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    Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide

    Independent, side-by-side comparison of Tirzepatide and Semaglutide: mechanism, half-life, dose range, safety profile, and live vendor pricing. Updated continuously as new research and listings land.

    Tirzepatide from $49.00
    Semaglutide from $39.00

    Live price snapshot

    Tirzepatide

    Current low
    $199.00
    as of Apr 22, 2026
    7-day low
    no 7d data yet
    30-day low
    no 30d data yet
    30-day change
    baseline building

    Semaglutide

    Current low
    $99.00
    as of Apr 22, 2026
    7-day low
    no 7d data yet
    30-day low
    no 30d data yet
    30-day change
    baseline building

    Tirzepatide

    Featured

    Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist with a molecular weight of 4813.45 Da and CAS number 2023788-19-2. It is a 39-amino-acid…

    Live lowest price: $49.00 across 18 vendors

    Full Tirzepatide profile

    Semaglutide

    Featured

    Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) with a molecular weight of 4113.58 Da and CAS number 910463-68-2. It is a 31-amino-acid peptide analog of human GLP-1(7-37) with two key structural…

    Live lowest price: $39.00 across 13 vendors

    Full Semaglutide profile

    Side-by-side comparison

    Attribute Tirzepatide Semaglutide
    Category Metabolic & Weight Loss Metabolic & Weight Loss
    Research Stage FDA Approved FDA Approved
    Mechanism of Action Dual GLP-1 and GIP Receptor Agonism Tirzepatide simultaneously activates two incretin receptors: the GLP-1 receptor and the GIP receptor. While the GLP-1 receptor component provides the well-established effects of GLP-1 agonism (glucose-dependent insulin… GLP-1 Receptor Agonism and cAMP Signaling Semaglutide binds to the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a class B G-protein coupled receptor expressed on pancreatic beta cells, hypothalamic neurons, gastric smooth muscle, cardiac myocytes, and other tissues. Upon binding,…
    Half-Life ~5 days (approximately 120 hours), enabled by C20 fatty diacid albumin-binding modification ~7 days (168 hours), enabled by C18 fatty diacid albumin-binding modification
    Typical Dose Range 2500 mcg (2.5 mg) starting dose, titrated every 4 weeks through 5000, 7500, 10000, 12500, to 15000 mcg (15 mg) maximum weekly dose Diabetes (Ozempic): 250-1000 mcg weekly; Weight management (Wegovy): 2400 mcg weekly (after 16-week titration); Oral (Rybelsus): 3-14 mg daily
    Dosing Frequency Once weekly subcutaneous injection Once weekly subcutaneous injection
    Administration Subcutaneous (weekly) Subcutaneous (weekly), Oral (daily)
    Side Effects Mild to moderate nausea (especially at initiation), headache, fatigue, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal distension. Injection site reactions. Rare: hypoglycemia, increased heart rate, pancreatitis. Nausea (especially at initiation — dose-dependent), vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite (therapeutic effect), headache, fatigue, dizziness. Rare: pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, thyroid C-cell tumors (rodent studies).…
    Molecular Weight 4813.5 Da 4113.6 Da
    Common Vial Sizes 5mg, 10mg, 15mg 3mg, 5mg, 10mg

    Price History

    4 data points
    • OF
    • BM
    • Nova Peptides
    • VANDL Labs
    • Ion Peptide

    Price History

    5 data points
    • OF
    • Nova Peptides
    • VANDL Labs
    • LB
    • Ion Peptide

    Tirzepatide — potential benefits

    • Mean body weight reduction of 22.5% at 72 weeks — highest of any anti-obesity medication (PMID: 35658024)
    • 36.2% of participants achieved greater than or equal to 25% body weight loss (PMID: 35658024)
    • Significant HbA1c reduction in type 2 diabetes (up to 2.58% from baseline) (PMID: 36519860)
    • Potentially superior lean mass preservation versus GLP-1-only agents due to GIP component
    • Dual incretin mechanism providing complementary metabolic benefits
    • Improved lipid profiles including triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol
    • Reduction in waist circumference and markers of visceral adiposity (PMID: 37840095)

    Semaglutide — potential benefits

    • Mean body weight reduction of 14.9% at 68 weeks in STEP 1 trial (PMID: 33567185)
    • Sustained weight loss of ~15% maintained through 104 weeks in STEP 5 (PMID: 34170647)
    • 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in SELECT trial (PMID: 37351564)
    • HbA1c reduction of 1.5-1.8% in type 2 diabetes
    • Reduction in systemic inflammation (hs-CRP reduced ~37% in SELECT)
    • Available in both subcutaneous (weekly) and oral (daily) formulations
    • Improved cardiometabolic risk factors including blood pressure and lipid profile
    In-depth comparison

    Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: the long answer

    Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) is a dual GIP + GLP-1 agonist; semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) is a single GLP-1 agonist. Head-to-head in SURMOUNT-1 vs STEP-1, tirzepatide at 15 mg produced 22.5% body-weight loss at 72 weeks vs semaglutide's 14.9% at 68 weeks at 2.4 mg. Tirzepatide wins on raw weight loss and HbA1c reduction; semaglutide has the longer post-market record (FDA-approved 2017 for T2D, 2021 for obesity) and is the cheaper compounded option where available.

    Last reviewed: May 17, 2026

    Mechanism — one receptor vs two

    Semaglutide binds only the GLP-1 receptor: it slows gastric emptying, increases satiety signaling, and improves insulin sensitivity. Tirzepatide hits GLP-1 plus GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). GIP amplifies the GLP-1 effect and adds direct adipose-tissue signaling — that's why tirzepatide users typically lose more fat at a given dose. Both are once-weekly subQ injections.

    • Semaglutide: Single agonist (GLP-1)
    • Tirzepatide: Dual agonist (GIP + GLP-1)
    • Why dual is stronger: GIP receptor activation potentiates GLP-1 satiety signaling and adds adipose-specific lipolytic effects — meaningful at the 10-15 mg/wk doses used in obesity trials.

    Trial readouts — head-to-head data

    SURMOUNT-1 (tirzepatide, NEJM 2022, 2,539 adults): 15.0%, 19.5%, 22.5% body-weight loss at 5, 10, 15 mg through 72 weeks. STEP-1 (semaglutide, NEJM 2021, 1,961 adults): 14.9% at 2.4 mg through 68 weeks. Direct head-to-head SURMOUNT-5 (NEJM 2025) compared tirzepatide max-tolerated vs semaglutide max-tolerated: tirzepatide users lost 20.2% vs semaglutide's 13.7% at 72 weeks — same study, same protocol, tirzepatide wins by ~6.5 percentage points.

    • Tirzepatide @ 15 mg (72 wk): 22.5% (SURMOUNT-1)
    • Semaglutide @ 2.4 mg (68 wk): 14.9% (STEP-1)
    • Head-to-head (SURMOUNT-5): 20.2% vs 13.7% at 72 weeks — tirzepatide wins by 6.5 pp at max-tolerated doses

    Dosing — escalation schedules

    Both require slow titration to manage nausea. Tirzepatide starts at 2.5 mg weekly, escalates by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks to maintenance 5-15 mg. Semaglutide for obesity starts 0.25 mg, escalates 0.25 → 0.5 → 1.0 → 1.7 → 2.4 mg every 4 weeks. For T2D-only indication, semaglutide caps at 1.0 mg weekly (Ozempic dosing). The 2.4 mg obesity dose (Wegovy) is what produces the published weight-loss numbers — not the 1.0 mg Ozempic dose.

    • Tirzepatide titration: 2.5 → 5 → 7.5 → 10 → 12.5 → 15 mg, +1 step every 4 weeks
    • Semaglutide titration (obesity): 0.25 → 0.5 → 1.0 → 1.7 → 2.4 mg, +1 step every 4 weeks
    • Ozempic vs Wegovy: Same molecule, different doses. Ozempic caps at 1.0 mg (T2D), Wegovy goes to 2.4 mg (obesity). The weight-loss data is at 2.4 mg.

    Safety — GI dominates both

    GI side effects are near-identical and class-wide: nausea (40-50%), vomiting (15-25%), diarrhea (15-30%), constipation (10-20%). Both share the thyroid C-cell tumor boxed warning (rodent finding, no confirmed human signal). Semaglutide has the longer post-market record — FDA-approved 2017 for T2D, 2021 for obesity. Tirzepatide approved May 2022 for T2D, Nov 2023 for obesity. Both have published gallbladder disease + pancreatitis warnings; absolute risk is low (~0.1-0.3% in trials) but cluster around rapid weight loss in either drug.

    • Shared GI profile: Nausea ~45%, vomiting ~20%, diarrhea/constipation ~25% combined
    • Tirzepatide head-to-head GI: In SURMOUNT-5, GI discontinuation rate was higher on tirzepatide (~6%) vs semaglutide (~4%)
    • Shared boxed warning: Thyroid C-cell tumor risk — contraindicated in MEN-2 or personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma

    Cost — pharmacy vs compounded vs research-use

    US retail: Mounjaro/Zepbound ~$1,000-1,200/month; Ozempic ~$900/month, Wegovy ~$1,300/month. Insurance coverage is mixed for obesity indication, broadly covered for T2D. Compounded semaglutide ran $200-400/month before FDA enforcement actions in late 2024 mostly shut that down; compounded tirzepatide similar trajectory. Research-use semaglutide is ~$0.30-0.80/mg via tracked vendors. Research-use tirzepatide $0.50-1.20/mg. Per kg lost at trial doses, tirzepatide is usually cheaper because the efficacy/dose ratio is higher.

    • Tirzepatide retail: $1,000-1,200/month US pharmacy
    • Semaglutide retail: $900-1,300/month US pharmacy (Ozempic cheaper, Wegovy 2.4mg dose pricier)
    • Live prices: Both track live on /compound/tirzepatide and /compound/semaglutide

    Who chooses which

    Choose tirzepatide for the steeper weight-loss curve and the better HbA1c numbers — if you can get it covered or afford it. Choose semaglutide if you want the longer safety record, the prescriber's-comfort-zone first-line choice, or the cheaper compounded option (where still available). For severe obesity (BMI 35+), the absolute weight-loss difference matters more, favoring tirzepatide. For mild-to-moderate obesity or T2D-only indication, semaglutide's track record and price often win.

    • Choose tirzepatide if: Goal is max weight loss, you have insurance leverage or budget, BMI 35+
    • Choose semaglutide if: Want the longer safety record, cheaper compounded option, T2D as primary indication

    Frequently asked

    What's the difference between Tirzepatide and Semaglutide?

    Tirzepatide is a metabolic & weight loss that dual glp-1 and gip receptor agonism tirzepatide simultaneously activates two incretin receptors: the glp-1 receptor and the gip receptor. while the glp-1 receptor component…. Semaglutide is a metabolic & weight loss that glp-1 receptor agonism and camp signaling semaglutide binds to the glp-1 receptor (glp-1r), a class b g-protein coupled receptor expressed on pancreatic beta cells, hypothalamic…. The two differ in mechanism, half-life (~5 days (approximately 120 hours), enabled by C20 fatty diacid albumin-binding modification vs ~7 days (168 hours), enabled by C18 fatty diacid albumin-binding modification), and typical dose range.

    Which has the longer half-life, Tirzepatide or Semaglutide?

    Tirzepatide has a half-life of ~5 days (approximately 120 hours), enabled by C20 fatty diacid albumin-binding modification. Semaglutide has a half-life of ~7 days (168 hours), enabled by C18 fatty diacid albumin-binding modification. Longer half-lives generally mean less frequent dosing but slower on/off kinetics.

    Which is cheaper, Tirzepatide or Semaglutide?

    Current lowest live price on BodyHackGuide: Tirzepatide from $49.00, Semaglutide from $39.00. Prices are pulled from the vendor listings tracked on BHG and change frequently — see the compare tables on each compound page for the current set of offers.

    Can you stack Tirzepatide and Semaglutide?

    Stacking depends on mechanism overlap, safety profile, and goals. Tirzepatide and Semaglutide should only be stacked after reviewing each compound's individual protocol page, side effect profile, and any published interaction data. Use the BodyHackGuide stack builder for a structured review before combining research compounds.

    Is tirzepatide stronger than semaglutide?

    Yes, in head-to-head data. SURMOUNT-5 directly compared tirzepatide max-tolerated to semaglutide max-tolerated over 72 weeks: 20.2% body-weight loss on tirzepatide vs 13.7% on semaglutide. The dual GIP + GLP-1 mechanism beats the single GLP-1 mechanism on raw weight-loss output at every published dose pair.

    Can you switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide?

    Yes — most users transition by holding the last semaglutide dose, waiting 1-2 weeks, then starting tirzepatide at 2.5 mg weekly and escalating from there. Direct dose-matching doesn't work cleanly because the receptor profiles differ. Expect ~2-3 weeks of mild GI re-flare during the transition. Weight loss typically resumes within 4-6 weeks of starting tirzepatide.

    What's the difference between Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro/Zepbound?

    Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutide — Ozempic is the T2D brand (caps at 1.0 mg/wk), Wegovy is the obesity brand (goes to 2.4 mg/wk). Mounjaro and Zepbound are both tirzepatide — Mounjaro for T2D, Zepbound for obesity, both dose-identical up to 15 mg/wk. Insurance often only covers the T2D brands; obesity brands require coverage that includes anti-obesity medication or out-of-pocket.

    Which has fewer side effects, tirzepatide or semaglutide?

    Slight edge to semaglutide for fewer GI side effects in head-to-head data. In SURMOUNT-5, the GI-related discontinuation rate was ~6% on tirzepatide vs ~4% on semaglutide. Both have near-identical front-end nausea (40-50%) and vomiting (15-25%) profiles — tirzepatide's slightly higher discontinuation is likely tied to the higher weight-loss intensity rather than a unique mechanism.

    Can you stack tirzepatide and semaglutide?

    No. Both fully saturate the GLP-1 receptor. Combining them doubles the side effect burden with no additive efficacy. If you're on semaglutide and want more weight loss, switch to tirzepatide — don't stack. For triple-agonist coverage, retatrutide (Phase 3) adds the glucagon arm that neither of these has.

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