A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that tirzepatide, marketed as Zepbound, may be more effective for weight loss than semaglutide, known as Ozempic or Wegovy. The research compared the two drugs directly in people with obesity but without type 2 diabetes.
In the trial, 751 participants took the highest tolerated dose of either tirzepatide or semaglutide once a week for 72 weeks. By the end of the study, those on tirzepatide lost an average of 50 pounds, or about 20.2 percent of their body weight. Meanwhile, those taking semaglutide lost around 33 pounds, or 13.7 percent of their body weight. Participants using tirzepatide also saw greater reductions in waist circumference.
The study’s authors concluded that tirzepatide outperformed semaglutide in reducing both body weight and waist size over the 72-week period. It’s worth noting, however, that the study was funded by Eli Lilly, the company that manufactures Zepbound.
Medical experts are not surprised by the results. Dr. Mir Ali, medical director at MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center in Fountain Valley, California, explained that Zepbound works on two receptors, GLP-1 and GIP, which suppress appetite and slow digestion. Semaglutide acts only on the GLP-1 receptor. Because Zepbound targets more receptors, it likely has a stronger effect on reducing appetite and promoting weight loss.
Zepbound, made by Eli Lilly, requires a prescription and can be filled at local pharmacies or ordered through LillyDirect, a self-pay pharmacy launched by Eli Lilly. Semaglutide, on the other hand, is produced by Novo Nordisk.
Both medications have similar side effects, primarily gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach discomfort, and injection site reactions. Most side effects tend to be mild to moderate and often occur during dose escalation, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Dr. Ali advises that weight-loss drugs like Zepbound and semaglutide are intended for individuals with obesity or those close to obesity who also have other health issues like high blood pressure. He warns that these medications are not suitable for people who simply want to lose a few pounds and recommends consulting a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
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