Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide: What You Need to Know
Over the last six months, Huemn has proudly served the Houston community with leading-edge Medical Weight Loss solutions. Since the inception of our program in January, Semaglutide has been the cornerstone of our treatment offerings, helping dozens of our clients embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Last week, we were thrilled to announce the addition of Tirzepatide to our lineup, providing you with even more ways to achieve your weight loss goals. Today, we’ll explore the key differences between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, ensuring you can make an informed decision that aligns with your health journey. In this blog, we will delve into:
The Mechanism of Action: How Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Work
Efficacy in Weight Loss: Comparing the Efficacy of Both Options
Side Effect Profile: Understanding Your Options and How to Improve Side Effects
Mechanism of Action: How Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Work
Both Semaglutide (Ozempic) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are injectable medications approved by the FDA for weight management, but they operate in different ways.
How does Semaglutide work? Semaglutide functions as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which mimics an incretin hormone to stimulate insulin release, suppress glucagon, and delay gastric emptying. This multifaceted approach not only aids in controlling blood sugar levels but also promotes satiety, helping you feel full longer.
Did you know: GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide) is a gut hormone that gets released when food enters the stomach. This hormone signals the pancreas to release insulin, which assists in the management of blood sugar. GLP-1 can also reduce inflammation in the gut and increase the feeling of being full. Lastly, this hormone also promotes weight loss by increasing fat burning.
How does Tirzepatide work? Tirzepatide, on the other hand, is what we call a “dual agonist”, which means it is not only a GLP-1 agonist like Semaglutide, but also a GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide). Because it utilizes the effects of not one but two incretin hormones, it can amplify the benefits seen with Semaglutide Therapy. The inclusion of GIP creates an additive benefits to the insulin release and boasts additional effects on energy metabolism.
Did you know: GIP was initially named Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide, but after subsequent research, was later considered to be a weak inhibitor of gastric acid secretion. Now it is known as Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (a real mouthful!) because its main role is to stimulate insulin secretion. This has a massive impact on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.
Efficacy in Weight Loss: Comparing the Efficacy of Both Options
While both medications are effective for weight management, emerging research suggests Tirzepatide may offer enhanced weight loss benefits.
A study published by the New England Journal of Medicine shows that participants on Tirzepatide experienced significant weight reductions, with some shedding up to 20% of their body weight.
Semaglutide still holds its ground as a powerful tool, with studies like the STEP clinical trial series demonstrating its success in substantial and sustained weight reduction.
The Huemn Difference: At Huemn, we approach Medical Weight Loss like we approach all of our services. We believe in working with your body’s natural systems, which often leads to long-lasting, sustainable changes. When it comes to our Medical Weight Loss offerings, we have a proven program with dosages that differ from a traditional weight loss center. At Huemn, you’ll experience less side effects, more 1:1 support, and regular Body Composition Scans that allow you to track your progress with precision.
Side Effect Profile: What You Can Expect
Both medications have a similar side effect profile, which includes a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. These may include nausea, constipation, or heartburn/indigestion. As stated above, Huemn has a unique approach to Medical Weight Loss, and our dosing schedule yields far fewer side effects than other weight loss providers. The majority of our clients experience minimal side effects, with most resolving after the first two weeks of therapy.
Due to its dual action, Tirzepatide may present a different intensity or frequency of side effects, which is an important consideration for treatment choice.
That being said, there are a myriad of ways to minimize side effects while on Semaglutide or Tirzepatide injections. At Huemn, we coach you through your weight loss journey, which includes working through side effects and troubleshooting any concerns that you may have. With solutions like Magnesium, added electrolyte intake, or simple nutritional advising, we prioritize your success in our program from start to finish.
Embracing the Change in Medical Weight Loss
Our inclusion of Tirzepatide does not render Semaglutide obsolete. The fact of the matter is that both of these injections are both fantastic options for those looking to lose weight and optimize their health. They are both supported by compelling research, countless safety studies, and transformative client testimonials.
By providing our clients with additional options, we are giving the Houston community the power of choice. Whether you are looking for a tried and true option in Semaglutide or want to explore the potential enhanced benefits of Tirzepatide, we are here to support you.
For more information on our weight loss programs or to schedule a consultation, fill out the form below, or visit one of our locations in Houston, TX. We offer Medical Weight Loss services in both Vintage Park and The Heights, so once you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here for you.