Medically reviewed by Dr. Hendry Pascual, MD — Founder & Medical Director, PassQual Health. Weight-loss care at PassQual Health is delivered under physician supervision.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are the two most requested weight loss medications in Miami — and patients ask us every week which one is “better.” The honest answer: the right medication is the one that fits your health history, your goals, and your budget.
Both are offered through our physician-supervised GLP-1 medical weight loss program in Miami Gardens. Here is how they compare.
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Semaglutide activates one hormone receptor, GLP-1, which increases fullness and slows stomach emptying. Tirzepatide activates two — GLP-1 and GIP — which may add effects on how the body handles blood sugar and appetite.
Both are once-weekly injections, both are prescription-only, and both are FDA-approved medications with specific indications. Neither is a shortcut around nutrition, follow-up care, or medical supervision.
Semaglutide vs tirzepatide at a glance
| Feature | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Dual GIP + GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Brand names (FDA-approved) | Wegovy (weight management), Ozempic (type 2 diabetes) | Zepbound (weight management), Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes) |
| Dosing | Once-weekly injection, gradual dose increases | Once-weekly injection, gradual dose increases |
| Common side effects | Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting | Similar digestive side effects |
| Prescription required | Yes — always | Yes — always |
| Monthly cost at PassQual Health | $300 (includes your consultation) | Quoted at your consultation |
| Best suited for | Determined by your physician after evaluation | Determined by your physician after evaluation |
Which works better for weight loss?
In published clinical trials, tirzepatide has produced greater average weight loss than semaglutide for many patients. But averages are not individuals — plenty of patients do very well on semaglutide, tolerate it better, or prefer its cost.
No physician can guarantee a specific result with either medication, and any clinic that promises one is not being straight with you. Individual results vary based on health status, adherence, and lifestyle.
What about Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound?
These four brand names cause most of the confusion. Wegovy and Ozempic are both semaglutide; Zepbound and Mounjaro are both tirzepatide.
Per the FDA, Wegovy and Zepbound carry the weight-management indication, while Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved for type 2 diabetes. If you have been searching for Wegovy in Miami or Mounjaro in Miami Gardens, the evaluation process is the same — it starts with a physician visit.
How do side effects compare?
Both medications share the same core side effect profile: nausea, constipation, and diarrhea, most noticeable when doses increase. These usually ease as your body adjusts.
Neither drug is appropriate during pregnancy or for people with certain thyroid cancer histories. This is why a real medical history — not an online quiz — comes before any prescription.
Which GLP-1 costs less in Miami?
Semaglutide is typically the more budget-friendly option, while tirzepatide generally costs more per month. At PassQual Health, semaglutide is $300 monthly — including your weight loss consultation and physician follow-up; tirzepatide pricing is quoted at your consultation.
For a full breakdown of what drives pricing, read our guide to what semaglutide costs in Miami.
How do you choose the right GLP-1?
Your PassQual Health physician weighs your medical history, current medications, lab results, side effect tolerance, insurance coverage, and goals — then recommends a starting point. Some patients switch medications along the way, and a supervised program makes that transition safe.
Book your GLP-1 consultation online or call 786-677-9922. Consultations available in English and Spanish.
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
PassQual Health — 18706 NW 67th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33015 — 786-677-9922