If you have been looking for help to lower your BMI and lose weight, most likely you have read about the new weight loss injections available today. These prescription medications were originally developed and approved to help with blood sugar control for individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes. One of the noticeable side effects of these medications was that they tended to help individuals lose excess weight, which led the FDA to also approve them for use in treating obesity.

Today we are going to be looking at tirzepatide vs semaglutide and how they compare. We will look at their advantages and disadvantages, the side effects they cause, how they are each dosed, and the results you can expect with each.

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What Is The Difference Between Semaglutide And Tirzepatide?

Both are administered through injections and offer the potential for significant weight loss, but the biggest difference is their composition and how they work.

Eating triggers our bodies to produce certain hormones; one is called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and helps with the digestion process and to regulate our blood sugar through the release of insulin and glucagon. These hormones also send signals to our brains to alert us when we are full or still hungry.

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide mimic GLP-1 and work in tandem with your metabolism to improve how efficiently it runs. This boosts the speed at which it digests food and burns calories while also curbing your appetite, resulting in substantial weight loss.

Tirzepatide has an additional component that enhances its weight loss potential because it mimics an additional hormone called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), which makes it a bit more potent than semaglutide.

Is Tirzepatide Better Than Semaglutide?

Both medications can help promote significant weight loss, but studies have shown that most patients who use semaglutide lose between 10% and 16% of their total weight, and patients who use tirzepatide lose between 15% and 21% of their starting weight.

An individual may feel tirzepatide is better than semaglutide, but another may prefer semaglutide because it is available in pill form as well as an injection, while tirzepatide can only be administered through an injection.

Working with a weight loss professional can help you determine if semaglutide is better than tirzepatide for your circumstances or vice versa.

Do Semaglutide And Tirzepatide Have Side Effects?

Yes, when comparing tirzepatide vs semaglutide side effects, they are virtually the same, the most common short-term ones being nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Other reported side effects include fatigue, dizziness, headache, acid reflux, and belching. Tirzepatide has been found to elevate the risk of experiencing low blood sugar. Other, more serious side effects include:

• Changes in vision;
• Pancreatitis;
• Kidney issues;
• Problemas de vesícula biliar;
• Allergic reactions.

In addition to the side effects, the criteria that exclude individuals from being a viable candidate for these medications are the same and include:

• Individuals with a personal or family history of MTC (medullary thyroid cancer) or MEN2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2);
• Women who are pregnant or nursing;
• Individuals with gastrointestinal, pancreatic, or kidney issues;
• Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients in these medications.

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Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide Dosage Chart

Both of these medications are administered through weekly subcutaneous injections, which are placed in the fatty part of the abdomen, thigh, or back of the upper arm. They both come in a prefilled injector pen that has your appropriate dose for that week premeasured and ready for use.

Each patient begins their dosing schedule at the lowest strength of the medication, and they will remain on that strength for four weeks before moving up to the next higher dose. This pattern will continue until they reach the highest dose available, and they will remain at that level from that point on. It takes patients five months to reach the highest dose of semaglutide and six months for tirzepatide.

The gradual introduction to the medication gives their body time to adjust so the common side effects of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea will be mild and not severe.

<table class="iksweb"><caption>Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide Dosage Chart</caption><tbody><tr><th rowspan="2">Monthly Schedule</th><th colspan="3">Dose To Be Taken Each Week</th></tr><tr><td><b>Tirzepatide</b></td><td><b>Semaglutide</b></td></tr><tr><td>Month One</td><td>2.5 mg</td><td>0.25 mg</td></tr><tr><td>Month Two</td><td>5 mg</td><td>0.5 mg</td></tr><tr><td>Month Three</td><td>7.5 mg</td><td>1 mg</td></tr><tr><td>Month Four</td><td>10 mg</td><td>1.7 mg</td></tr><tr><td>Month Five</td><td>12.5 mg</td><td>2.4 mg</td></tr><tr><td>Month Six</td><td>15 mg</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

How Does The Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide Cost Compare?

The cost of tirzepatide and semaglutide depends on the dose strength, your geographic location, place of purchase, if you are purchasing name-brand medication or compounded medication, are taking advantage of a savings program or manufacturer coupons, etc. The cost can fluctuate in response to supply and demand, and there have been many different price changes over the past several months.

The cost of name-brand tirzepatide for a one-month supply (4 once-weekly doses of 2.5 mg each) at CVS in NYC is currently $1,096 and name-brand semaglutide for 4 once-weekly doses of 0.25 mg each at CVS in NYC is currently $1,389. Speak with your prescribing doctor and check the manufacturer's websites to find the most cost-effective form of the medication you require.

Where Can I Find Out Whether Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide Will Work Best For Me?

The best way to determine which weight loss medication would be the best choice for you is to work with a doctor who is trained in obesity medicine, like Dr. Steven Batash. He and his team at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center in New York City can create a personalized plan that will help you reach your weight loss goals.

Dr. Batash understands the complexities of the disease of obesity and can uncover the underlying issues that have prevented you from losing weight during your previous efforts. He may prescribe weight loss medication as part of a doctor-supervised program, or you may be a good candidate for an endoscopic weight loss procedure such as a gastric balloon or Suture Sculpt ESG. These procedures involve reducing the available amount of space in your stomach so you eat less and stay feeling full and satisfied longer, resulting in weight loss.

Set up your consultation today with the knowledgeable professionals at the Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center and get started on your journey to better health.

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