A medicine is only one part of obesity care
Semaglutide and tirzepatide can be effective for selected people, but they are not suitable for everyone and they should not be treated as cosmetic “slimming injections.” A useful plan begins with the diagnosis of obesity or a weight-related health risk, then considers diabetes, blood pressure, fatty liver risk, sleep, medicines, eating patterns, previous treatment and the patient’s goals.
Dr. Fowad Shahzad’s obesity-focused practice uses these medicines only after an individual assessment. The clinic does not promise a particular number of kilograms, sell a fixed package or assume that the newest medicine is automatically the best choice.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide: what is the difference?
| Question | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| How it is generally used | Once-weekly injection in approved formulations | Once-weekly injection in approved formulations |
| What it may influence | Appetite, fullness, gastric emptying and glucose regulation | Appetite, fullness, gastric emptying and glucose regulation through two incretin pathways |
| Trial evidence | STEP trials demonstrated clinically meaningful average weight reduction with lifestyle intervention | SURMOUNT trials demonstrated substantial average weight reduction with lifestyle intervention |
| Important reality | Response, tolerability, indication, availability and cost vary. Results from clinical trials are averages—not personal guarantees. | |
In the 2025 SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial in adults with obesity without diabetes, tirzepatide produced a greater average reduction in weight and waist circumference than semaglutide at 72 weeks. That result can inform a discussion, but it does not mean tirzepatide is the right medicine for every patient.
Who may be considered?
Eligibility depends on the product’s approved indication, local regulatory status and an individual medical assessment. In major obesity trials, participants generally had obesity, or overweight with at least one weight-related medical condition. A prescription should never be based on a social-media trend or a desired dress size alone.
The assessment may include:
- weight history, waist measurement and previous treatment response;
- diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, fatty liver and sleep-apnoea risk;
- current medicines and conditions that may affect weight or treatment safety;
- pregnancy plans, relevant personal and family history, and gastrointestinal symptoms;
- nutrition, protein intake, physical activity and risk of losing muscle mass;
- realistic expectations, cost, medicine supply and a long-term maintenance plan.
Why monitoring matters
Common adverse effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation or abdominal discomfort. More serious risks and contraindications also exist. The exact safety discussion depends on the medicine and the patient’s history. Patients using insulin or selected diabetes medicines may need additional glucose monitoring and treatment adjustment.
A follow-up plan should assess more than the number on the scale. It should review tolerability, hydration, glucose when relevant, nutrition, strength, waist change, metabolic health and whether the medicine remains appropriate.
Do not buy an unverified injection online
DRAP has warned about falsified GLP-1 receptor agonist products and advises patients to obtain medicines through authorized, licensed channels. A pen or vial with familiar branding is not proof of authenticity. Product, batch, storage and prescription status should be checked through appropriate pharmacy and regulatory channels.
What Dr. Fowad’s care pathway includes
- Medical assessment: clarify the weight-related diagnosis, risks, goals and possible contraindications.
- Shared decision: compare appropriate options, limitations, cost, availability and alternatives.
- Safe initiation: use only a verified product and an individualized plan; no copying another person’s dose.
- Measured follow-up: review effectiveness, adverse effects, glucose when relevant, nutrition and physical function.
- Maintenance planning: discuss what happens after the initial weight-loss phase and how health gains will be protected.
Why patients consult Dr. Fowad for medication-based weight care
Dr. Fowad Shahzad is an American Board-Certified Physician, certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. His Pakistan practice has a major clinical focus on obesity, diabetes and metabolic health. This combination supports careful review of weight-related complications, glucose treatment, blood pressure, kidney function, fatty liver risk and the medicines a patient already uses.
Consultations are available at DHA Phase 6 and Garden Town in Lahore, and in Gujranwala. The purpose of the visit is not to “qualify” every patient for an injection; it is to determine whether medication-based weight care is appropriate and, if so, how it can be monitored responsibly.
Frequently asked questions
Is tirzepatide always better than semaglutide?
No. Tirzepatide produced greater average weight reduction in one head-to-head obesity trial, but the best individual option also depends on diagnosis, contraindications, tolerability, diabetes treatment, availability, cost and patient preference.
Can I use Ozempic or Mounjaro only for a few weeks?
These are not quick detox treatments. Obesity is a chronic disease, and weight regain can occur after treatment stops. Duration and maintenance should be discussed before starting—not after the supply ends.
Will I lose the same amount shown in advertisements?
No result can be guaranteed. Trial outcomes are group averages under structured follow-up. Individual response varies and treatment may need to stop because of adverse effects, contraindications, cost or lack of adequate benefit.
Can the clinic prescribe without an assessment?
No. A prescription decision requires an individual medical assessment and confirmation that the medicine, indication and supply are appropriate.
Primary sources
- SURMOUNT-5: tirzepatide compared with semaglutide for obesity, published May 2025.
- SURMOUNT-1: tirzepatide once weekly for obesity, published June 2022.
- STEP 1: semaglutide once weekly in adults with overweight or obesity, published February 2021.
- U.S. FDA tirzepatide prescribing information, 2026 revision.
- U.S. FDA semaglutide prescribing information, 2026 revision.
- DRAP alert concerning falsified GLP-1 receptor agonists, July 2023.
This page provides general education and does not recommend a particular medicine or dose. Product indications and regulatory status differ by country and can change. Treatment requires an individual consultation and a verified prescription supply.