Two approved drug families compared directly in SURMOUNT-5.
Bottom line: SURMOUNT-5 directly compared the two drugs over 72 weeks. Mean weight decreased by 20.2% with tirzepatide and 13.7% with semaglutide. The older 22.5% and 15% figures came from separate trials and are not a fair head-to-head comparison. [4]
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide Comparison
Semaglutide
Tirzepatide
Head-to-head result
Mean weight decreased by 13.7% at 72 weeks. [4]
Mean weight decreased by 20.2% at 72 weeks. [4]
Products
Ozempic, Wegovy, Wegovy HD and Rybelsus have different labeled uses and instructions. [1,2]
Mounjaro and Zepbound have different labeled uses and product instructions. [5]
Compounded versions
Not automatically identical or interchangeable with an approved brand. [3]
Not automatically identical or interchangeable with an approved brand. [6]
Evidence
summary: SURMOUNT-5 directly compared the two drugs over 72 weeks. Mean weight decreased by 20.2% with tirzepatide and 13.7% with semaglutide. The older 22.5% and 15% figures came from separate trials and are not a fair head-to-head comparison. [4]
trials: []
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this page to choose a dose or switch?
No. It compares evidence and status. Use the exact approved label and prescriber plan, or a registered clinical-trial protocol if you are enrolled.
Sources
U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA Approves Higher Dose Semaglutide (Wegovy HD) , 2026. Source
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Wegovy and Wegovy HD prescribing information , 2026. Source
U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA’s Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss , 2026. Source
Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity N Engl J Med, 2025. PMID 40353578
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Zepbound prescribing information , . Source
U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA’s Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss , 2026. Source
Educational evidence summary. Approved products, patient-specific compounded preparations, clinical-trial products, and research-market products are not interchangeable categories.
This page is a community reference, not medical advice. Content reflects what users report, not clinical recommendations. Nothing here is approved for human use unless specifically noted. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any protocol. vialprep sells injection supplies, not compounds.