Semaglutide (Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Zepbound): Your Guide to GLP-1 and GIP Weight Loss

If you’ve been searching for semaglutide near you or trying to figure out the difference Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, two classes of FDA-approved medications—GLP-1 receptor agonists and a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists—have changed the game completely. Clinical data shows patients losing 15 to 21% of their body weight, and in a landmark 2025 head-to-head trial, tirzepatide (Zepbound) demonstrated 47% more weight loss than semaglutide (Wegovy) at 72 weeks. As of January 2026, there’s a brand new option: the Wegovy pill—the first oral GLP-1 medication FDA-approved for weight loss. No needles required.

At Z&Z Wellness, our medical weight loss program is built around these cutting-edge GLP-1 and GIP medications, combined with personalized nutrition guidance, metabolic testing, and ongoing medical supervision. This guide explains exactly how these medications work, how they compare, and which one may be right for you.

GLP-1 and GIP Drug Name Decoder: Stop the Confusion

Before we go further, let’s clear up the confusion. There are only two drugs and three products you need to know about for medical weight loss:

Generic Drug	Brand Name	How You Take It	Mechanism	Avg Weight Loss
Semaglutide	Wegovy injection	Weekly shot	GLP-1 (single)	~15% body weight
Semaglutide	Wegovy pill (NEW)	Daily tablet	GLP-1 (single)	~14–17% body weight
Tirzepatide	Zepbound	Weekly shot	GLP-1 + GIP (dual)	~21% body weight

That’s it. Three products, two drugs, two mechanisms. All three are FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. At Z&Z Wellness, we prescribe and monitor all of them and help you choose the right one for your body, your goals, and your budget.

What Are GLP-1 and GIP? The Science

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) are hormones your body naturally produces after eating. They signal fullness to your brain, regulate blood sugar, and slow digestion so you stay satisfied longer.

• Semaglutide (Wegovy) mimics GLP-1 only—one hormone, one pathway.

• Tirzepatide (Zepbound) mimics both GLP-1 and GIP—two hormones, two pathways. That dual action is why tirzepatide consistently produces more weight loss in clinical trials. Think of it as having two engines instead of one.

Zepbound vs. Wegovy: Comparison

This is the question we hear most from patients. In the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial, tirzepatide (Zepbound) and semaglutide (Wegovy) were compared directly for the first time:

Metric	Wegovy (Semaglutide)	Zepbound (Tirzepatide)
Mechanism	GLP-1 only (single agonist)	GLP-1 + GIP (dual agonist)
Average Weight Loss	~15% of body weight	~21% of body weight
Lbs Lost (250lb patient)	~34 lbs	~50 lbs
How You Take It	Weekly injection OR daily pill	Weekly injection only
FDA Approved For	Weight loss, heart risk reduction	Weight loss, sleep apnea
Common Side Effects	Nausea, constipation (fades over time)	Nausea, diarrhea (fades over time)
Made By	Novo Nordisk	Eli Lilly

At Z&Z Wellness, our providers are experienced with both medications and will help you determine which is the best fit based on your labs, health history, insurance coverage, and weight loss goals. There is no one-size-fits-all answer—both are excellent medications with strong clinical evidence.

The Wegovy Pill: A Game-Changer for People Who Dislike Needles

In December 2025, the FDA approved the Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide 25 mg)—the first oral GLP-1 medication for weight loss. It launched across the US in January 2026 and is now broadly available.

In the OASIS 4 clinical trial, patients taking the Wegovy pill once daily lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight when they stayed on treatment—nearly matching the injectable version. One in three patients achieved 20% or greater weight loss. The pill also showed improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and waist circumference.

There’s one important detail: the Wegovy pill must be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with no more than 4 ounces of plain water, then you must wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else. This timing requirement helps the medication absorb properly.

Why this matters for you: If you’ve been interested in GLP-1 weight loss but didn’t want weekly injections, the Wegovy pill removes that barrier. It’s also cheaper to produce than injectables, doesn’t require refrigeration, and may be more accessible through insurance.

Why Fad Diets Fail and GLP-1/GIP Medications Work

When you drastically cut calories, your body perceives a famine. It slows your metabolism, increases hunger hormones like ghrelin, and decreases satiety hormones like leptin. Research consistently shows that 80 to 95% of people who lose weight through dieting alone regain it within one to five years. The problem isn’t willpower—it’s biology. GLP-1 and GIP medications work with your biology instead of against it. They regulate the hormonal systems that control hunger, fullness, and how your body processes food. This is why patients on semaglutide and tirzepatide consistently achieve and maintain weight loss that was previously impossible through diet and exercise alone.

What to Expect at a GLP-1 Weight Loss Clinic

Your medical weight loss journey at Z&Z Wellness starts with a comprehensive health assessment including detailed bloodwork to check thyroid function, hormone levels, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic markers. We evaluate current medications, sleep quality, stress levels, and body composition—not just the number on the scale.

Based on these results, your provider creates a personalized plan. In weeks one through four, your treatment launches with medication initiation, dietary modifications, and follow-up check-ins every two weeks. During months two through six, you’ll see the most significant results as we continue monitoring labs, adjusting medications, and providing nutritional coaching. Beyond six months, we help you transition to maintenance with adjusted doses, ongoing support, and periodic monitoring.

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Side Effects: What You Need to Know

The most common side effects of both semaglutide and tirzepatide are gastrointestinal: nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. These are typically mild, occur most often during dose escalation, and decrease significantly over time. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) activates GIP receptors in the brain that have anti-nausea effects, which is why some patients report better tolerability compared to semaglutide.

At Z&Z Wellness, we manage side effects proactively with slow dose titration, dietary guidance (eating smaller, protein-rich meals helps significantly), and anti-nausea support when needed.

Is a GLP-1 / GIP Weight Loss Clinic Right for You?

Medical weight loss with semaglutide or tirzepatide may be right for you if you have 20 or more pounds to lose, if you’ve tried dieting multiple times without lasting success, if you suspect hormonal or metabolic factors are contributing to your weight, if you have weight-related conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea, or if you want a structured, evidence-based approach with professional guidance.

Metabolic Weight Loss with planned activity

Hormonal imbalances are one of the most overlooked causes of weight gain. Learn how our TRT clinic and hormone therapy program can support your weight loss goals.

Find a Semaglutide or Tirzepatide Clinic Near You

You deserve better than another fad diet. At Z&Z Wellness, our GLP-1 and GIP weight loss program works with your body’s biology, not against it. Whether you’re interested in Wegovy injections, the new Wegovy pill, or Zepbound, schedule your consultation today and find out which medication is right for you.

☎ Call us today or book your GLP-1 consultation at www.zzketamineivhydra.com