You know you want GLP-1 medication. You know it works. The question is: which one? Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)? This is not a pharmacology lecture — it is a decision framework. By the end, you will know which one is right for your situation.
The Quick Decision Matrix
| Your Situation | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget is primary concern | Semaglutide | $199/mo compounded vs $349/mo |
| Maximum weight loss is priority | Tirzepatide | 22.5% vs 14.9% body weight loss |
| Significant insulin resistance/prediabetes | Tirzepatide | Dual GIP/GLP-1 = superior insulin effect |
| Prefer more long-term safety data | Semaglutide | On market since 2017 vs 2022 |
| Plateaued on semaglutide | Switch to tirzepatide | Different mechanism may break plateau |
| BMI 40+ with comorbidities | Tirzepatide | SURMOUNT showed strongest results at higher BMI |
| Not sure / first-time GLP-1 | Let clinician decide | Based on metabolic profile, labs, goals |
Head-to-Head Clinical Data
| Metric | Semaglutide (STEP) | Tirzepatide (SURMOUNT) |
|---|---|---|
| Avg weight loss (max dose) | 14.9% | 22.5% |
| Mechanism | GLP-1 only | GLP-1 + GIP (dual) |
| Injection frequency | Once weekly | Once weekly |
| Nausea rate | ~44% | ~29% |
| Compounded price | $199–$399/mo | $349–$499/mo |
| Years on market | 9 years (since 2017) | 4 years (since 2022) |
Not Sure? Let Your Clinician Decide.
TelehealthFX offers both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide. Your clinician recommends the right one based on your metabolic profile — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Start Your EvaluationFrequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide?
Yes. Switching is common, especially when patients hit a weight loss plateau. Your clinician will determine the appropriate starting dose of tirzepatide based on your current semaglutide dose.
Is tirzepatide really 50% more effective?
In clinical trials, yes. SURMOUNT-1 showed 22.5% average weight loss at 15 mg vs. STEP-1's 14.9% at 2.4 mg semaglutide. Individual results vary. See the tirzepatide results timeline.
Both Available. You Choose With Your Clinician.
Semaglutide from $199/mo. Tirzepatide from $349/mo. Same platform, same clinician.
Get StartedReferences
- Wilding, J. P. H., et al. (2021). STEP 1. NEJM, 384(11), 989–1002.
- Jastreboff, A. M., et al. (2022). SURMOUNT-1. NEJM, 387(3), 205–216.