Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide: Which Medical Weight Loss Medication Is Right for You?

If you have been researching medical weight loss in St. Petersburg, FL, two medications keep coming up: semaglutide and tirzepatide. Both are once-weekly injectable GLP-1 medications that have completely changed how we treat obesity — but they work differently, deliver different average results, and suit different patients.

The great news? My Skin in St. Petersburg now offers BOTH tirzepatide and semaglutide as part of our medically supervised weight loss program. This guide will help you understand the differences so you can have an informed conversation with our provider at your consultation.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your gut releases after eating. It signals fullness to the brain, slows digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications mimic this hormone at far greater potency and consistency than your body produces naturally.

Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications earned FDA approval for weight management after clinical trials showed unprecedented results. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are currently the two most widely prescribed and clinically proven options.

My Skin's medical weight loss program includes a thorough health evaluation before recommending any medication — because the right choice depends on your personal health history and goals.

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved under the brand names Ozempic® (diabetes) and Wegovy® (weight management). It works by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the brain and gut, reducing appetite and slowing digestion so you feel fuller longer — delivered via a once-weekly injection.

In the landmark STEP clinical trials, patients taking semaglutide 2.4 mg lost an average of approximately 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks — a result previously only seen with surgical interventions.

My Skin offers semaglutide in St. Petersburg, FL with personalized dosing, gradual escalation, and ongoing provider support. Learn about our semaglutide program.

What Is Tirzepatide? (Now Available at My Skin!)

Tirzepatide is the newer of the two medications, FDA-approved under Mounjaro® (diabetes) and Zepbound® (weight management). What makes it unique is its dual mechanism of action: it activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) simultaneously.

GIP is a second gut hormone involved in appetite regulation and fat metabolism. By targeting two hormonal pathways at once, tirzepatide delivers a more powerful suppression of hunger and a more significant effect on body fat than semaglutide alone.

In the SURMOUNT clinical trials, patients on the highest dose of tirzepatide lost an average of approximately 22.5% of their body weight — results that rival some bariatric surgery outcomes.

My Skin is proud to now offer tirzepatide in St. Petersburg, FL as part of our comprehensive medical weight loss program. Our provider will help you determine if tirzepatide is the right fit for your health goals.

Key Differences at a Glance

Drug Class

• Semaglutide: GLP-1 receptor agonist (one hormone target)

• Tirzepatide: GLP-1 + GIP dual receptor agonist (two hormone targets)

Brand Names

• Semaglutide: Wegovy® (weight loss), Ozempic® (diabetes)

• Tirzepatide: Zepbound® (weight loss), Mounjaro® (diabetes)

Average Weight Loss

• Semaglutide: ~15% of body weight over 68 weeks

• Tirzepatide: ~22.5% of body weight at highest dose

Dosing

• Both: once-weekly subcutaneous injection with gradual dose escalation

Blood Sugar Control

• Semaglutide: Good

• Tirzepatide: Excellent — dual-hormone action provides superior glycemic control for Type 2 diabetes
  

Cardiovascular Benefits

• Semaglutide: Proven — the SELECT trial showed a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events

• Tirzepatide: Promising — large cardiovascular outcome trials are ongoing
  

Common Side Effects

• Both: nausea, constipation, fatigue — most pronounced during early dose escalation

• Tirzepatide may cause slightly milder GI symptoms for some patients

Availability at My Skin

• Semaglutide: Available now

• Tirzepatide: Available now — My Skin offers both!

Which Medication Produces Better Results?

Based on clinical data, tirzepatide produces greater average weight loss. A 2023 real-world study in JAMA Internal Medicine confirmed that tirzepatide users lost significantly more weight over 12 months than semaglutide users. However, individual responses vary based on your starting weight, health history, diet, and lifestyle.

Semaglutide has a longer clinical history and the strongest documented evidence for cardiovascular protection — making it potentially the better first choice for patients with existing heart disease.

Both medications are dramatically more effective than diet and exercise alone, and both require ongoing medical supervision. That's exactly what our My Skin team provides — personalized, supervised care from start to finish.

Side Effects: What to Expect

Because both medications act on the GLP-1 pathway, they share similar side effects. The most common include:

• Nausea — most common during the first few weeks as doses increase

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Fatigue or mild headache

• Occasional heartburn or acid reflux

These effects typically peak early and improve significantly as your body adjusts. Both medications carry rare but serious risks including pancreatitis and a possible increased risk of thyroid tumors in people with certain hereditary conditions — which is why a full medical screening before starting is essential.

Our provider Leah Michel, APRN FNP-BC personally evaluates every patient before recommending any treatment.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a great candidate for Semaglutide if you:

• Have a BMI of 30+, or BMI 27+ with a weight-related condition (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol)

• Have a history of cardiovascular disease and want proven heart-protective benefits

• Prefer a medication with a longer established safety record

You may be a great candidate for Tirzepatide if you:

• Have Type 2 diabetes alongside obesity and want superior blood sugar control

• Have tried semaglutide without achieving the results you were hoping for

• Want access to the highest average weight loss potential currently available

Neither medication is appropriate for pregnant women, or those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome. Our My Skin team conducts a complete health screening before any prescription is written.

Get Tirzepatide or Semaglutide in St. Petersburg, FL at My Skin

My Skin is proud to offer both semaglutide and tirzepatide in St. Petersburg, FL as part of our medically supervised weight loss program. Whether you're a first-time GLP-1 patient or looking to switch medications, our team will build a personalized plan around your body, your health, and your goals.

Founded by Leah Michel, APRN FNP-BC, My Skin takes a whole-health approach — your weight, hormones, skin health, and overall wellness are all considered together.

Our Medical Weight Loss Program Includes:

• A comprehensive initial health evaluation and medical screening

• Personalized medication selection — semaglutide or tirzepatide — based on your needs

• Gradual dose escalation with close provider monitoring

• Regular follow-up appointments and progress tracking

• Lifestyle and nutrition guidance for sustainable, long-term results
  

We also offer hormone replacement therapy (HRT), cosmetic dermatology, and medical-grade skincare products — because true wellness is inside and out.

Visit us at our St. Petersburg office — (727) 295-7223 — or our Bradenton office — (941) 330-5805. Flexible payment and financing options are available.

Ready to get started? Book your appointment at My Skin today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does My Skin offer tirzepatide in St. Petersburg, FL?

Yes! My Skin now offers tirzepatide alongside semaglutide as part of our medical weight loss program. Book a consultation and our provider will help you determine which medication is right for you.

Is tirzepatide more effective than semaglutide?

On average, yes. Clinical trials show tirzepatide produces ~22.5% body weight loss vs. ~15% for semaglutide. That said, individual results vary and semaglutide may be the better choice for certain patients, particularly those with cardiovascular disease.

Where can I get semaglutide in St. Petersburg, FL?

At My Skin! We offer both semaglutide and tirzepatide with full medical supervision. Book your appointment online or call (727) 295-7223.

How long do I need to take these medications?

Most providers treat obesity as a chronic condition requiring long-term management. Many patients continue medication indefinitely. Others taper gradually under supervision after reaching and maintaining their goal weight.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any weight loss medication.