Switching from Semaglutide to Tirzepatide for Weight Loss:
Your Roadmap to a Smooth Transition
Semaglutide is one of the most impressive weight-loss breakthroughs of the century. The injectable medication falls into a category called “GLP-1 agonists.” GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) agonists mimic the effects of natural hormones produced within the gut. The body pumps out these hormones (or incretins) in response to food consumption. Incretins trigger insulin secretion, decrease gastric emptying rate, and reduce glucose production. Semaglutide is arguably the most recognized name in the weight-loss injection industry. However, tirzepatide is also gaining increased attention.
Just like semaglutide, tirzepatide fits into the GLP-1 agonist category. But it’s also classified as a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) agonist. This second classification makes tirzepatide even more effective for weight loss than semaglutide. If you’re currently taking semaglutide and not getting the results you want, it may be worth switching medications. Just make sure you get your provider’s approval first. Here’s what to know about switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide as smoothly as possible.
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How GLP-1 and GIP Agonists Work
Semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists suppress the appetite, reduce cravings, and help you feel full longer. All of these effects lead to reduced caloric intake. Eating fewer calories often results in steady weight loss.
GIP agonists like tirzepatide come with additional weight management benefits. They enhance satiation and offer additional appetite suppression benefits. They’re more effective than GLP-1 agonists alone at lowering glucose levels and boosting glycemic control. They also improve bone density and reduce fat accumulation. These additional benefits suggest tirzepatide may be more effective for weight loss.
A 68-week study showed that patients who received once-weekly semaglutide injections experienced an average weight loss of 15%.1 A similar, 72-week study of patients who received one-weekly tirzepatide injections showed an average weight loss of 21%.2 The differences in weight loss percentages suggest tirzepatide may be a more effective weight-loss aid. Additional studies directly comparing the two medications are currently underway. However, the results aren’t available yet.
Can I Switch From Semaglutide to Tirzepatide?
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide offer impressive weight-loss benefits for most people. However, some may want to switch from one to the other for a few reasons. Sometimes, patients wishing to accelerate their results may switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide.
In other instances, patients with unwanted side effects from one medication may feel better after transitioning to another. Switching to tirzepatide may also be helpful for those who reach a weight loss plateau on semaglutide.
If you want to switch medications, it’s important to only do so with the approval and guidance of a professional. The dosages for semaglutide and tirzepatide are different. Therefore, you’ll need to receive professional dosing instructions when making the switch. Failing to do so could result in potentially severe side effects.
What Are the Differences Between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?
Before switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide, learn what makes each medication unique. Overall, they’re both highly effective for losing excess pounds and managing your ideal weight. Here are some similarities and differences between the two leading weight-loss injectables:
Function
Semaglutide functions as a GLP-1 agonist and reduces gastric emptying (the rate at which your stomach empties), suppresses appetite, and regulates blood sugar levels. It also helps control HbA1c levels, which makes it a frequently prescribed option for people with type 2 diabetes or others who want to control their blood sugar levels.
Tirzepatide is a dual agonist that functions as both a GLP-1 and GIP agonist. As such, it offers slightly enhanced weight-loss and glucose-control benefits compared to semaglutide.
Dosing
Dosing is an important factor to consider when switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide. Most semaglutide and tirzepatide medications for weight loss require weekly injections, typically administered in the abdomen. However, the dosing amounts vary between the two. Semaglutide injections almost always start with a low weekly dose of just 0.25 mg. Gradually, your provider increases the dose to 2.4 mg per week, depending on your body tolerance and weight goals.
Tirzepatide injections typically start with a higher weekly dosage of 5 mg. Over time, your provider may increase your dose to as much as 20 mg per week. You’ll receive regular checkups to ensure your body responds well to the medication. If necessary, your provider may adjust your dosage so you can remain comfortable while losing weight.
Side Effects
Semaglutide and tirzepatide share a similar list of possible side effects. They include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Acid reflux
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating or gas
- Temporary localized injection site reactions
- Dizziness
Only some people experience these side effects. Those who do often only deal with them for the first two weeks of injections. After that, the body tends to become accustomed to the medication. People switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide may experience a recurrence of some side effects. This is because tirzepatide dosages are higher than semaglutide dosages. However, your provider should be able to ease you into the transition to minimize any unwanted symptoms.
Besides the previously mentioned side effects, semaglutide and tirzepatide both share a black box warning for the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. It’s important to note that this warning is solely based on findings in mice and rats. There is no evidence to show these drugs increase the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors in humans.
Cardiovascular Health Benefits
Beyond the cardiovascular benefits achieved by improved weight management, research suggests that tirzepatide and semaglutide may offer additional cardiovascular benefits. These two drugs may reduce the likelihood of major adverse cardiovascular events in at-risk people.3,4
Contraindications
People with a family or personal history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) shouldn’t take semaglutide or tirzepatide. You should also avoid this medication if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Finally, anyone with a known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or tirzepatide should not receive these medications.
FDA-Approval
Before switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide, learn more about each medication’s FDA-approved uses. The FDA doesn’t issue approvals for every medication containing semaglutide or tirzepatide. Instead, it approves certain formulations for specific purposes. For example, some semaglutide formulas are FDA-approved for:
- Type 2 diabetes symptom management
- Chronic weight management
- Risk reduction of major cardiovascular events in adults with obesity and cardiovascular disease
Some tirzepatide formulas are FDA-approved for:
- Management of type 2 diabetes symptoms
- Chronic weight management
Don’t try to select a semaglutide or tirzepatide formula for weight loss on your own. Instead, consult with a skilled provider. They may prescribe a product specifically formulated for weight loss. Or, they may suggest using a type 2 diabetes formula off-label for weight reduction. Either way, you’ll likely experience amazing results over time.
Manufacturer
Knowing who manufactures each formula is helpful when switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide. Novo Nordisk makes top-name semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. The pharmaceutical giant maintains offices and production facilities around the world, but its headquarters are located in Denmark.
Eli Lilly and Co. is an American pharmaceutical company that makes Zepbound and Mounjaro, two of the top-selling tirzepatide medications currently on the market. Like Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and Co. has offices worldwide, but it’s headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Typical Patient Profiles
Semaglutide is ideal for anyone seeking reliable and efficient weight loss. It’s particularly helpful for anyone who can’t drop weight despite living a relatively healthy lifestyle. Many patients with comorbid type 2 diabetes take semaglutide. The medication often delivers exceptional improvements in both weight and glycemic control.
Tirzepatide is also well-suited for anyone who’s tried and failed to lose weight using conventional methods. Its dual agonistic action may offer superior results for patients who can’t seem to lose weight with GLP-1 receptors alone.
How to Keep the Pounds Off After Weight Loss Injections
You’re in good company if you’re switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide to boost your weight loss results. Many people switch when they realize doing so could improve their treatment outcomes. But remember that no medication is a stand-alone cure for excess weight. The lifestyle choices you make can either augment or hamper your results.
If you’re serious about keeping the weight off after tirzepatide injections, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. That means consuming nutritious foods and avoiding high-calorie, nutrient-deficient options. You should also exercise most days a week and get sufficient sleep for your body’s recovery needs. These choices will make it easier to maintain your weight even after coming off GLP-1 or GIP agonist medications.
Augment Your Weight Loss by Switching from Semaglutide to Tirzepatide
There’s no magic cure for excess weight, but semaglutide and tirzepatide are close. These medications have helped countless people finally achieve healthier, slimmer physiques. We have no doubt they can do the same for you. No one should have to adopt extreme dieting and exercise practices to shed a few pounds. That’s why we recommend highly effective semaglutide or tirzepatide injections. Call Slim by TRYM at 774-252-8239 to schedule your convenient consultation and learn how to reignite your weight loss results.
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Dr. Lowney & his entire staff truly make you feel like family!!! So warm and loving. The results are truly life-changing, and there is nothing better than loving the way you look!!! He lives up to his name, he honestly is & forever will be Dr. “Feel Good” ❤️ his work speaks for itself. All around amazing
Love Dr. Lowney and his wonderful staff! Had the best experience, and I will definitely be a lifelong client. After spending many years in the gym, Dr. Lowney gave me the results that I was working so hard for.
Dr. Lowney is the best. The staff is also very nice and helpful. I am very happy with my results, and I highly recommend them!!
Dr. Lowney and his team are amazing, super attentive. A great space where I was very well attended, I recommend it.
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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.*
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Sources:
1. With the power of Wegovy®, patients achieved significant weight loss that started early. Novomedlink.com
2. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine (nejm.org).
3. Effects of semaglutide on risk of cardiovascular events across a continuum of cardiovascular risk: combined post hoc analysis of the SUSTAIN and PIONEER trials – Cardiovascular Diabetology.
4. Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide cuts heart failure risks, company says NBC News (nbcnews.com).
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