Tirzepatide and Semaglutide: Learn About These New Weapons in the Weight Loss Battle

If you’ve been hearing a lot about weight loss medications, like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Zepbound®, you aren’t alone. These drugs, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, mimic a hormone called GLP-1 that helps manage blood sugar and regulate feelings of hunger.

These two effects suppress appetite and reduce common cravings, which can make it easier to lose weight and maintain results over time. And while all of these medications work similarly, they use different compounds, such as tirzepatide and semaglutide, to support lasting progress.

At OG Health in Greenwood Village, Colorado, concierge medicine physician Oswaldo "Ozzie" A. Grenardo, MD, MBA, MSHA, FAAFP, often prescribes GLP-1s to help patients achieve their wellness goals. Read on to learn how they vary, how they work, and who they’re for.

What are tirzepatide and semaglutide?

Tirzepatide and semaglutide are two of the most common medications used for weight loss that work by targeting GLP-1 receptors. Although similar, each medication has unique features that affect how they work:

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is used in the brand-name medications Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (weight loss). It’s a GLP-1 that helps moderate blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, and slow gastric emptying (how quickly your stomach digests food).

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is used in the brand-name medications Mounjaro® (diabetes) and Zepbound (weight loss). It’s a dual-acting medication that targets both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptides (GIP) receptors, which together help regulate blood sugar and appetite. This combination may lead to even stronger results.

Both medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and taken as weekly injections.

Who is tirzepatide or semaglutide for?

You may be a candidate for GLP-1 medication if you meet certain criteria. These criteria include:

Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
Having a BMI of 27 or higher and a weight-related medical condition, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), or sleep apnea
Having realistic expectations, such as understanding that the medication won’t change your life overnight
Being willing to commit to healthy lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and eating a healthy diet

Many people who meet these criteria qualify for GLP-1 treatment. However, if you’ve been diagnosed with an underlying medical condition, like gallbladder disease or pancreatitis, we may recommend another option, since these drugs can sometimes make those issues worse.

After reviewing your medical history, discussing your goals, and completing a physical exam and lab testing, Dr. Ozzie makes personalized treatment recommendations.

Risks and considerations

Even though many people benefit from using tirzepatide and semaglutide, some may experience side effects. These include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Decreased appetite

These side effects are typically worse in the first few days and weeks after beginning treatment. However, they often decrease over time, and most people are able to continue treatment without lasting side effects.

More serious side effects, like inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), acute kidney damage, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), are rare but possible. If you experience severe or unusual symptoms after beginning a GLP-1 medication, contact our office right away.

Schedule a GLP-1 consultation if you want to lose weight

GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide and semaglutide offer real hope for people who want to lose weight but struggle to do so with traditional methods.

If you’re committed to healthy eating and regular movement but need additional support, we’re here to help. Contact us by calling our office at 303-625-7976 or booking your appointment online today.