Finding ways to lose weight is easier now, especially with new weight loss shots like semaglutide and tirzepatide becoming popular. These shots are giving people fresh hope for a healthier life.
Let’s look at what makes semaglutide different from tirzepatide and how you can use this info to help you lose weight.
What are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?
Semaglutide is a drug that helps people with type 2 diabetes and those who want to manage their weight over the long term. It’s approved by the FDA, which means it’s safe to use.
Tirzepatide is also for type 2 diabetes but it’s a bit newer. Doctors sometimes give it to people for weight loss, even though it’s not officially approved for that yet. This is okay and happens quite often with other medicines too.
How do they work?
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide act like keys that fit into special locks in our body to start a reaction. They copy what some of our natural hormones do.
Semaglutide acts like a hormone that your stomach makes when you eat, helping you feel less hungry and control your blood sugar. Tirzepatide does the same, plus it copies another hormone that helps your body use insulin better after you eat. Both of these help you feel full and eat less, which can lead to weight loss.
Do they really help you lose weight?
Yes, they do! Studies show that people who use semaglutide with a healthy diet and exercise can lose about 15% of their body weight in 68 weeks. That’s like someone who weighs 200 pounds losing 30 pounds!
Tirzepatide might be even better. People using it lost about 21% of their body weight in 72 weeks. That’s more than 40 pounds for someone who weighs 200 pounds!
What about side effects?
Like all medicines, these shots can have side effects, usually when you first start taking them or if you increase the dose. That’s why doctors recommend starting with a small dose and slowly going up, so your body can get used to it.
When people take semaglutide or tirzepatide, they often feel:
- Loose stools or hard time going to the bathroom
- Bellyache
- Sick to their stomach
- Like throwing up
Sometimes, these medicines can cause really bad health problems, such as:
- Issues with the gallbladder
- Strong allergies
- Kidneys not working right
- Trouble seeing clearly
- Swelling of the pancreas
- Low blood sugar
If you’re using one of these drugs and something feels really wrong, get help from a doctor right away.
One study found that semaglutide might cause more side effects than tirzepatide. For example, when people took the largest amount of these drugs, 88 out of 100 people had side effects from semaglutide, but only 64 out of 100 had side effects from tirzepatide. The most common problem with both drugs was stomach issues, but most people could handle them. These problems happened more often right after the drug amount was increased.
Lifestyle Changes Help Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Work Better
These two drugs can help you lose weight and form good habits. But to really keep the weight off, you need a good health plan, which includes:
- Eating well: It’s very important to eat mindfully if you want to stay healthy for a long time. Try to eat less sugar and fewer processed foods. Instead, eat more protein, fiber, and good fats. Doing this with your medication can make you healthier.
- Sleeping well: Good sleep helps your body’s metabolism. Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night to help with losing weight.
- Exercising regularly: Exercise is great for your health. Doing things like cardio and lifting weights keeps your heart, lungs, muscles, and bones strong.
- Managing stress: Too much stress isn’t good for you. It can hurt your body and mind, and even change your hormones, which can make you gain weight. Learning how to handle stress can really help.
Weight Loss with EllieMD
EllieMD’s weight loss program is easy to use and private. Here’s what you do:
- Fill out a quick form to see if you can join.
- A doctor will check if you can use the medicine and give you a prescription if you can.
- Get your medicine delivered to your home!
Choosing EllieMD means you get more than just pills. You’ll have a team of health experts ready to help you all the way. Our service lets you talk to a doctor easily whenever you need to.
If you’re looking to start losing weight, find out more here.
