Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide vs Liraglutide

Weight loss medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and liraglutide can be prescribed by a doctor if you are overweight or obese and meet specific criteria for weight loss. Some medications, like Mounjaro, can also be prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes.

In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between these weight loss medications, their effectiveness, and what you can do to increase their effectiveness. We’ll also discuss alternative medications if weight loss injections containing tirzepatide, semaglutide, or liraglutide are not suitable for you.

Tizepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide are types of weight loss medication that work to achieve similar outcomes but have some distinct differences.

Class of medication

Semaglutide and liraglutide belong to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications work by mimicking the action of a naturally produced hormone called GLP-1 to:

• stimulate the release of insulin after you have eaten to lower blood sugar levels
• stop your liver secreting glucagon and raising blood sugar levels unnecessarily
• slow down how quickly your stomach empties after eating
• keep you feeling fuller for longer by acting on the area of the brain that controls your appetite

Tirzepatide, on the other hand, mimics the effects of 2 digestive hormones, GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). So, Mounjaro still works like GLP-1 medicines but is thought to have a greater effect by mimicking GIP too.

Dosage

Since semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide are different active ingredients, they are available in different dosages when prescribed for weight loss:

How often you need to take them

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are injected once per week with each dose titrating up every 4 weeks until you reach your chosen maintenance dose.

Liraglutide is injected once daily and the dose increases each week until you reach up to the maximum dose of 3mg per day.

Cost

The cost of each medication is different. The prices of tirzepatide (Mounjaro), semaglutide (Wegovy), and liraglutide are shown below:

Manufacturer

Another major difference between the weight loss medications is their manufacturers. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), is manufactured by Eli Lily. Wegovy (semaglutide) is made by Novo Nordisk, and Liraglutide (generic Saxenda) is made by SunPharma.

Brands available

Tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide are also found under the following brand names:

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
• Wegovy (semaglutide)
• Saxenda (liraglutide)

Saxenda is currently long-term out of stock in the UK and not currently available due to increased demand. However, liraglutide is available in the UK under the generic name.

Even though there are some distinct differences between tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide, there are also several similarities.

Medical use

Tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide are all available as a weight loss treatment.

Tirzepatide (under the brand name Mounjaro), semaglutide (under the brand name Ozempic), and liraglutide (under the brand name Victoza) are also available to treat type 2 diabetes, in different doses than that of weight loss medications.

Who is eligible

Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and liraglutide are available on prescription for obese adults with a BMI of:

• over 30, or
• at least 27 with 1 or more weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure or obstructive sleep apnoea

If you want to find out if you’re eligible for a weight loss injection, you can use our BMI calculator.

Prescription-only

Tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide are all prescription-only medications, so you will need approval from a doctor to obtain them for weight loss or diabetes.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), semaglutide (Wegovy), and liraglutide pens are available to buy from trusted and regulated online sellers such as Superdrug Online Doctor.

To order weight loss injections through our service all you need to do is complete a short, medical questionnaire about your health, weight, and current medications. This will be sent to a registered doctor who can determine whether the medication you are requesting is suitable for you or whether another medication may be better.

If the medication is suitable for you based on your BMI and other factors, it will be prescribed to you. You’ll be able to collect your order from a local Superdrug Pharmacy the next day.

Side effects

The side effects of Mounjaro, Wegovy, and liraglutide are shown in the table below.

Health benefits

GLP-1 agonists are primarily prescribed for weight management and diabetes treatment in the UK. While they are highly effective for these conditions, GLP-1 agonists have also been found to have heart health benefits. Some research into semaglutide found that it can reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and cardiovascular disease-related death by 20%.

Tirzepatide also reduced the risk of cardiometabolic risk factors by up to 23.5% compared to 12.7% with a placebo.

Liraglutide use is also associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular death in diabetic patients.

Tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide are all GLP-1 receptor agonists that are effective at supporting weight loss in obese and overweight people, to varying degrees.

Tirzepatide for weight loss

People who use tirzepatide or Mounjaro for weight loss can lose up to 22.5% of their starting body weight when using the highest maintenance dose of 15mg per week after 72 weeks.

Semaglutide for weight loss

Semaglutide (Wegovy) is associated with losing on average up to 15% of your starting body weight when taking the 2.4mg maintenance dose for 68 weeks.

Liraglutide for weight loss

Clinical trials show that after 56 weeks, people who use liraglutide for weight loss can expect to see an 8% average change in body weight at the maintenance dose of 3mg.

Whichever weight loss injection you choose to help you on your journey, there are things you should consider to get the most out of your treatment.

1. Follow a balanced, nutritious diet

Choose whole foods like lean proteins, healthy fats, and fibre-rich fruit and vegetables to support weight loss and promote the effectiveness of weight loss medications. Avoid highly processed foods or those that are high in sugar or fat which can counteract the benefits of tirzepatide, semaglutide, or liraglutide.

2. Exercise regularly

It’s important to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, such as brisk walking, cycling, dancing, or gardening. As you feel more comfortable, you can combine cardio, strength, and flexibility training into your programme to enhance weight loss results, boost metabolism and improve your overall wellbeing.

3. Follow your titration plan

Always follow the dosage schedule that has been provided by your doctor. The doses of tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide are all gradually increased (titrated) to help your body adjust to the new medication and reduce the risk of potential side effects.

4. Reduce alcohol intake

Alcohol can contain lots of calories and contribute to weight gain. By reducing or limiting your alcohol intake, you will further support yourself in achieving your weight loss goals.

5. Rotate injection sites

Injection site reactions are a common side effect of all weight loss injections. However, you can help avoid irritation, soreness, and scarring by rotating your injection site between the stomach, thighs, or upper arms.

6. Consider quitting smoking

Smoking can negatively impact your metabolism and overall health. Quitting smoking can improve your energy, cardiovascular health, and weight loss outcomes. Some recent research also suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide can help reduce nicotine cravings.

Weight loss injections, such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, or liraglutide are not the only weight loss medications available in the UK. If you have concerns about injecting yourself, the cost of weight loss injections or the side effects, weight loss pills may be a suitable option as a weight loss aid.

At Superdrug Online Doctor we offer the following weight loss pills:

• orlistat
• Xenical
• MySimba
• alli

Although tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide are all weight loss injections, there are some distinct differences between them.

The main differences for weight loss are their effectiveness, dosages, and how often you need to take them. Which injection is suitable for you will depend on your budget, risk of potential side effects and suitability due to pre-existing medical conditions or medications you take.

Our doctors can provide guidance to a suitable weight loss medication and support should you need to switch from one weight loss injection to another.

Finally, if you feel that weight loss injections are not suitable for you, weight loss pills may be a suitable alternative.