Zepbound Shows Greater Weight Loss Than Wegovy in Major Trial
Key takeaways:
- In a recent clinical trial, tirzepatide achieved 47% greater weight loss compared to semaglutide.
- More participants lost at least 25% of their initial weight on tirzepatide than on semaglutide.
- Tirzepatide is an FDA-approved weight loss and diabetes treatment that targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, offering a distinct approach to weight loss and diabetes.
Recently released results from a clinical trial comparing tirzepatide (Zepbound) to semaglutide (Wegovy) in adults living with obesity or overweight, but without diabetes, found that tirzepatide outperformed semaglutide. The topline results from the SURMOUNT-5 study revealed that at 72 weeks, tirzepatide led to an average weight loss of 20.2% (50.3 lbs) compared to 13.7% (33.1 lbs) with semaglutide.
More about SURMOUNT-5
Participants in the SURMOUNT-5 trial had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more if they had been previously diagnosed with at least one weight-related condition (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, or heart disease). Participants did not have diabetes and also had to have at least one unsuccessful effort to lose weight by dieting prior to the trial.
At 72 weeks, tirzepatide outperformed semaglutide, with participants on tirzepatide achieving 47% more relative weight loss compared to those taking semaglutide. In addition, 31.6% of participants on tirzepatide lost at least 25% of their body weight, compared to 16.1% of those on semaglutide. Full results of the trial are not yet available, but are expected to be published sometime in 2025.
The most commonly reported side effects for both tirzepatide and semaglutide were gastrointestinal-related and generally mild to moderate in severity.
Tirzepatide vs. semaglutide
Tirzepatide and semaglutide are medications designed to help with weight management, but they work differently. Semaglutide focuses on activating the GLP-1 receptor, which helps reduce appetite and control hunger. Tirzepatide takes a broader approach, targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, two key pathways involved in regulating digestion and energy use. This dual action may offer additional benefits for weight loss.
Both tirzepatide and semaglutide (available for weight loss under the brand names Zepbound and Wegovy, respectively) have been shown to support significant weight loss when paired with lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. Clinical studies suggest that these medications can help individuals achieve and maintain their weight loss goals more effectively than with lifestyle changes alone.
Both medicines are also available for type 2 diabetes under the brand names Mounjaro and Ozempic, respectively.
The bottom line
In adults living with obesity or overweight, the SURMOUNT-5 trial demonstrated that tirzepatide led to 47% greater weight loss than semaglutide. If you or someone you care about are struggling with weight loss, you can talk to your healthcare provider about starting a weight loss medication such as Zepbound.
Learn more about weight loss medications and diabetes here: