Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Which GLP-1 Is Right for You?

Two GLP-1-class medications — one targets GLP-1 alone, the other targets both GLP-1 and GIP. Here's how they differ.

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Updated June 2026Medically reviewed by licensed providers

Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: both are FDA-approved GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Semaglutide (semaglutide) and Tirzepatide (tirzepatide) differ in mechanism and clinical efficacy. Weight Method offers both from $199/month with virtual consultations and licensed providers.

Overview

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are two distinct molecules in the incretin-based medication class. Semaglutide was developed by Novo Nordisk and acts exclusively on the GLP-1 receptor. Tirzepatide was developed by Eli Lilly and is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, targeting two incretin pathways simultaneously. The branded, FDA-approved versions of these molecules are made by their respective manufacturers; Weight Method does not dispense or prescribe those brand-name products. Our program provides compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide through licensed providers and U.S.-licensed pharmacies. Which molecule is appropriate for you is a decision made by a licensed provider based on your individual medical profile.

Key Fact

Semaglutide is a single-receptor GLP-1 agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly. They are two distinct molecules in the incretin-based class. The branded FDA-approved versions are different from Weight Method's compounded program. Both compounded options are available from $99/mo through Weight Method.

Source: FDA prescribing information; published mechanism-of-action literature

Semaglutide

ManufacturerNovo Nordisk
Active Ingredientsemaglutide
FDA IndicationChronic weight management (Wegovy) / Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic)
FDA Approval2021
FormulationInjectable pen / Oral tablet
FrequencyOnce weekly (injectable) / Once daily (oral)
Available Doses0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg
Avg. Weight Loss14.9%
Our Price$199/mo

Tirzepatide

ManufacturerEli Lilly
Active Ingredienttirzepatide
FDA IndicationChronic weight management (Zepbound) / Type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro)
FDA Approval2023
FormulationInjectable pen
FrequencyOnce weekly
Available Doses2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg
Avg. Weight Loss22.5%
Our Price$329/mo

Key Differences

The core distinction is mechanism of action: semaglutide is a single-receptor GLP-1 agonist, while tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Semaglutide has been in clinical use longer and is available in both injectable and oral formulations; tirzepatide is newer and currently injectable only. Side effect profiles are similar — nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are the most common with both. Which molecule is clinically appropriate for any individual depends on that person's BMI, medical history, and treatment goals and is determined by a licensed provider, not by a general comparison. Through Weight Method, both compounded medications start at $99/mo with licensed provider oversight.

Verdict

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are two distinct molecules with different mechanisms; the branded FDA-approved versions are not what Weight Method dispenses. The right option for an individual — and whether either is appropriate — depends on that person's BMI, medical history, and treatment goals and is determined by a licensed provider. Through Weight Method, both compounded options are available from $99/mo with licensed provider oversight.

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Your Treatment Options

Compounded GLP-1 medications dispensed by U.S.-licensed 503A pharmacies.

Starting at$199/mo
Semaglutide
Most PopularIn Stock

Semaglutide

Compounded semaglutide. Once-weekly subcutaneous injection.

  • Weekly injection
  • Gradual dose increase
  • Provider monitoring
  • Free shipping
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Tirzepatide
In Stock

Tirzepatide

Compounded tirzepatide. Dual-action GLP-1/GIP, once-weekly subcutaneous injection.

  • Weekly injection
  • Dual hormone action
  • Provider monitoring
  • Free shipping
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Frequently Asked Questions

Semaglutide acts on the GLP-1 receptor only. Tirzepatide acts on both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors — a dual-agonist approach. Semaglutide was developed by Novo Nordisk; tirzepatide by Eli Lilly. They are two distinct molecules in the incretin-based class. Which one is appropriate for a given person is a clinical decision made by a licensed provider based on their individual medical profile.

Semaglutide is a single-receptor GLP-1 agonist. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, engaging two incretin pathways. Both belong to the broader incretin-based class. Whether either mechanism is appropriate for an individual is determined by a licensed provider.

There is no single answer — the appropriate molecule depends on the individual's BMI, medical history, prior treatment, tolerability, and goals. That determination is made by a licensed provider, not by a general comparison. Semaglutide also has more formulation options (including an oral tablet), which a provider may factor in.

The side effect profiles are similar. Both commonly cause nausea (often during dose escalation), diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and decreased appetite. These gastrointestinal effects typically improve over time with gradual dose titration. A licensed provider monitors tolerability for patients in Weight Method's compounded program.

Through Weight Method's telehealth program, both compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are available from $99/month, including the medication, licensed provider oversight, and shipping in the states where our providers are licensed.

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