If you’re like many people interested in the latest weight loss medications, you may be wondering about the differences between Semaglutide—which was initially celebrated as a breakthrough in weight loss—and the even newer medication, Tirzepatide. And, of course, you may ask: do they work? Yes, for most people who receive proper guidance from their healthcare providers, both medications are effective. Tirzepatide and Semaglutide help lower blood sugar levels, improve the body’s conversion of sugar into energy, make smaller meals feel more satisfying, and reduce feelings of hunger.

What follows is an explanation of both medications, how they work, and why it’s crucial to work with a team of dedicated medical professionals who are committed to guiding you through every step of your weight loss journey.

Semaglutide made headlines worldwide when it was discovered that patients treated with this medication (initially developed to lower blood sugar for diabetes management) were also experiencing significant weight loss—an unexpected but welcomed side effect. However, some individuals faced challenges with side effects. While most tolerated the medication well, a subset of people reported stomach aches, diarrhea, or acid reflux. It was later found that many of those experiencing side effects had not received adequate guidance on the medication’s proper use. For instance, Semaglutide should be started at a low dose to allow the body to acclimate, with gradual increases over time.

Semaglutide (a GLP-1 agonist) works by helping the pancreas increase insulin production, which in turn converts sugar into energy. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to convert all the sugar (glucose) into energy, leading to “high blood sugar.” By increasing insulin production, Semaglutide helps the body burn more sugar by turning it into energy, which can also contribute to weight loss.

For many people, Tirzepatide is a better choice due to its lower incidence of side effects and better overall tolerance. Simply put, by mimicking two natural hormones, GIP and GLP-1, Tirzepatide promotes weight loss through several mechanisms: it slows digestion (helping you feel full longer), reduces appetite by acting on brain areas that control hunger, increases insulin levels (allowing for more efficient conversion of sugar to energy), and lowers glucagon levels (which helps reduce blood sugar).

The effectiveness of Tirzepatide often depends on the guidance and coaching a person receives. We believe proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices are key for long-term, safe weight loss. Our nutrition coaches will guide you through our multi-phased nutrition plans in conjunction with the proper use of Tirzepatide for maximum results. We also provide weekly coaching and will give you tips and insight into maximizing your weight loss. For example, starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it over time can improve long-term weight loss results and minimize side effects. Other factors also play a role. At Nuviva, our nutrition coaches advise clients to eat small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large ones to reduce the risk of stomach discomfort. It’s also important to consume protein daily to prevent muscle loss, as the body might otherwise begin to burn muscle instead of fat. Additionally, having a higher-calorie “cheat meal” every 7 to 10 days can prevent weight loss plateaus. When you reach out to Nuviva for a free consultation, we’ll provide advice designed to help you reduce side effects while maximizing benefits.