Differences Between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

Differences Between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

Understanding the differences between semaglutide and tirzepatide is an important step in making informed decisions during a weight loss journey. As more adults struggle with weight-related conditions, GLP-1 medications have become an increasingly helpful solution for maintaining a healthy, stable weight. In the United States, more than 40% of adults suffer from chronic obesity (1), and more than 50% of adults qualify for GLP-1 medications. (2) The team at Austin Plastic Surgeon offers both medications* to help patients achieve their health and wellness goals. We also offer customizable body sculpting treatments to help you address the loose, sagging skin that weight loss often results in.

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* Compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved. They may only be offered under specific federal guidelines and are not reviewed for safety, efficacy, or manufacturing quality by the FDA.

About Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are GLP-1 medications that have been associated with weight loss. These medications have become increasingly popular in recent years as more patients look to sustainably manage their weight.

  • Semaglutide: Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a hormone in the body to help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. (3)
  • Tirzepatide: Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. (4) In one 72-week trial, patients who took tirzepatide experienced up to a 20% reduction in body weight. (5)

Whether tirzepatide or semaglutide is right for you will depend on your medical history and goals. During your consultation, we will help you navigate your options.

Candidates

Most candidates who consider medically assisted weight loss have struggled to see substantial results with more traditional methods like dieting and exercise alone. In any case, candidates should be willing to commit to living a healthy lifestyle while they are on the medication and afterward. Patients who are not typically eligible for these treatments include, but are not limited to:

  • Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
  • Patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
  • Patients with a history of pancreatitis
  • Pregnant patients

Consultation

During your consultation, we will discuss the differences between semaglutide and tirzepatide and help you make informed decisions about medically assisted weight loss. We will discuss your medical history, past experience with weight loss, current lifestyle, and more. We will also discuss the side effects associated with either medication at this time. Ordering labs is often necessary to determine if you are an eligible candidate; we will help you through this process as well.

Does the Preparation Differ?

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are weekly injectable medications. The preparation process for both is quite similar. To prepare for either medication, we recommend establishing an exercise routine that you can commit to. Planning healthy, nutritious meals is also important to support your body during weight loss. Staying hydrated while on the medication helps mitigate certain side effects, so we recommend getting a head start on this and starting to drink plenty of water before your regimen even starts.

We will provide specific instructions based on your medical history and lifestyle to help you prepare for your medication regimen.

Treatment Process

In many cases, patients choose to administer GLP-1 injections in the comfort of their own home. The medication can be injected into the upper arm, upper thigh, or lower abdomen. It is recommended to rotate injection sites every week to avoid irritation.

When you are receiving your first injection, we recommend that you schedule a bit of downtime so that you can monitor how your body responds. Some patients experience temporary changes to their digestion and/or fatigue while they adjust to the medication.

Patients can either return to the office weekly to receive their injections or continue to administer the medication themselves at home.

It is important to schedule your injections at the same time and day each week.

When Do These GLP-1s Start Working?

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are designed to be taken as long-term medications. With either medication, weight loss is gradual; in clinical studies, patients are often on the medication for longer than a year. (5) After treatment, patients often report improved feelings of satiety, allowing them to feel fuller after eating smaller portions. As previously mentioned, it is important to stay hydrated while on either of these medications. Some patients experience temporary nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain that subsides as the body adjusts to the medication. Staying hydrated may make some of these side effects more manageable.

To potentially see optimal results, we recommend adhering to a regular exercise schedule and eating nutritious meals. We can provide specific recommendations based on your lifestyle.

Body Contouring After Weight Loss

After weight loss, many patients experience droopy skin and stubborn pockets of fat that affect their proportions. We offer several body contouring procedures that are designed to help patients address the unwanted bodily changes that can be seen after weight loss. Many patients feel able to finally enjoy their weight loss achievement after undergoing body contouring.

  • After Weight Loss Tummy Tuck: Oftentimes, excess skin can gather around the abdomen after a patient loses a large amount of weight. The abdominal muscles might even separate during significant weight gain, a condition also known as diastasis recti. After weight loss, these muscles tend to remain separated and are difficult to bring back together, even with targeted core exercises. A tummy tuck is designed to address each of these concerns, removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles.

We can also perform a thigh lift, butt lift, tummy tuck, and/or breast lift to enhance your figure, as weight loss often affects multiple areas of the body. Your surgeon can help you determine what procedures would benefit you most during your personal consultation.

To learn more about the body contouring procedures we offer, see the blog!

Cost of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in West Lake Hills

The cost of semaglutide and tirzepatide will depend on your treatment plan and weight loss goals. We can provide a cost estimate during your consultation.

Contact our office to learn more about how we can transform your figure with well-tolerated weight loss treatments:

FAQ

Are there any side effects to taking semaglutide and/or tirzepatide?

Since your body needs time to adjust to the medication, some patients experience temporary nausea and/or abdominal discomfort while their body adjusts to the medication.

Can anyone receive semaglutide or tirzepatide?

Although the medications are well-tolerated, whether or not the medication is right for you will depend on your medical history. We can answer any questions you have during your consultation.

How long do I need to stay on tirzepatide or semaglutide?

The length of your treatment will depend on your goals and medical history. In clinical trials, patients were reported to consistently take the medication for over a year until the reported results were recorded. Both of these medications are designed to be taken long-term, as weight loss is a gradual process.

What happens if I miss a dose of semaglutide or tirzepatide?

You should always try to take GLP-1 medication at the same time and on the same day each week. However, if you miss a dose, it is typically recommended that patients take the missed dose as soon as possible within the next 5 days. However, if the next scheduled dose is 2 days away or sooner, it is recommended that patients skip the missed dose and proceed with the next scheduled dose as normal.

Will I gain weight again after I stop taking GLP-1 medication?

Because cravings can return after patients stop taking GLP-1 medication, weight fluctuations may occur if the patient. Adhering to a routine of regular exercise, as well as eating nutritious, healthily portioned meals, may help patients maintain a stable weight after they stop taking GLP-1 medication. The information provided on this page is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication, weight loss regimen, or treatment plan. Individual results may vary, and not all patients will be candidates for the medications or procedures mentioned.

References

  1. DeSilver D. As obesity rates rise in the U.S. and worldwide, new weight-loss drugs surge in popularity. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/03/21/as-obesity-rates-rise-in-the-us-and-worldwide-new-weight-loss-drugs-surge-in-popularity/#:~:text=Demand%20for%20weight%2Dloss%20drugs&text=That%20year%2C%20an%20estimated%208.2
  2. Monaco K. Over 50% of U.S. Adults Qualify for Ozempic, Wegovy. Medpagetoday.com. Published November 18, 2024. Accessed January 17, 2025. https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/aha/112979
  3. Colin IM, Gérard AC. Once-weekly 2.4 mg Semaglutide for Weight Management in Obesity: A Game Changer? Endocrinology. 2022;18(1):35. doi:https://doi.org/10.17925/ee.2022.18.1.35
  4. Chavda VP, Ajabiya J, Teli D, Bojarska J, Apostolopoulos V. Tirzepatide, a New Era of Dual-Targeted Treatment for Diabetes and Obesity: a Mini-Review. Molecules. 2022;27(13):4315. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27134315
  5. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2206038
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