GLP-1 Education: Semaglutide & Tirzepatide

Learn how these once-weekly injectable therapies work, what benefits people commonly report, and important safety considerations. This page is education-only and does not include pricing.

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At a glance

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Once-weekly injectable
Both medications are taken as a once-weekly injection.
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Appetite & fullness
They target appetite/food intake pathways and can help people feel satisfied with smaller meals.
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Medical supervision
These are prescription therapies—your clinician determines medical appropriateness.

Medication education

Below is a simplified overview of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. Pricing is intentionally excluded on this page.

GLP-1 analog

Semaglutide

Described as a modified GLP-1 analog that can last much longer in the body than the natural version.

How it works (high level)

  • Delays stomach emptying to promote fullness with smaller meals.
  • Slows intestinal motility so you may feel full longer after meals.
  • Lowers blood sugar partly by reducing sugar production in the liver.
  • Stimulates insulin secretion by the pancreas.
  • May help reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Potential benefits (reported)

  • Decreased appetite and cravings
  • Weight loss
  • Improved blood glucose control
  • Decreased inflammation

Common side effects (examples)

Commonly reported effects include nausea and constipation, with additional reports such as acid reflux, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and injection site reactions.

Important warnings

  • Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors: avoid if you or family have MEN 2 or medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).
  • Do not combine with other GLP-1 medications unless your clinician specifically advises it.
  • Can slow stomach emptying—inform providers before anesthesia/sedation procedures.
  • Use caution with certain conditions (e.g., history of pancreatitis; consult your provider).
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GLP-1 + GIP

Tirzepatide

Described as a once-weekly injectable dual GLP-1 receptor and GIP receptor agonist.

How it works (high level)

  • Delays stomach digestion to promote fullness with smaller meals.
  • Slows intestinal motility so you may feel full longer after meals.
  • Dual receptor activity supports blood sugar lowering, partly via reduced liver sugar production.
  • Stimulates insulin secretion by the pancreas.
  • GIP is described as increasing energy expenditure, contributing to weight loss.

Potential benefits (reported)

  • Decreased appetite and cravings
  • Weight loss
  • A1C reduction
  • Improved cardiometabolic measures

Common side effects (examples)

Commonly reported effects include nausea and constipation, with additional reports such as acid reflux, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and dysesthesia.

Important warnings

  • Do not combine with other GLP-1 medications unless your clinician specifically advises it.
  • Can slow stomach emptying—inform providers before anesthesia/sedation procedures.
  • Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors: avoid if you or family have MEN 2 or MTC.
  • If you have ever had pancreatitis, talk with your clinician before starting treatment.
See tirzepatide options
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Medical disclaimer

This content is for general education and is not medical advice. A clinician must evaluate your health history, contraindications, and risks to determine if treatment is appropriate.