Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: head-to-head data lands

SURMOUNT-5 randomized 750 adults with obesity (without diabetes) to weekly tirzepatide or semaglutide at maximum tolerated doses for 72 weeks.

Primary endpoint was percent body weight reduction from baseline.

Tirzepatide produced ~20.2% mean weight loss versus ~13.7% with semaglutide.

Tirzepatide also produced larger waist circumference reductions and slightly better metabolic markers.

Tolerability profiles were broadly similar; both drugs showed dose-dependent GI side effects.

Cost, supply, and insurance coverage vary widely and may matter more in practice than the efficacy gap.