SEMAGLUTIDE AND TIRZEPATIDE IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY: BENEFITS, RISKS, AND CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES OF GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease associated with an increased risk of various comorbidities—including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders—representing a major global public health issue. In this context, new pharmacological approaches have been incorporated into obesity treatment, notably semaglutide and tirzepatide; these drugs act through mechanisms related to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonism. This study aimed to analyze scientific evidence regarding the efficacy, metabolic benefits, risks, and clinical prospects of semaglutide and tirzepatide in treating obesity. It is a literature review based on studies published between 2022 and 2026, selected from national and international scientific databases. The results demonstrated that both drugs promote significant and sustained body weight reduction, with tirzepatide associated—in some studies—with greater weight loss than that observed with semaglutide. Beyond weight loss, relevant metabolic benefits were identified, such as improved glycemic control, reduced waist circumference, improved lipid profiles, and decreased cardiovascular risk. Regarding safety, the most frequent adverse events were gastrointestinal in nature—including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation—and were generally classified as mild to moderate. It is concluded that semaglutide and tirzepatide constitute effective and relatively safe therapeutic strategies for obesity management, especially when combined with lifestyle changes. However, further studies are needed to evaluate their long-term effects, applicability across different populations, and challenges related to treatment adherence and accessibility.