Semaglutide Wegovy / Ozempic Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist (single target) Weight loss: ~15-17% body weight (STEP trials, 68 weeks) Dosing: Weekly injection, titrated from 0.25mg to 2.4mg Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation (typically transient) Availability: Longer track record, more widely available Cardiovascular data: SELECT trial demonstrated 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events Tirzepatide Zepbound / Mounjaro Mechanism: Dual GLP-1 + GIP receptor agonist (two targets) Weight loss: ~20-22% body weight (SURMOUNT trials, 72 weeks) Dosing: Weekly injection, titrated from 2.5mg to 15mg Common side effects: Similar GI profile to semaglutide
Liu H, Zhu X, Guo H, Huang H, Huang S, Huang S, Xue W, Zhu P, Guo R
The study found an association rather than a guaranteed protective effect, and an individuals overall risk depends far more on liver disease, viral hepatitis, alcohol use, metabolic health and family medical history
In the last few years, these medications have become highly popular weight loss medications, which led to a national shortage of Ozempic and Wegovy in 2022
This is also the window where patients often begin to receive comments from people around them about looking different