Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: How the Two GLP-1 Medications Compare

October 5, 2026

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are both once-weekly injections for weight loss, but they work differently. Tirzepatide acts on two hormone receptors (GIP and GLP-1), while semaglutide acts on one (GLP-1). In SURMOUNT-5, a 72-week head-to-head trial, people taking tirzepatide lost an average of 20.2% of their body weight, compared with 13.7% for semaglutide. Which one fits depends on your health history, your goals, and how your body responds.

Tirzepatide Dosing: How Your Dose Escalates Week by Week

September 17, 2026

Tirzepatide dosing starts at 2.5 mg once weekly for four weeks, a dose too low to do much on its own, then increases by 2.5 mg roughly every four weeks up to a maximum of 15 mg weekly. Most patients settle at an effective dose somewhere between 5 mg and 12.5 mg, well before reaching the top of that range.

Dawn Hurt

Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: How the Two GLP-1 Medications Compare

Tirzepatide Dosing: How Your Dose Escalates Week by Week