Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide for Women: Cost, Results & Side Effects

Updated September 25, 2026

The short answer

In the 2025 SURMOUNT-5 trial of brand-name Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), tirzepatide produced more average weight loss. In that 72-week study, people on tirzepatide lost about 20% of their body weight on average, compared with about 14% on semaglutide. These findings do not establish results for compounded products. Semaglutide costs less at Sommar Club. Both are once-weekly injections, and the right choice depends on your health history, budget and how your body tolerates them. A licensed provider makes that call with you.

At a glance

How it works: semaglutide acts on one appetite hormone (GLP-1); tirzepatide acts on two (GIP + GLP-1).
How you take it: both are once-weekly injections.
Average weight loss in the head-to-head trial (72 weeks): semaglutide 13.7%; tirzepatide 20.2%.
Most common side effects (both): nausea, constipation, diarrhea.
Featured 12-week supplies: compounded semaglutide $387 billed quarterly ($129/mo equivalent); compounded tirzepatide $657 billed quarterly ($219/mo equivalent).
Good fit if: semaglutide if you want the lowest price to start; tirzepatide if you want a dual-action option.

Trial results come from the brand-name medications (Zepbound and Wegovy). Compounded versions were not studied in these trials. See the section on compounded medications below.

How semaglutide and tirzepatide work

Both medications copy hormones your gut releases after you eat. Those hormones tell your brain you're full, slow how quickly your stomach empties, and help regulate blood sugar. Many women describe the effect as quieter food noise: fewer cravings and less constant thinking about food.

Semaglutide acts on the GLP-1 receptor.
Tirzepatide acts on GLP-1 and GIP, a second hormone involved in appetite and how your body handles energy. That dual action is the main reason researchers think it produces more weight loss.

What the head-to-head trial found

The SURMOUNT-5 trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2025, compared the two medications directly in 751 adults with obesity without type 2 diabetes. About 65% of participants were women. After 72 weeks:

Tirzepatide: average weight loss of 20.2%, about 50 lbs.
Semaglutide: average weight loss of 13.7%, about 33 lbs.
Waist size: -18.4 cm with tirzepatide vs. -13.0 cm with semaglutide.
Stopping because of stomach side effects: 2.7% on tirzepatide vs. 5.6% on semaglutide.

Individual results vary widely. These are averages for brand-name Zepbound and Wegovy in a clinical trial that combined medication with diet and activity counseling. These findings do not establish results for compounded products.

Side effects: what to expect

The side effects are similar for both. They're usually mild to moderate and most common in the first weeks and after each dose increase:

Nausea
Constipation or diarrhea
Stomach discomfort or bloating
Reduced appetite

Providers usually start with a low dose and increase it slowly so your body can adjust.

Get medical help right away if you have severe stomach pain (especially pain that spreads to your back), signs of an allergic reaction, or persistent vomiting. Neither medication is appropriate for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2, or during pregnancy. Your provider will review your full history before prescribing.

Why women often ask about these medications

Perimenopause and menopause: weight changes in midlife can reflect aging, lifestyle, and hormonal changes. Discuss your symptoms and treatment goals with your clinician.
Pregnancy planning: both medications should be stopped before trying to conceive. Ask your provider how far in advance.
Birth control: tirzepatide can reduce the effectiveness of oral hormonal contraception. Zepbound’s prescribing information advises switching to non-oral contraception or adding a barrier method for 4 weeks after starting and 4 weeks after each dose increase. Discuss your contraception plan with your clinician.

Cost: semaglutide vs. tirzepatide at Sommar Club

Compounded semaglutide: $149 for a 4-week supply, billed monthly; $387 for a 12-week supply, billed quarterly ($129/mo equivalent); $690 for a 24-week supply, billed every six months ($115/mo equivalent).
Compounded tirzepatide: $249 for a 4-week supply, billed monthly; $657 for a 12-week supply, billed quarterly ($219/mo equivalent); $1,194 for a 24-week supply, billed every six months ($199/mo equivalent).

Week counts describe medication supply. Monthly amounts for 12- and 24-week supplies are equivalents; the full plan total is charged each billing cycle. Plans renew at the same rate until canceled. Every plan includes medication, licensed provider review, ongoing care-team support, supplies, and free cold-packed shipping. There's no membership fee, and no insurance is needed. FSA/HSA cards are accepted. See the treatment pages for full plan details.

View semaglutide plans

View tirzepatide plans

What compounded means

Sommar Club offers compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide. A compounded medication is prepared by a state-licensed pharmacy for an individual patient's prescription. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and are not the same as brand-name Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound. The trial results above come from the brand-name versions.

Which one is right for you?

There's no one-size-fits-all choice. Semaglutide is often a good starting point if cost matters most. Your clinician can explain the evidence for each medication and whether it is appropriate for you. Your provider weighs your goals, health history and current medications, and can switch you later if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is tirzepatide stronger than semaglutide?

In the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial of brand-name Zepbound and Wegovy, tirzepatide led to more average weight loss (20.2% vs. 13.7% over 72 weeks). More weight loss on average doesn't automatically mean it's the better fit for you. Your provider will consider side effects, cost and your history.

Can I switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide?

Often, yes. Message your care team, and your provider will review your progress and tolerance before deciding.

Which has fewer side effects?

In SURMOUNT-5, fewer participants taking brand-name Zepbound stopped because of stomach side effects than participants taking brand-name Wegovy (2.7% vs. 5.6%). This does not establish that a compounded product has fewer side effects.

Are compounded versions the same as Ozempic or Zepbound?

No. Compounded medications are prepared by licensed pharmacies for individual prescriptions and are not FDA-approved.

Sources

This article is for educational purposes and isn't medical advice. Talk with a licensed provider about whether treatment is right for you.