top of page

Nee Soon Clinic

24 Aug 2025

In recent years, Semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide have gained international recognition. Patients often ask: Which weight loss injection works best in Singapore? 

Medical weight loss management pricing varies with clinic and dosage. At Nee Soon Clinic the price of medical weight loss management starts from $450 for a 2 month supply.


Semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide belong to a class of injectable medications known as incretin-based therapies, primarily GLP-1 receptor agonists. They work by mimicking natural gut hormones responsible for regulating appetite, satiety, digestion, and glucose metabolism.

 

Each medication has slightly different mechanisms and clinical strengths:

  • Semaglutide 2.4 mg – specifically approved for chronic weight management.

  • Semaglutide 1 mg – originally for type 2 diabetes; widely recognised to support significant weight loss even at lower doses.

  • Tirzepatide – a newer dual-action GIP + GLP-1 agonist showing the highest average weight reduction in studies.

  • Liraglutide 3 mg – a daily GLP-1 injection with strong clinical evidence for weight loss and cardiometabolic benefits.

 

These injections are generally used as part of a holistic weight-management plan that includes healthy nutrition, physical activity, and behavioural change.

 

How Do Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Liraglutide Work

All three medications act on the brain, gut, and pancreas, changing how the body interprets hunger and food intake.

 

Core mechanisms:

  • Appetite suppression – reduces hunger signals, decreasing the desire to eat.

  • Enhanced satiety – helps patients feel full more quickly and for longer.

  • Slowed gastric emptying – food stays in the stomach longer, preventing overeating.

  • Improved blood sugar control – stabilises glucose levels and reduces insulin resistance.

 

Unique benefits:

  • Tirzepatide’s dual GIP/GLP-1 action may amplify weight-loss effects beyond semaglutide and liraglutide.

  • Liraglutide, although daily, remains effective and is often preferred for patients who cannot tolerate stronger weekly medications.

 

Effectiveness of Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Liraglutide

Numerous clinical trials demonstrate their effectiveness across weight loss and metabolic health.

 

Average Weight Loss After ~1 Year

Injection

Average Weight Loss

Notes

Semaglutide 2.4 mg

~15% of body weight

Based on STEP trials; strong long-term maintenance data

Tirzepatide

Up to 20%

SURMOUNT-1 trial showed highest average reductions

Semaglutide 1 mg

10–12%

Diabetes medication used off-label for weight loss

Liraglutide 3 mg

7–8%

Proven weight loss with daily dosing; good cardiometabolic outcomes

 

Key research findings:

  • Semaglutide 2.4 mg: ~15% weight loss over 68 weeks.

  • Tirzepatide: In some trials, >20% reduction—the highest of all current agents.

  • Semaglutide 1 mg: ~12% reduction; strong diabetes data.

  • Liraglutide: Average ~8% weight loss; widely used for patients needing more gradual improvement.


wegovy vs mounjaro vs ozempic vs saxendra diagram

 

Summary: Tirzepatide shows the greatest weight loss, semaglutide 2.4 mg has the strongest long-term safety and cardiovascular evidence, and liraglutide offers a well-studied daily option.


Who Is Eligible for Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, or Liraglutide?

Global guidelines generally recommend GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 injections for:

  • BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², or

  • BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related condition, such as:

    • Type 2 diabetes

    • High blood pressure

    • High cholesterol

    • Sleep apnea

    • Fatty liver disease

 

Not suitable for:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals

  • Anyone with a history of pancreatitis

  • Patients with certain endocrine or thyroid cancers

  • Children/adolescents (unless specifically approved)

 

In Singapore, eligibility is assessed by a licensed doctor based on BMI, metabolic health, and previous response to lifestyle interventions.

 

Comparison: Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide vs Liraglutide

Feature

Semaglutide 2.4 mg

Tirzepatide

Liraglutide 3 mg

Semaglutide 1 mg

Indication

Chronic weight management

Diabetes + weight loss

Chronic weight management

Diabetes (weight loss off-label)

Mechanism

GLP-1 agonist

Dual GIP + GLP-1 agonist

GLP-1 agonist

GLP-1 agonist

Average weight loss

~15%

Up to 20%

7–8%

10–12%

Dosage frequency

Weekly

Weekly

Daily

Weekly

Cardiovascular data

Strong evidence

Emerging

Strong in diabetes

Strong in diabetes

Best for

Patients wanting strong but tolerable weekly medication

Maximum weight reduction

Gradual weight loss or intolerance to weekly agents

Diabetes requiring weight control

 

Risks & Side Effects

Most patients tolerate these medications well, especially with dose titration.

Common, temporary effects include:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Constipation or diarrhoea

  • Bloating

  • Mild injection-site discomfort

 

Rare but serious risks:

  • Acute pancreatitis

  • Gallbladder issues

  • Severe allergic reactions

 

Singapore doctors typically start at a low dose and escalate gradually to minimise gastrointestinal effects.

 

Beyond Weight Loss: Additional Health Benefits or Saxendra

The health improvements go far beyond body weight:

 

Clinically proven benefits include:

  • Cardiovascular protection – Semaglutide reduces risk of major adverse cardiac events.

  • Better blood sugar control – Lower HbA1c and reduced insulin resistance.

  • Lower inflammation – Reduced CRP and improved metabolic markers.

  • Reduced fatty liver – Improving liver enzymes and steatosis.

  • Improved quality of life – Better mobility, sleep, energy, and reduced joint strain.

 

Safety & Monitoring in Singapore

These medications require prescription and medical supervision. Proper care includes:

  • Full health evaluation before starting

  • Monitoring of weight, BMI, HbA1c, and metabolic markers

  • Regular follow-up appointments

  • Guidance on diet, exercise, and behavioural strategies

 

For more details on availability and treatment pathways, see Weight Loss Injections at Nee Soon Clinic.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. AreSemaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Liraglutide available in Singapore?

 Yes, but only through licensed clinics under medical supervision.

 

2. Which works fastest?

 Tirzepatide generally shows the fastest and highest weight-loss response.

 

3. Will I regain weight if I stop?

 Some weight regain is expected without continued lifestyle support.

 

4. How long should I use these injections?

 They are intended for long-term, maintenance-based therapy.

 

5. Are they safe for diabetics?

 Yes—semaglutide 1 mg, tirzepatide, and liraglutide are widely used for diabetes management.

 

Conclusion

When considering semaglutide, tirzepatide, or liraglutide in Singapore, the choice depends on medical history, goals, and doctor recommendation.

  • Semaglutide 2.4 mg: Best balance of strong results + excellent long-term cardiovascular evidence.

  • Tirzepatide: Highest weight-loss numbers so far; ideal for maximum reduction.

  • Liraglutide: Reliable daily option with a long safety history.

  • Semaglutide 1 mg: Excellent for diabetes patients who also want weight loss.

 

All options are effective—but safety, monitoring, and clinical guidance are essential.

 

Weight loss pricing varies with clinic and dosage. At Nee Soon Clinic the price of medical weight loss management starts from $450 for a 2 month supply. For personalised recommendations, book a consultation with Nee Soon Clinic’s Weight Management Program

 


Disclaimer:


The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content is not intended to be a comprehensive source of information and should not be relied upon as such. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk. The authors and the publisher do not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in the article. Any reliance on the information in this article is solely at the reader's own risk.


779 Yishun Ave 2, #01-1547, Singapore 760779

Tel: 6721 9796

779 Yishun Ave 2, #01-1547, Singapore 760779

Tel: 6721 9796

© 2023 by Nee Soon Clinic

bottom of page