Tirzepatide and Ozempic shots are both used to treat type 2 diabetes, but they aren’t quite the same. They have different active ingredients and mechanisms of action. Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists, but Tirzepatide is also a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. This means Tirzepatide works through two mechanisms, potentially offering better blood sugar control and fewer side effects.
How Do They Work?
As GLP-1 agonists, both medications mimic a hormone called GLP-1. This hormone helps lower blood sugar by stimulating insulin release and reducing glucagon secretion. However, because Tirzepatide also targets the GIP receptor, it might control blood sugar more effectively than drugs that only target the GLP-1 receptor.
Side Effects: What to Expect?
One major difference in side effects is nausea. While Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) often causes nausea via a central nervous system response, Tirzepatide tends to cause less nausea. Plus, Tirzepatide has shown better results in decreasing dietary triglycerides.
Both medications slow down gastric emptying, which makes you feel fuller longer. This increased satiety can help you stick to your dietary changes and manage cravings.
Weight Management and FDA Approvals
Semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy® or Ozempic, was approved by the FDA in June 2021 for chronic weight management when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. Tirzepatide, known as Mounjaro, received FDA approval in November 2023 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight conditions.
Dosage Differences
The dosing for each medication is different. Tirzepatide usually starts at 2.5 mg weekly, while Semaglutide starts at 0.25 mg weekly. Both are gradually increased to help patients get used to the medication and reduce side effects.
Supplementing with Vitamins
To combat the energy loss that can come with weight loss, patients might supplement with glycine or Vitamin B12. For example, Tirzepatide with B12 can help boost energy levels and reduce fatigue. Glycine B12 supplements can also help maintain muscle mass during weight loss.
Which Is Right for You?
Both medications have been clinically proven to aid weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. Whether you go with a more cost-effective, medically supervised weight loss program with Semaglutide or seek the enhanced benefits of Tirzepatide, both can be effective tools in your weight management journey.
