If you are comparing compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide for weight loss, you are asking the same question millions of people type into Google every month. Both are injectable medications taken once a week, both are prescribed through an online consultation, and both can support meaningful weight loss. But they are not the same molecule, and the differences matter when you and your provider choose between them.
How each one works
Semaglutide mimics one gut hormone, GLP-1, which reduces appetite, slows stomach emptying, and helps regulate blood sugar. Tirzepatide mimics two hormones, GIP and GLP-1, which is why it is often called a “dual agonist.” That second pathway is the main scientific difference between the two, and it may be part of why tirzepatide produced larger average weight loss in clinical trials of the brand-name versions.
What the research shows
In major trials of the brand-name drugs, participants on semaglutide (Wegovy) lost around 15% of their body weight on average over about 68 weeks, while participants on tirzepatide (Zepbound) lost around 20% on average over about 72 weeks. Those are averages from clinical studies, not guarantees, and compounded versions have not been studied in the same trials. Your own results will depend on your dose, your habits, and how your body responds.
Side effects: similar lists, different experiences
Both medications share the same common side effects: nausea, burping, constipation, diarrhea, and decreased appetite, mostly in the first weeks or after a dose increase. Some people tolerate one molecule better than the other, which is one reason providers sometimes switch patients between them. If side effects are your main concern, our guide to frequently asked questions covers what to expect before you start.
Dosing and titration
Both start low and increase gradually. Semaglutide typically starts at 0.25 mg weekly and tirzepatide at 2.5 mg weekly, with step-ups about every four weeks as tolerated. Slower titration usually means milder side effects. Longer plans, like our 3-month semaglutide program, are built around this gradual dose-increase schedule.
So which one is right for you?
There is no universal “better” option – there is the option that fits your health history, your budget, and how you respond. That decision belongs to you and a licensed provider, which is why every Glo plan starts with an online consultation. You can compare both options and their current pricing on our weight loss page or browse all treatments.
Compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not FDA-approved medications. This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. Trial figures refer to studies of brand-name medications. Individual results vary.
