Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide Dosage for Weight Loss

When it comes to weight loss medications, two names often stand out: semaglutide and tirzepatide. Though you may better recognize their brand names. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are the active ingredients in Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight management.

They’re also used to treat type 2 diabetes in injectables like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide), as well as the oral option, Rybelsus (semaglutide).

If you’ve researched these medications, you might have noticed a significant difference in their dosage recommendations. Understanding these differences is key if you’re deciding which option is right for you or considering switching from one to the other. Let’s explore the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide doses and what that means for your weight loss journey.

How semaglutide and tirzepatide work for weight loss

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide belong to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are designed to help regulate blood sugar and support weight loss.

However, there’s a key difference: semaglutide is a single agonist, while tirzepatide is a dual agonist. This means semaglutide targets only the GLP-1 receptor, whereas tirzepatide activates both the GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors, offering a broader mechanism of action.

These medications work by mimicking natural hormones that help control blood sugar and appetite. By slowing digestion, they help you feel fuller for longer, reducing calorie intake. They also improve how your body responds to insulin, helping to lower blood sugar levels. These effects make both medications highly effective for treating type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss.

When it comes to weight loss, though, tirzepatide has the edge. Studies show that it leads to greater percentage weight loss compared to semaglutide, likely due to its dual mechanism that targets two pathways instead of one.

Interestingly, research suggests that switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide might offer even greater benefits for shedding pounds.

Tirzepatide vs semaglutide dosage chart

While both semaglutide and tirzepatide are GLP-1-based medications, they are not the same, and their dosages differ significantly. As mentioned in the previous section, tirzepatide is a dual agonist (GLP-1 and GIP), whereas semaglutide is a single agonist, meaning their dosing can’t be directly compared.

Dosages for each medication are carefully tailored to individual needs, taking into account factors like treatment goals, tolerance, and medical history. This is why dosage equivalence isn’t straightforward—what works for one person may not be right for another.

That said, we can compare the doses based on starting dose and maintenance dose. Please note that you should always consult your healthcare provider to determine the correct dose and ensure it’s adjusted appropriately as your treatment progresses.

Tirzepatide dosage chart

The tirzepatide dosing schedule is determined by your healthcare provider, but it typically follows the guidelines established by Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of both Mounjaro and Zepbound. The standard schedule involves gradually increasing the dose by 2.5 mg every four weeks or more, depending on how well your body tolerates the medication.

Tirzepatide Starting Dose	Tirzepatide Dosage Increase	Tirzepatide Dose Schedule	New Tirzepatide Dosage
2.5 mg/0.5 mL	+2.5 mg	Week 0 – 4	5 mg/0.5 mL
5 mg/0.5 mL	+2.5 mg	Week 5 – 8	7.5 mg/0.5 mL
7.5 mg/0.5 mL	+2.5 mg	Week 9 – 12	10 mg/0.5 mL
10 mg/0.5 mL	+2.5 mg	Week 13 – 17	12.5 mg/0.5 mL
12.5 mg/0.5 mL	+2.5 mg	Week 18 – 21	15 mg/0.5 mL
15 mg/0.5 mL	N/A	Week 22+	N/A

Semaglutide dosage chart

Similar to tirzepatide, the semaglutide dosing schedule will ultimately be determined by your healthcare provider. The below is the dosing schedule laid out by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. The increases between doses are not as standard as they are for tirzepatide.

Please note the chart is only for the injectable medications (Ozempic and Wegovy).

Semaglutide Starting Dose	Semaglutide Dosage Increase	Semaglutide Dose Schedule	New Semaglutide Dosage
0.25 mg	+0.25 mg	Week 0 – 4	0.5 mg
0.5 mg	+0.5 mg	Week 5 – 8	1 mg
1 mg	+0.7 mg	Week 9 – 12	1.7 mg
1.7 mg	+0.7 mg	Week 13 – 17	2.4 mg
2.4 mg	N/A	Week 18+	N/A

Semaglutide to tirzepatide dose conversion chart

Switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide can be a bit tricky because there is no direct semaglutide to tirzepatide dose conversion. This comparison chart is designed to provide a general idea of how the dosages compare, but it’s important to remember that your healthcare provider will tailor your dosing to your specific needs.

Always follow their recommendations to ensure a safe and effective transition.

Dose Type	Semaglutide Dosage	Tirzepatide Dosage
Starting Dose	0.25 mg	2.5 mg
Titration Dose*	0.5 mg	5 mg
Titration Dose	1 mg	7.5 mg
Titration Dose*	1.7 mg	10 mg
Maintenance Dose*	2.4 mg	12.5 mg
Maintenance Dose	N/A	15 mg

* For tirzepatide, the maintenance dose is determined by results. If a patient achieves desired results at a lower dose, the provider may choose to maintain that dose rather than escalating further. So, for tirzepatide, the 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg doses are considered maintenance doses.

Risks of switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide dosage without proper guidance

Switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide requires careful planning and should always be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider. These are different medications, and your body may react differently to each, even though they have similar purposes and mechanisms of action.

It’s unlikely that your provider will simply start you at the semaglutide or tirzepatide “equivalent” dose because no true equivalence exists. Instead, they will likely recommend a gradual transition, often involving:

Slowly tapering off semaglutide to minimize side effects.
Starting tirzepatide at a lower dose and gradually increasing it (titration).

Typically, tirzepatide is started one week after your last semaglutide dose. However, depending on your individual response, your provider may take a more cautious approach. This will allow for a longer adjustment period to avoid adverse effects like nausea or other gastrointestinal issues.

To ensure a smooth and safe transition, always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

Expert guidance on switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide dosage

Switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide should never be done without the guidance of a healthcare provider. These medications, while similar in purpose, work differently in the body, and making the transition without expert oversight could lead to unwanted side effects or diminished results.

Heally can connect you with expert healthcare providers who will help create a tailored plan to ensure a smooth and effective transition. They’ll work with you to adjust dosages and monitor your progress every step of the way.

To get started, register with Heally today and schedule a consultation to discuss your options and receive personalized care.