Reader-Supported · Editorially Reviewed
Evidence Watch · Peer-reviewed trial

20.2% Average Loss With Tirzepatide vs. 13.7% With Semaglutide

A peer-reviewed 72-week trial found greater average weight loss with tirzepatide than with semaglutide. This explains the study result—not which treatment, provider, or price is right for an individual.

Last reviewed September 2026
1 study cited
New England Journal of MedicinePhase 3b, open-label, controlled trial72 weeks
The study result

Mean body-weight change was −20.2% with tirzepatide and −13.7% with semaglutide.

The between-group result was statistically significant, and participants receiving tirzepatide were more likely to reach 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% weight-reduction thresholds. Gastrointestinal adverse events were common in both groups and were generally mild to moderate, especially during dose escalation.

Compare programs

Turn the study result into a better program comparison

If this result prompts you to explore GLP-1 care, compare the program details a study cannot answer: available plans, clinician access, public price terms, checkout conditions, and whether a provider fits your goals. These reviewed brands have category-matched GLP-1 offers; none participated in or is endorsed by this study.

01
WellMedr logo
WellMedr

From $49 – $129/mo · Editorial score 4.7/5

Featured value terms: semaglutide $49/mo or tirzepatide $89/mo with 12-month prepayment; $99/$129 month to month.

Tirzepatide at WellMedr
02
Strut Health logo
Strut Health

From $149 – $399/mo · Editorial score 4.6/5

Semaglutide at Strut Health
03
Trimi logo
Trimi

From $99 – $125/mo · Editorial score 4.8/5

Tirzepatide at Trimi
04
Telos Rx logo
Telos Rx

From $49 – $399/mo · Editorial score 3.9/5

Tirzepatide at Telos Rx
05
HealthRx logo
HealthRx

From $99 – $209/mo · Editorial score 4.1/5

Semaglutide at HealthRx
06
Cielo Health logo
Cielo Health

From $115 – $299/mo · Editorial score 4.4/5

Tirzepatide at Cielo Health

We may earn a commission through provider links. Matching affiliate offers and editorial priorities affect inclusion and suggested order in commercial guides. Scores are not clinical endorsements. Disclosure · Methodology

Study details

Population
751 adults with obesity and without type 2 diabetes
Follow-up
72 weeks
Treatment comparison
Maximum tolerated once-weekly tirzepatide (10 mg or 15 mg) compared with maximum tolerated once-weekly semaglutide (1.7 mg or 2.4 mg)
Study design
Phase 3b, open-label, controlled trial
Care and plan considerations

A study result is not a personal treatment plan

The trial compared medicines under a defined protocol, not telehealth enrollment flows. A clinician determines whether a prescription is appropriate; insurance, local availability, dose tolerance, and follow-up requirements can materially change the care plan a person can pursue.

Compare Wegovy and Zepbound programs

What this result does not show

  • This trial compared medications, not telehealth providers, coaching programs, pharmacies, or affordability.
  • The findings apply to the studied population: adults with obesity without type 2 diabetes, using the trial doses and follow-up plan.
  • Average trial results are not a prediction of an individual person’s outcome, eligibility, tolerance, coverage, or prescription decision.
  • The study was open-label and funded by Eli Lilly; the full paper and disclosure materials are linked at the end of this article.
Not sure which provider fits you? Take the 30-second quiz
Answer 4 quick questions to get a personalized provider match
Continue reading

Explore other peer-reviewed results in Evidence Watch before comparing programs or discussing options with a clinician.

All study updates
Study & references

Primary peer-reviewed source

Aronne et al., NEJM 2025 · SURMOUNT-5

Read the full paper, methodology, conflict-of-interest disclosures, and supplementary materials before drawing conclusions beyond this plain-English summary.

Read the study at New England Journal of Medicine