Decision factors: Weight loss goals: Want maximum weight loss and can tolerate side effects: Tirzepatide (Zepbound) shows ~4% greater weight loss than semaglutide on average Want proven cardiovascular benefits: Semaglutide has demonstrated 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events in the SELECT trial Want to try oral option: Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) for diabetes, though weight loss is less than injectable Side effect sensitivity: Some people tolerate one better than the other
GLP-1 vs GLP-2 comes down to one precursor protein and two very different jobs: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) controls appetite, insulin, and satiety, which is why it became the basis for Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, while GLP-2 (glucagon-like peptide-2) grows and repairs the lining of the intestine, which is why its only approved drug, teduglutide, treats short bowel syndrome rather than obesity
They also substantially raise monthly costs
A1C A1C, also known as hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c, is a blood test that measures the average level of blood glucose (sugar) over the past two to three months
FDA-approved medications: Whats the difference and why it matters If youve been on a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication or tried to get one over the past few years, you know it hasnt always been easy
Some researchers prefer a peptide injection pen for more precise dosing at higher volumes