The “rage” in the weight loss field over the last several years has been the introduction of the “GLP” medications, Semaglutide (AKA “Wegovy”, “Ozempic”) and Tirzepatide (AKA “Mounjaro”, “Zepbound”). These medications were originally introduced for diabetes control, as one of their impacts is causing the release of more insulin from the pancreas. However, the other effect is to slow the transit time of food from the stomach into the small intestines after a meal, resulting in less hunger and producing less eating, translating into weight loss.
Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide work by stimulating the “GLP-1 receptors (“Glucagon Like Peptide-1 Receptors) but Tirzepatide additionally stimulates the Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide (“GIP”) receptors. Once again, by stimulating these receptors, more insulin is secreted and the gastric emptying time is delayed.
The side effects of both of these classes of medications are mostly GI in nature:
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
So, which of these medications produces more weight loss? In a 2024 study published in JAMA Internal medicine that included over 18,000 study participants, Tirzepatide patients lost more weight than the Semaglutide patients, but the differences were less than 10%. Side effects were comparable with both medications.
It should be remembered that medications alone will NEVER produce long-term weight control. Behavioral modification is the key feature needed to shed the weight AND keep that weight off.
But, even though Mounjaro may show a bit more weight loss, Ozempic has the much better theme music! Oh, Oh, It’s Magic!
