Medication compare
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: a head-to-head comparison of efficacy, dosing, pricing, FDA status, and which is right for you.
Semaglutide is a single GLP-1 receptor agonist. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — it activates both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors simultaneously. The dual mechanism produces larger weight-loss effect sizes in head-to-head trials.
| Dimension | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Weight-loss brand | Wegovy (FDA-approved 2021) | Zepbound (FDA-approved 2023) |
| Diabetes brand | Ozempic (FDA-approved 2017) | Mounjaro (FDA-approved 2022) |
| Mean weight loss (trial) | ~14.9% at 68 weeks (STEP-1, 2.4 mg) | ~22.5% at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1, 15 mg) |
| Max dose | 2.4 mg weekly | 15 mg weekly |
| Schedule | Once weekly | Once weekly |
| Brand list price | ~$1,349/mo (Wegovy) | ~$1,086/mo (Zepbound) |
| Compounded price (telehealth) | $199–$449/mo | $249–$499/mo |
| Side-effect profile | GI (nausea, constipation), early-titration most common | Similar GI profile, often slightly higher GI burden at top doses |
Across published Phase 3 trials, tirzepatide produces larger mean weight loss than semaglutide. SURMOUNT-1 (Zepbound 15 mg) reported ~22.5% mean body-weight reduction at 72 weeks. STEP-1 (Wegovy 2.4 mg) reported ~14.9% at 68 weeks. Direct head-to-head SURMOUNT-5 confirmed tirzepatide's edge at the highest doses.
For brand-name list price, Zepbound (~$1,086/mo) is currently slightly cheaper than Wegovy (~$1,349/mo). For compounded versions through telehealth, semaglutide is typically cheaper than tirzepatide ($199 vs $249 entry).
Both medications share similar GI side-effect profiles (nausea, constipation, vomiting at titration). Tirzepatide is sometimes associated with slightly higher GI-event rates at maximum doses. Most patients tolerate both with appropriate titration over 8–16 weeks.
The choice depends on three factors: (1) target weight loss — if you need maximal effect and can tolerate titration, tirzepatide; (2) price sensitivity — if cost is a primary constraint, compounded semaglutide is the cheapest legal pathway; (3) insurance status — if Wegovy or Zepbound is covered, the brand-name pathway becomes cost-equivalent.
NexLife offers both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide under physician-led oversight.
Visit NexLife →