discovery session.

• No insurance required. HSA and FSA eligible.

• Free express shipping — get meds in five to seven days.

Start your weight loss journey today with an easy, quick online assessment to see if you qualify for GLP-1 weight loss medications.