Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide: How Do These Medications Compare for Weight Loss?
When considering using medication to help you lose weight, you may have heard about tirzepatide medication or semaglutide medications. While both of these options have FDA-approval for weight loss use, these two medications differ and may provide different benefits for different patients. Keep reading to learn more about these two medications, how they work, their possible side effects, and which could be right for you. If you’re ready to get started with your medical weight loss journey, contact Balanced Telewellness today to request a consultation!
What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide, a medication with the brand name Zepbound, is an injectable medication for adults working to lose weight. Tirzepatide is the first single-molecule weight loss medication that has the ability to mimic two naturally-occurring hormones in the body: Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These hormones help with blood sugar control but also assist in regulating appetite and cravings.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is another injectable medication and is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This medication works by replicating the natural hormone GLP-1 produced by the body. Semaglutide GLP-1 stimulates insulin release from the pancreas, which helps to lower blood sugar levels, while also influencing the brain to decrease appetite and cravings.
How Do They Compare?
Both of these options are FDA-approved medications for weight loss treatment. While both are weekly injections, they are administered via different doses and mechanisms. Additionally, eligibility differs for each medication, and semaglutide has an additional FDA-indication for treating pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with a BMI at the 95th percentile or greater for age and sex.
Other Factors to Consider
Both of these medications can be expensive without insurance coverage, and insurance will vary in coverage depending on a patient’s plan benefits. In some cases, insurance plans require a prior authorization for coverage. In addition, it’s important to consider weight loss medication availability as some medications may be available in your area while others are not.
Overall, both tirzepatide and semaglutide can be highly effective in helping you to achieve your weight loss goals, and selecting a weight loss medication requires collaboration between you and your telehealth professional. At Balanced Telewellness, our team is here to help you find the solutions that will help you achieve your goals! Request a consultation today to get started.
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