Medicine Tirzepatide and semaglutide in weight loss injections work differently

Weight loss injections can be used to achieve a lasting reduction in body weight. A study shows that there are differences between the active ingredients when it comes to the effect on excess kilos. However, other important characteristics remain unclear.

A comparative study confirms that greater weight loss can be achieved with the active ingredient tirzepatide than with semaglutide. The risk of side effects of both substances is comparable, reports a research team in the specialist journal "JAMA Internal Medicine".

However, no conclusions could be drawn from the analysis regarding long-term effects or the achievement of important goals such as a reduced risk of heart attacks.

Both active substances have been used for some time to treat type 2 diabetes and, since 2023, also in overweight or obese people without diabetes. Tirzepatide for weight loss is available under the trade name "Mounjaro" (company: Eli Lilly), semaglutide (Novo Nordisk) as "Wegovy".

SDA