The Complete Guide to Medical Weight Loss: Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide
Choosing the right weight loss medication is a medical decision, not a marketing one. This guide breaks down the two most effective GLP-1 medications available today—how they work, what they cost, and how Highland Longevity helps patients in Fort Worth and the DFW area achieve lasting results under physician supervision.
At a Glance
Why We Created This Guide
Evidence-based information from a board-certified obesity medicine physician.
If you're researching medical weight loss in Fort Worth or the DFW area, you've likely seen the names semaglutide and tirzepatide everywhere. Online clinics promise easy prescriptions. Telehealth startups ship medications without a physical exam. And social media is flooded with before-and-after photos that tell you nothing about the medical process behind the results.
At Highland Longevity, we take a different approach. Dr. Joshua Lindsley, DO, DABOM—board-certified in both Obesity Medicine and Emergency Medicine—oversees every patient's weight loss program personally. That means lab work, DEXA body composition scans, resting metabolic rate testing, and access to a registered dietitian—not just a prescription.
This guide gives you the same information we share during consultations: which medication may be right for you, what the treatment process looks like, what realistic results look like month by month, and what it actually costs. No hype. Just evidence.
Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide: Full Comparison
A side-by-side breakdown of the two most effective GLP-1 weight loss medications available in 2026.
| Feature | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of Action | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Dual GIP + GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Average Weight Loss | ~15% of body weight | Up to 22.5% of body weight |
| FDA Approval (Weight Loss) | 2021 (longer track record) | 2023 |
| Dosing Schedule | Weekly subcutaneous injection | Weekly subcutaneous injection |
| Starting Cost at Highland | From $199/month | From $249/month |
| Common Side Effects | GI (nausea, decreased appetite, mild discomfort) | Similar GI profile |
| Best For | Patients seeking a proven track record, longer safety data | Patients seeking maximum weight loss potential |
For a deeper clinical comparison, see our full Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide Comparison Guide.
Which Medication Is Right for You?
Your goals, medical history, and individual response all play a role. Here's a starting framework.
Consider Semaglutide If:
- You want a medication with a longer, more extensive track record (FDA-approved since 2021)
- You've responded well to GLP-1 medications in the past
- You prefer more extensive long-term safety data available
- Insurance coverage or cost considerations favor semaglutide
- You're looking for steady, proven weight loss of approximately 15% body weight
Consider Tirzepatide If:
- You want the maximum weight loss potential available (up to 22.5% body weight)
- You've plateaued on semaglutide and need a new approach
- You have type 2 diabetes (tirzepatide shows superior A1c reduction)
- You didn't tolerate semaglutide well and want to try a different mechanism
- You want the dual-mechanism approach targeting both GIP and GLP-1 pathways
"The best weight loss medication is the one that works for your body, your health history, and your lifestyle. I've had patients lose 80+ pounds on semaglutide alone, and others who needed to switch to tirzepatide to break through a plateau. That's why we monitor closely—so we can adjust based on real data, not assumptions."
— Dr. Josh Lindsley, DO, DABOM
Your Treatment Process at Highland Longevity
A structured, physician-led approach from first visit to long-term success.
What to Expect: Results Timeline
Realistic month-by-month milestones based on clinical data and our patient outcomes.
- Noticeable appetite reduction within the first week
- Fewer food cravings and reduced portion sizes
- Early energy changes as metabolism adjusts
- Dose titration begins (starting low)
- Metabolic improvements visible in lab work
- Clothing size changes becoming apparent
- Blood pressure and blood sugar improvements
- Side effects typically resolved by now
- Significant health marker improvements
- DEXA scans confirm fat loss and muscle preservation
- Cholesterol, triglycerides, and A1c trending down
- Dose optimization at or near target
- Peak weight loss typically achieved
- Maintenance phase discussion begins
- Possible dose reduction for long-term sustainability
- Comprehensive lab review and body composition check
Individual results vary. Figures based on clinical trial data (STEP and SURMOUNT trials) and Highland Longevity patient outcomes. Results are best achieved with lifestyle modifications including diet and exercise. This is not medical advice—consult your physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about medical weight loss at Highland Longevity.
GLP-1 therapy starts at $199/month for semaglutide and $249/month for tirzepatide. This includes the medication, physician monitoring, and dosage adjustments. DEXA body composition scans and registered dietitian services are available as additional options to optimize your results.
Generally, candidates have a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Our board-certified obesity medicine physician evaluates each patient individually during the consultation to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
The most common side effects include nausea (which typically improves after 2–4 weeks), decreased appetite, and mild GI discomfort. Slow dose titration—starting at a low dose and gradually increasing—minimizes these effects. Both medications have similar side effect profiles, and Dr. Lindsley monitors your response closely to adjust dosing as needed.
Highland Longevity is led by Dr. Joshua Lindsley, a board-certified obesity medicine physician (DABOM), who provides in-person monitoring, DEXA body composition tracking, comprehensive lab work, resting metabolic rate testing, and access to a registered dietitian. We don't just write prescriptions—we create a complete, data-driven weight loss program tailored to your body.
Insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications varies by plan. Some plans cover brand-name medications like Wegovy or Zepbound for qualified patients. Compounded versions of both semaglutide and tirzepatide are available at significantly lower cost for patients without coverage. Our staff can help check your specific benefits during your visit.
Yes. GLP-1 medications are often combined with peptide therapy, hormone optimization, or dietary counseling for a comprehensive approach to weight loss and metabolic health. During your consultation, Dr. Lindsley will evaluate whether combination therapy may benefit you based on your health profile and goals.
Ready to Start Your Weight Loss Journey?
Book a consultation with Dr. Lindsley to discuss which GLP-1 medication is right for you. We'll create a personalized protocol with body composition tracking and ongoing optimization.