Medications
6 min read
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Which Should You Choose?
If you are exploring medical weight loss options, you have likely encountered the two most popular treatments available today: semaglutide and tirzepatide. Both are highly effective, once-weekly injectable medications that have transformed the landscape of obesity treatment.
But what is the actual difference between the two? And more importantly, which one is the right choice for your specific weight loss goals?
At Fig, we prescribe compounded versions of both medications. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the science, the clinical differences, and the costs to help you make an informed decision.
The Science: How They Work
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide belong to a class of medications known as incretin mimetics, but they operate slightly differently in the body.
Semaglutide (The Single Agonist)
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone that your body naturally produces after eating. By targeting GLP-1 receptors in the brain, semaglutide effectively reduces appetite, controls hunger cravings, and slows down gastric emptying so you feel fuller for longer.
Tirzepatide (The Dual Agonist)
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics two naturally occurring hormones: GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). By acting on two different appetite-regulating pathways simultaneously, tirzepatide often provides a more pronounced synergistic effect on appetite control and metabolic regulation.
Clinical Differences: Weight Loss Results
While both medications are highly effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and lifestyle changes, clinical data suggests a difference in the magnitude of weight loss.
Semaglutide: In clinical trials for the brand-name equivalent, patients generally experienced substantial and steady weight loss, often averaging around 15% of their total body weight over a year.
Tirzepatide: Because of its dual-agonist mechanism, clinical trials for the brand-name equivalent have shown that patients often achieve even greater weight loss, sometimes averaging 20% or more of their total body weight.
The Takeaway: Tirzepatide is generally considered the more potent of the two medications for total weight loss, though semaglutide remains highly effective for the majority of patients.
Side Effects and Tolerability
Because both medications work by slowing gastric emptying and altering appetite signals, their side effect profiles are very similar.
Common side effects for both include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Upset stomach
These side effects are typically mild to moderate and are most common when first starting the medication or when increasing the dose.
Interestingly, despite being a more potent medication, some clinical data and patient reports suggest that tirzepatide may be slightly better tolerated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to semaglutide, though individual responses vary widely.
Pricing: The Cost Difference at Fig
Cost is often the deciding factor for many patients. Because tirzepatide is a newer, dual-action molecule, it is generally more expensive to produce than semaglutide.
At Fig, we offer transparent, all-inclusive pricing for compounded versions of both medications, with zero membership fees.
Compounded Semaglutide: Starts at $145/month (on a 6-month plan). This is the most cost-effective option and is an excellent starting point for most patients.
Compounded Tirzepatide: Starts at $258/month (on a 6-month plan). While more expensive, it is often chosen by patients seeking maximum potential weight loss or those who have plateaued on semaglutide.
Which Should You Choose?
The decision between compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide ultimately depends on your budget, your weight loss goals, and your medical history.
Choose Compounded Semaglutide if:
You are looking for the most affordable entry point into medical weight loss.
You want a highly proven, effective medication to help control cravings.
You are comfortable with steady, gradual weight loss.
Choose Compounded Tirzepatide if:
You have a higher budget for your treatment.
You are seeking the most potent medication available for maximum weight loss.
You have previously tried semaglutide and experienced a prolonged weight loss plateau.
Start Your Journey with Fig
Whichever medication you choose, Fig makes the process simple, secure, and affordable. Our board-certified U.S. physicians will review your medical history to ensure the medication you select is clinically appropriate for you.
Take the free online assessment at Fig today to get your personalized treatment plan, upfront pricing, and free discreet shipping.
Medical Disclaimer: Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Fig does not guarantee weight loss results. Individual outcomes vary. Treatment is only prescribed when a licensed provider determines it is clinically appropriate.