Two FDA-approved GLP-1 medications for weight loss — one targets GLP-1 alone, the other targets both GLP-1 and GIP. Here's how they compare.
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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 $297/month with virtual consultations and licensed providers.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are the two dominant GLP-1 receptor agonist medications prescribed for weight loss. Semaglutide (sold as Wegovy for weight management, Ozempic for diabetes) was developed by Novo Nordisk and works exclusively on the GLP-1 receptor. Tirzepatide (sold as Zepbound for weight management, Mounjaro for diabetes) was developed by Eli Lilly and is the first dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — targeting two incretin pathways simultaneously. Both are FDA-approved, once-weekly injectables that have demonstrated significant weight loss in large-scale clinical trials.
Key Fact
Semaglutide achieved 14.9% average body weight loss in the STEP 1 trial (NEJM, 2021). Tirzepatide achieved 22.5% average body weight loss in the SURMOUNT-1 trial (NEJM, 2022) — the highest weight reduction recorded in any GLP-1 clinical trial. Both are available from $99/mo through Weight Method.
Source: STEP 1, NEJM 2021; SURMOUNT-1, NEJM 2022
| Semaglutide | Tirzepatide | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Eli Lilly |
| Active Ingredient | semaglutide | tirzepatide |
| FDA Indication | Chronic weight management (Wegovy) / Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) | Chronic weight management (Zepbound) / Type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) |
| FDA Approval | 2021 | 2023 |
| Formulation | Injectable pen / Oral tablet | Injectable pen |
| Frequency | Once weekly (injectable) / Once daily (oral) | Once weekly |
| Available Doses | 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg | 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg |
| Avg. Weight Loss | 14.9% | 22.5% |
| Our Price | $99/mo | $99/mo |
The core distinction is mechanism of action: semaglutide is a pure GLP-1 receptor agonist, while tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. This dual action is believed to drive tirzepatide's superior weight loss results in clinical trials (22.5% vs 14.9%). Semaglutide has a longer track record (FDA-approved since 2017 for diabetes, 2021 for weight loss) and is available in both injectable and oral formulations. Tirzepatide is newer (2022/2023) and currently injectable only. Side effect profiles are similar — nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are the most common with both. Through Weight Method, both medications start at $99/mo with licensed provider oversight.
For patients who want the strongest weight loss data available, tirzepatide's 22.5% average body weight reduction in SURMOUNT-1 is unmatched. For patients who prefer an established medication with multiple formulation options (injectable or oral), semaglutide offers a proven track record and flexibility. Both are clinically effective, FDA-approved options. Your Weight Method provider will recommend the medication best suited to your BMI, medical history, and treatment goals — both available from $99/mo.
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Same active ingredient as Ozempic® & Wegovy®. Proven to reduce body weight by up to 15%.

Same active ingredient as Mounjaro® & Zepbound®. Dual-action GLP-1/GIP for enhanced results.
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