Competition Alert: Which Weight Loss Medication Works the Best?

Watching the Miss America pageant might be a thing, but we’re here for a serious competition: which of the two most popular weight loss medications is more effective for patients?

There isn’t a shortage of GLP-1 users. 41,000 people who were overweight or had obesity participated in a study published in JAMA to analyze the effectiveness in these two groups of medications:

• Zepbound / Mounjaro (tirzepatide) 

• Ozempic / Wegovy (semaglutide) 

  
  

Researchers tracked how much weight people lost at three time intervals—at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Which Medication Was Crowned The Winner?

Tirzepatide (Zepbound / Mounjaro) was named the belle of the ball. Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) left when the clock struck midnight. 

These results compare the amount of body weight loss between the two medication groups:

• 3 months:

  • Tirzepatide: 6% body weight loss

  • Semaglutide: 3.6%

    
    

• 6 months:

  • Tirzepatide: 10%

  • Semaglutide: 5.8%
    

• 12 months:

  • Tirzepatide: 15.3%

  • Semaglutide: 8.3%
    

For readers who aren’t fans of analyzing percentages: patients on tirzepatide lost nearly double the weight compared to those on semaglutide at each time interval.

“But… Why Tirzepatide?”

Semaglutide is stomping its feet wanting to know. 

Both medications help reduce appetite and food intake by mimicking hormones in your body. 

• Semaglutide works on one hormone (GLP-1)

• Tirzepatide works on two hormones (GLP-1 + GIP)
  

The second hormone, GIP, may help improve how your body processes sugar and fat, which could lead to greater weight loss.

Side Effects?

No major differences were found in series side effects between semaglutide and tirzepatide. However, side effects can vary from person to person. Some patients tolerate one medication better than the other.

Implications for Patients

Tirzepatide may lead to greater weight loss, but that’s not the whole picture. 

Medical professionals don’t recommend medications based on weight loss alone. They also consider:

• Your medical history

• Other health goals (like heart or kidney health)

• Side effects and tolerance

• Cost and insurance coverage
  

For example:

• Semaglutide has strong data showing it can reduce heart risk

• Tirzepatide may help with conditions like sleep apnea
  

Which Weight Loss Medication is Best for You?

Both medications can help you lose meaningful weight, but the “best” medication varies by individual needs and goals. To learn more about medical weight loss options, be sure to contact Dr. Korman’s office today: 310-577-5540