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.
Active Ingredient: Semaglutide
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Route | FDA-Approved Use | FDA Approval Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Novo Nordisk | Injectable (weekly) | Type 2 diabetes; Cardiovascular risk reduction | 2017 |
| Wegovy | Novo Nordisk | Injectable (weekly) | Chronic weight management | 2021 |
| Rybelsus | Novo Nordisk | Oral (daily tablet) | Type 2 diabetes | 2019 |
Active Ingredient: Tirzepatide
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Route | FDA-Approved Use | FDA Approval Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro | Eli Lilly | Injectable (weekly) | Type 2 diabetes | 2022 |
| Zepbound | Eli Lilly | Injectable (weekly) | Chronic weight management | 2023 |
Throughout this article, any reference to Tirzepatide for weight loss refers to Zepbound. Mentions of Tirzepatide for blood sugar control refer to Mounjaro.
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 may lead to greater weight loss in some patients. Clinical studies report greater average weight loss with tirzepatide versus semaglutide in clinical settings. However, individual responses vary, and treatment choice should be based on medical history, tolerability, and provider guidance.
Interestingly, research suggests that switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide might offer even greater benefits for shedding pounds.
Tirzepatide vs semaglutide dosage chart
Semaglutide and tirzepatide both fall under GLP-1-based medications, but they aren’t the same—and their dosages vary widely. As noted earlier, tirzepatide works as a dual agonist (GLP-1 and GIP), while semaglutide targets only the GLP-1 receptor. This key difference means you can’t directly compare their dosing.
Healthcare providers customize each dosage based on your treatment goals, tolerance, and medical history. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose based on your medical history, response, and treatment goals.
That said, you can still compare their general starting and maintenance doses. Just make sure to consult your healthcare provider to find the right dose and adjust it 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.
Starting Dose for
|
Dosage Increase for
|
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).
Starting Dose for
|
Dosage Increase for
|
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.
Sources
- PubMed: Efficacy of tirzepatide 5, 10 and 15 mg versus semaglutide 2 mg in patients with type 2 diabetes: An adjusted indirect treatment comparison
- Healthline: How Do Tirzepatide and Semaglutide Compare for Weight Loss?
- Eli Lilly: Your weekly Zepbound routine
- Novo Nordisk: Wegovy Dosing Schedule
- The New England Journal of Medicine: Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity
- FDA Label: OZEMPIC (Semaglutide Injection) Medication Guide
- FDA Label: WEGOVY (Semaglutide Injection) Medication Guide
- FDA Label: RYBELSUS (Oral Semaglutide) Medication Guide
- FDA Label: MOUNJARO (Tirzepatide Injection) Medication Guide
- FDA Label: ZEPBOUND (Tirzepatide Injection) Medication Guide
Important Medical Information and Disclaimers
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in two FDA-approved prescription medications: Ozempic, approved for improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy, approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related medical condition. Although both medications contain semaglutide, they are approved for different uses and have different dosing schedules. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment plan.
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS VARY
Outcomes with semaglutide treatment vary from person to person. Clinical trial data may not reflect typical real-world experiences. A variety of factors can affect your results, including medication adherence, lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise, metabolic differences, other health conditions, and concurrent medications. No specific result is guaranteed.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Common side effects of semaglutide may include: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Stomach pain, Decreased appetite, Indigestion, Belching or gas, Injection site reactions
These side effects are often mild and may lessen over time. Always inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are currently taking before starting semaglutide. Ongoing monitoring is recommended during treatment.
WARNING: Semaglutide has a boxed warning about the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Do not use this medication if you or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
FDA ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Adverse events may also be reported directly to the manufacturer.
