Tirzepatide vs. Ozempic: Differences & Similarities

Key Points

• Tirzepatide and Ozempic are two leading GLP-1 medications.
• Tirzepatide is an active ingredient in type 2 diabetes and weight loss medications, while Ozempic is the brand name of a diabetes medication that uses semaglutide as its active ingredient.
• Both semaglutide and tirzepatide show promising results in both weight loss and blood sugar control.

If you're curious about new drugs for diabetes or weight management, you may have heard of Ozempic® or tirzepatide.

These are both GLP-1 medications that have shown promising results both to improve blood sugar control and help with weight loss.

However, what medication doctors prescribe and how depends on several factors, including the approved use based on the brand name of the medication.

Let's explore tirzepatide vs. Ozempic and how these medications work.

Tirzepatide vs. Ozempic: How do the GLP-1s compare?

Tirzepatide and Ozempic have a lot of similarities. They are both GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) agonist medications approved for both weight loss and type 2 diabetes treatment – though which condition is treated depends on the individual medicine and its approved usage.

First things first: Tirzepatide is an active ingredient, whereas Ozempic is a branded medication. Ozempic uses semaglutide, which is also used in Wegovy. Ozempic is a diabetes treatment; Wegovy is a weight loss drug.

Tirzepatide is used in Mounjaro, a diabetes medication, and in Zepbound, a weight loss drug.

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide have shown promising results in helping patients lose weight and/or treat type 2 diabetes.

Depending on the formula, both semaglutide and tirzepatide medications are FDA-approved for either weight loss or type 2 diabetes treatment.

The main difference between tirzepatide vs. Ozempic

While Ozempic and tirzepatide are both GLP-1s, they have different active ingredients.

Ozempic uses semaglutide, while tirzepatide is in Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Ozempic acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help the body produce more insulin and improve blood sugar levels.

Ozempic is not officially a weight loss drug; it is only FDA-approved for diabetes treatment. It is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease. It also may be used to reduce the risk of kidney disease (CKD) progression, kidney failure, or death due to cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes and CKD.

Tirzepatide is an ingredient that acts as a dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide).

In Mounjaro, tirzepatide acts as a diabetes medication, whereas in Zepbound, it is a weight loss drug.

What is the GLP-1 agonist drug class?

Both tirzepatide and semaglutide are GLP-1 agonists. This means they mimic the GLP-1 hormone in the body which sends signals to both the brain and the pancreas, influencing blood sugar, digestion, and fullness levels.

These signals help the pancreas produce more insulin to regulate blood sugar. GLP-1 also delays gastric emptying, which means it takes longer for food to digest in the stomach, leading to feeling fuller for longer. It also sends signals to the brain which can quiet "food noise," or unwanted thoughts about food.

GIP, or the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide hormone, is also present in tirzepatide and further helps in insulin production.

Which weight loss drugs use tirzepatide versus semaglutide?

There are multiple weight loss and diabetes medications that use either tirzepatide or semaglutide to treat type 2 diabetes or weight-related health conditions:

Both Mounjaro and Zepbound are manufactured by Eli Lilly, while Wegovy and Ozempic are made by Novo Nordisk. Depending on the brand name, you may see semaglutide marketed as either a weight loss or type 2 diabetes drug; the same goes for tirzepatide.

Even if two medications use the same active ingredient and are produced by the same manufacturer, they are not necessarily the same drug.

Is tirzepatide versus semaglutide better for weight loss?

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide have shown promising results for weight loss. But between tirzepatide and semaglutide, which is better for weight management?

Tirzepatide for weight loss

According to Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound (tirzepatide weight loss drug), people taking Zepbound 15 mg lost up to 48 pounds, or a 21% weight loss.

One meta-analysis compared the highest dose of tirzepatide (15 mg) to the highest dose of semaglutide (2 mg) and found that tirzepatide resulted in a greater weight loss at a 17.8% reduction in body weight versus 12.4% for semaglutide.

Another cohort study examined tirzepatide compared to semaglutide and found the absolute difference in weight loss between the two to be 4.3% at six months and 6.9% at 12 months, meaning tirzepatide led to 4.3-6.9% greater weight loss overall.

The dual action of GLP-1 and GIP in tirzepatide is potentially the reason why the average weight loss and blood sugar levels are better on tirzepatide than semaglutide.

Semaglutide for weight loss

Something that's important to keep in mind, however, is which dose that studies on Ozempic and semaglutide assess.

"Many trials for Ozempic were conducted using the 1 mg dose, but the current maximum dose has increased to 2 mg," says Candice Sapp, RD. "Research shows that higher doses of Ozempic (2 mg) improve efficacy, especially for glycemic control and weight loss.

In comparison, tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist, has demonstrated superior results in both blood sugar control and weight loss in clinical trials, making it an attractive option for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes."

While Ozempic is not formally a weight loss drug, it make help you lose weight. According to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, adults with type 2 diabetes taking Ozempic lost up to 14 pounds.

How much weight can I lose using GLP-1 receptor agonists?

If you've seen Ozempic or another brand name GLP-1 in the news, it might seem like a miracle drug. And in many ways, it is. GLP-1s are some of the most effective diabetes treatments to date, and it seems like they are incredible for helping people lose weight, too.

One of the most noted effects of GLP-1s like tirzepatide and semaglutide beyond their weight loss and blood sugar control abilities is how they help quiet food noise. Food noise is the constant chatter in your brain about food: what you'll eat for your next meal, when you can eat next, how much, and so on.

Weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can help quiet food noise because they slow digestion and also send signals to the brain about appetite and fullness. This can lead to feeling fuller for longer, having a decreased appetite, thinking about food less, and, ultimately, reducing your food intake.

It's important to note that most clinical trials and research into GLP-1 agonists are done over the course of a year or more. While these two drugs can result in clinically significant weight loss, it takes time.

Additionally, a healthy diet and lifestyle changes are essential alongside the medication. You do not lose weight simply by taking Ozempic or tirzepatide. The best way to reduce your body weight is by making sustainable changes to your habits.

That could mean introducing more fruits and vegetables, increasing your daily step count, trying different types of exercise, and improving your sleep.

One of the best ways to achieve lasting body weight reduction is by working with a registered dietitian. With an RD, you'll get an educator and a cheerleader all in one as they support you every step of the way to make the necessary changes to improve your health.

Find a weight loss or diabetes dietitian now with Fay.

Should I take tirzepatide or Ozempic to control blood sugar levels?

Both tirzepatide and semaglutide are extremely effective for type 2 diabetes treatment.

Ozempic can lower average A1C levels by 1.6% over 40 weeks, according to one study. In the same study, 73% of people with a starting A1C of 8.2% who took 1 mg Ozempic lowered their A1C below 7% (the recommended amount for people with type 2 diabetes).

In a clinical trial directly comparing tirzepatide and semaglutide for type 2 diabetes treatment, tirzepatide reduced A1C levels by up to 2.3%, while semaglutide reduced them by 1.86%.

These results suggest that tirzepatide may be more effective than semaglutide for blood sugar control, but more research on these new drugs is needed.

That said, it is up to your doctor's recommendation which medication you take.

"Both medications are excellent options for managing type 2 diabetes, but the choice between tirzepatide and semaglutide will depend on the patient's specific needs, weight management goals, and response to other therapies," says Candice Sapp, RD.

Sometimes, doctors prescribe a particular medication based on availability, which is, unfortunately, a concern with both tirzepatide medications and Ozempic alike. Both face frequent drug shortages based on high demand and limited supply.

What are the side effects of Ozempic and tirzepatide?

These two medications both have potential side effects.

Both drugs have the potential to cause allergic reactions at the injection site, as they are both weekly injections. Common injection sites include the upper arm and stomach. Always be sure to clean and disinfect the site properly before injecting the medication.

Common side effects for tirzepatide, Ozempic, and semaglutide include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Cramping
• Vomiting
• Constipation

Taking semaglutide or tirzepatide also has potentially serious adverse events. Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound all have black box warnings about the potential for thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. These medications should not be used if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2).

They may cause low blood sugar, changes in vision, pancreatitis, or dehydration.

It may take your body some time to adjust to the new drugs, particularly as you take different doses. Inform your doctor about any and all side effects and follow their guidance accordingly. Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor first.

How much do weight loss drugs like Ozempic cost?

How much you will pay for weight management or type 2 diabetes drugs will depend on your health insurance coverage.

Weight loss drugs like Zepbound and type 2 diabetes medications like Ozempic cost, on average, about $1,000 per month. With health insurance and manufacturer coupons, your total cost could be less.

However, some doctors prescribe Ozempic for off-label weight loss. In this case, your health insurance will probably not cover the cost and you will have to pay out of pocket.

As mentioned, both Mounjaro and Ozempic (as well as other GLP-1s) face frequent drug shortages. Your doctor may prescribe a certain medication based on how available and cost-effective it is for you.

Achieve your best health with a registered dietitian

Regardless of which weight loss or type 2 diabetes medication you may take, tirzepatide vs. Ozempic, one of the best ways to create sustainable, lasting results with your health is with the guidance of a registered dietitian.

A qualified registered dietitian can offer a completely personalized meal plan to help you reach your health goals, whether that's lowering your blood sugar or losing weight.

They can also offer guidance on GLP-1s and work together with the rest of your care team to ensure your treatment is completely aligned. They can share meal ideas and clinically proven strategies to help you adjust to your changing appetite.

Where can you find a qualified GLP-1 dietitian? It's easy with Fay. Simply input your area of concern in the search bar or check out this page to find a list of board-certified type 2 diabetes and/or weight management dietitians.

Get started with Fay today.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.