The Science
Semaglutide and tirzepatide, are groundbreaking treatments primarily prescribed for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management. Backed by robust scientific research, these medications not only deliver significant weight loss but also provide a range of additional health benefits. Let’s explore the evidence:
Semaglutide
- Significant Weight Loss
- Study: “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity”
Published in The New England Journal of Medicine, this research demonstrated that participants taking semaglutide experienced substantially greater weight loss compared to a placebo group.
(NEJM Study Link) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567185/ - “Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Management”
Featured in The American Journal of Cardiology, this research demonstrated that a third of participants treated with semaglutide achieved at least a 20% reduction in body weight by the end of the treatment period, compared to 2.2% of those receiving a placebo.
AJC Online : https://www.ajconline.org/article/S0002-9149%2824%2900319-9/fulltext?utm_source=chatgpt.com - Study: “Two-Year Effects of Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity”
Published in Nature Medicine, findings revealed that semaglutide resulted in a 15.2% mean weight loss from baseline over 104 weeks—12.6 percentage points more than the placebo.
(Nature Medicine Study Link) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02026-4
- Study: “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity”
- Beyond Weight Loss
- Type 2 Diabetes Management: Semaglutide reduces hemoglobin A1C levels, significantly improving blood sugar control (Mayo Clinic).
- Cardiovascular Protection: Research shows reduced risks of heart attacks and strokes (Science News). https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2024/08/30/11/41/Semaglutide-Improves-Heart-Health-Outcomes?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Kidney Health: Emerging studies suggest potential protective effects on chronic kidney disease progression (Health Journal).


Tirzepatide
- Superior Weight Management
- Study: “Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity”
Published in The New England Journal of Medicine, this study found that participants treated with tirzepatide achieved 10-20% weight loss over 72 weeks compared to a placebo.
(NEJM Study Link) https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038?utm_source=chatgpt.com - Study: “Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Loss”
Featured in JAMA, the trial showed participants achieving a 20.9% average weight reduction during a 36-week lead-in period.
(JAMA Study Link) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2812936?utm_source=chatgpt.com - “Tirzepatide After Intensive Lifestyle Intervention in Adults with Obesity”
Study: Published in Nature Medicine, this research indicated that 87.5% of tirzepatide-treated participants lost an additional 5% or more of their randomization weight compared with 16.5% of the placebo group.
- Study: “Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity”
Semaglutide and tirzepatide, while primarily prescribed for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management, offer several additional health benefits supported by clinical studies:
Cardiovascular Health:
- Semaglutide: Research indicates that semaglutide reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. A study published by the American College of Cardiology highlighted these benefits, demonstrating improved heart health outcomes beyond weight loss.
American College of Cardiology : https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2024/08/30/11/41/Semaglutide-Improves-Heart-Health-Outcomes?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Tirzepatide: Clinical trials have shown that tirzepatide not only aids in weight reduction but also offers cardiovascular benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
Medical Weight Loss | TransformYou


Glycemic Control:
- Both Medications: Semaglutide and tirzepatide have been effective in improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide, for instance, has demonstrated significant reductions in hemoglobin A1C levels, indicating better blood sugar management.
Potential Neurological Benefits:
- Semaglutide: Emerging research suggests that semaglutide may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A study analyzed electronic medical records and found that patients using semaglutide had a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s compared to those on other anti-diabetic drugs. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8864443/


Addiction and Craving Reduction:
- Semaglutide: Studies have indicated that semaglutide may help curb addiction and reduce cravings for substances like alcohol. Research observed that individuals using semaglutide were less likely to face alcohol-related hospitalizations. https://www.science.org/content/article/hot-weight-loss-drugs-tested-addiction-treatments
Kidney Health:
- Semaglutide: Clinical data suggest that semaglutide may protect kidney health by reducing the risk of major kidney disease events. This includes slowing the progression of existing kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2403347#:~:text=Conclusions,.gov%20number%2C%20NCT03819153.)


Respiratory Health:
- Semaglutide: A UK study found that GLP-1 drugs, including semaglutide, may reduce asthma attacks by up to 70%. The study focused on individuals with both diabetes and asthma, indicating potential benefits in respiratory health.
- https://news.vumc.org/2022/11/10/clinical-trial-novel-treatment-asthma/
Fatty Liver Disease:
- Semaglutide increased the likelihood of NASH (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) resolution and improvement in steatosis.


Systemic Inflammation:
- In a study involving 40 men with T2DM, treatment with 1 mg of semaglutide per week for 6 months reduced circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 [63]. This effect may contribute to a reduction in systemic inflammation…
These findings highlight the multifaceted benefits of semaglutide and tirzepatide, extending beyond weight loss to offer significant improvements in cardiovascular, glycemic, neurological, addiction, kidney, and respiratory health.