GLP-1/GIP and Semaglutide have gained significant popularity as weight-loss drugs, proving highly effective in clinical trials and offering multiple benefits for individuals seeking to shed pounds. GLP-1/GIP, administered through a weekly injection, has demonstrated the potential to help people lose up to 25% of their body weight in 28 weeks (averaging 52 pounds of weight loss). Meanwhile, Semaglutide has been found to support up to 12.5% body weight reduction. These FDA-approved drugs come with solid research backing their efficacy and safety, making them reliable choices for weight loss seekers.
Though both drugs work in similar ways, there are some notable differences between them. Both are glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, but GLP-1/GIP goes further, acting as a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist as well. This dual action on GLP-1 and GIP makes GLP-1/GIP more potent than Semaglutide in promoting weight loss, even though both are effective in reducing body weight. As for lowering blood sugar levels and risk of side effects like nausea and vomiting, both drugs show equal effectiveness.
GLP-1/GIP, being a newer medication approved in 2022, possesses less available data compared to Semaglutide. It operates by increasing insulin sensitivity, triglyceride clearance, lipolysis (fat utilization for fuel), metabolic rate (metabolism), and decreasing appetite, fat storage, and digestion rate. The drug is administered through a once-weekly subcutaneous injection and may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and injection site reactions. Those with a history of pancreatitis or medullary thyroid cancer should avoid GLP-1/GIP. Despite the limited data, GLP-1/GIP has shown to be up to 2x more effective than Semaglutide in similar treatments. Generally, GLP-1/GIP is well-tolerated by most individuals.
Clinical trials have demonstrated GLP-1/GIP’s superiority in reducing weight and body fat compared to Semaglutide. Being a dual agonist of both GLP-1 and GIP, GLP-1/GIP has shown impressive results in a study involving 3,731 patients, where it achieved an average weight loss of 11.5%, while Semaglutide led to an average of 9.2% weight loss. Furthermore, GLP-1/GIP was more effective in reducing abdominal fat and triglycerides, indicating its potential in helping more people achieve their weight-loss goals.
If you’re contemplating weight-loss drugs, GLP-1/GIP and Semaglutide are leading choices on the market. Both share similar mechanisms of action, but GLP-1/GIP stands out as the more effective option in reducing weight and body fat. However, Semaglutide, having been available for a longer duration, may present fewer side effects. If you find that excess weight is impacting your health and quality of life, discussing these options with your healthcare provider could be a step towards achieving your weight-loss goals.
Are effective option in reducing weight and body fat. However, Semaglutide, having been available for a longer duration, may present fewer side effects. If you find that excess weight is impacting your health and quality of life, discussing these options with your healthcare provider could be a step towards achieving your weight-loss goals.
