Mounjaro vs. Ozempic: What Is the Difference Between Both Weight Loss Medications?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 73.6% of adults in the United States were overweight between 2017 and 2018. In 2020, 41.9% of the same group was obese.

The latest reports from the CDC also showed that 49.1% of adults tried to lose weight each month of every year between 2013 and 2016.

This data was published in 2018, so the figures are expected to be even higher. In fact, many experts believe that the increased use of social media encourages more people to take care of their bodies and engage in healthy activities, which can lead to weight loss.

As more people strive to shed those extra pounds, more weight loss medications are becoming available. Ozempic and Mounjaro are two of them.

Although they weren’t originally developed to help people reduce their body fat percentage, Mounjaro and Ozempic have become popular medications because of their weight loss benefits.  

Are Ozempic and Mounjaro similar? How do these weight loss drugs compare? We’ve crafted this comprehensive guide to provide you with all the information you need about both medications, their uses, and their differences. Keep reading!

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic, the brand name for the drug “semaglutide,” is an injectable prescription medicine originally produced to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

This drug’s active ingredient, semaglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. As such, it mimics the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, which is released in the gastrointestinal tract and encourages the body to produce more insulin to reduce blood sugar levels or send signals of fullness after eating.

Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, semaglutide can help with glucose control and weight loss. Plus, this drug can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack or stroke.

Two semaglutide products have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, including Ozempic.

How Does Ozempic Work?

As we mentioned before, Ozempic’s active ingredient is a GLP-1 agonist, meaning it replicates this hormone’s function. As such, it tells the pancreas to produce insulin when you eat. That’s why it’s used to control blood sugar levels.

Healthcare providers often prescribe Ozempic combined with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. However, this medication is used off-label for weight loss due to the effect it has on appetite.

The naturally occurring GLP-1 receptor sends signals to tell your brain that you’ve eaten, making you feel full earlier. This effect can help you reduce your food intake and, consequently, consume fewer calories than you burn, which often leads to weight loss.

Although Ozempic hasn’t received FDA approval to treat conditions other than type 2 diabetes, its effects on people’s appetites have made it a promising potential treatment option for weight management and obesity.

What Is Mounjaro?

Like Ozempic, Mounjaro is used to assist with type 2 diabetes management.

In essence, “Mounjaro” is the brand name under which the drug “tirzepatide” is sold. The FDA approved this medication to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise to improve glucose regulation in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Mounjaro is also often prescribed off-label to promote weight loss, but the FDA has not approved this specific branded product for this use.

How Does Mounjaro Work?

As we explained above, this injectable medication is typically prescribed with a healthy diet and physical activity to improve blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. But how can this drug regulate glucose?

Mounjaro is regarded as the only medication that can activate two gut hormones: GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Both receptors participate in the blood sugar regulation process, meaning that they can stimulate insulin production and its release from the pancreas.

Thanks to its effects on both hormones and the signals they send to the brain, this medication can slow down how quickly your stomach empties after eating, reducing appetite and making you feel full for longer. That’s why it’s used to help people lose body weight.

Clinical trials have shown that receiving 10 or 15 milligrams (mg) of Mounjaro injections each week can lead to significant weight loss (up to 20% of patients’ current weight).

Since people with type 2 diabetes and other weight-related health conditions are more likely to develop heart disease, this medication may also reduce the risk of suffering major cardiovascular events if combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

How Do These Weight Loss Drugs Compare? Similarities Between Ozempic and Mounjaro

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic act in the same way and are used for similar purposes.

For example, both medications must be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) with the same frequency (once a week). Additionally, Ozempic and Mounjaro share the following similarities:

• Their active ingredients, semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), belong to the same drug class, as they’re both considered GLP-1 receptor agonists.

• These medications work in a similar way, as their active ingredients mimic naturally occurring hormones’ effects in the body, reducing blood sugar levels and generating a feeling of fullness.

• Both have been approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes because they can help patients control their glucose levels.

• These drugs can help prevent major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, if taken correctly.

• Healthcare providers often prescribe both drugs in combination with regular activity and a balanced diet. This doesn’t mean that these drugs can’t work alone, but it’s clear that they both offer enhanced benefits when patients eat healthier food and exercise as part of their treatment.

• Although originally produced to control blood sugar levels, both Ozempic and Mounjaro can help people with obesity lose weight.

• These medications have similar side effects. Both can cause nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.

Key Differences Between Mounjaro and Ozempic

Although Mounjaro and Ozempic have become popular medications for diabetes management and offer similar weight loss benefits, these drugs are different in many ways.

Below are the main differences between these medications!

Active Ingredients

The first significant difference between both drugs lies in their active ingredients. As we mentioned above, Ozempic is semaglutide and Mounjaro is tirzepatide.

Semaglutide has been on the market for years. Sold under different brand names, this medication is available in both injectable and pill forms. Plus, there’s a version with a specific dosage used for weight management (Wegovy).

Tirzepatide, on the other hand, hit the market recently. Although it’s used for the same treatments, this drug isn’t as popular as semaglutide.

Mechanism of Action

As we mentioned above, both medications mimic naturally occurring hormones’ effects on blood sugar levels and appetite. However, how Ozempic and Mounjaro work biologically is slightly different.

For example, Ozempic only targets the GLP-1 receptor, which means that this drug will suppress glucagon secretion to regulate glucose levels after eating. It also impacts the signals that this hormone sends to the brain but only focuses on the GLP-1 pathway.

Tirzepatide has a dual mechanism of action, as it activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. As a result, this medication stimulates insulin secretion to reduce high blood sugar levels like semaglutide.

The dual action mimicking the GIP receptor is what makes Mounjaro different from Ozempic.

Effectiveness in Weight Loss

Although more research is needed, several studies have shown that tirzepatide may be more effective in slowing down stomach emptying and reducing appetite than other drugs, including semaglutide.

In other words, Mounjaro might provide better benefits than Ozempic to people who want to reduce their body weight.

For example, this analysis of 22 randomized controlled trials focused on the results that 18,472 type 2 diabetes patients had when using tirzepatide. It was presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.

Such findings showed that doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg of tirzepatide were more effective in reducing body weight than doses of 1 mg and 0.5 mg of semaglutide.

Dosage and Administration

Although both medications are injectable and are often prescribed as weekly treatments, there are slight differences between their recommended dosage and administration methods.

For example, patients who have been prescribed Mounjaro can begin this treatment with a dose of 2.5 mg, injected once a week for one month.

After the first four weeks, this dose can be increased to 5 mg with the same frequency. Some patients may need further increases depending on their treatment, but this is only recommended at four-week intervals.

The maximum recommended dose of Mounjaro is 15 mg once a week after the patient is fully accustomed to the drug.

Semaglutide is different. Like Mounjaro, this drug should be injected once a week on the same day each time. However, the starting dose is lower.

Patients are advised to take only 0.25 mg once a week for the first month. After that period, gradual increases may be prescribed until reaching the maximum recommended dose (2.4 mg).

Cost

Although both Mounjaro and Ozempic are expensive, the price of the former may be slightly higher.

On average, a Mounjaro injector pen costs $1,023 in the U.S. without insurance, while a 1-mg pen of Ozempic can be purchased for around $950.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the costs of these medications may vary based on multiple factors, including the following:

• Availability

• Dosage and treatment requirements

• Insurance coverage

• Patients eligibility for manufacturer’s savings programs

Ozempic isn’t always available, for example, as high demand has caused a shortage in many locations, including the U.S. Consequently, the price of this medication may be higher at times.

Which Option is Better, Mounjaro or Ozempic?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when choosing between Ozempic and Mounjaro, as both medications offer significant benefits and have their own weaknesses.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has emerged as a game-changer in diabetes management. Clinical trials have consistently shown it’s superior over Ozempic when lowering average blood sugar counts (A1C levels) and promoting significant weight loss.

For example, this 2021 study evaluated the results of several type 2 patients after taking tirzepatide or semaglutide once a week.

Focusing on 1,900 participants’ results after 40 weeks, this trial concluded that those who used tirzepatide observed better glycated hemoglobin levels than those who took semaglutide.

Tirzepatide’s impressive effects on blood sugar levels can be attributed to its unique ability to target both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.

However, as a newer medication, Mounjaro’s long-term safety and efficacy data are still limited compared to Ozempic. Additionally, it hasn’t yet received FDA approval for reducing cardiovascular risk.

Although Ozempic hasn’t been granted this title, its active ingredient has been approved under other brand names for treatments that can help prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events in adults with obesity or overweight and a related health condition.

Ozempic, on the other hand, has a well-established track record in diabetes treatment. Moreover, it has gained recognition for its cardiovascular benefits.

This medication has been proven to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in people with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

As a result, Ozempic has become a compelling choice for type 2 diabetes patients and obese or overweight people with a high risk of cardiovascular complications.

Both Ozempic and Mounjaro have a great impact on weight management. Ultimately, the decision between Mounjaro and Ozempic will depend on your individual health condition, needs, and priorities.

Can You Switch from Mounjaro to Ozempic or Vice Versa?

Switching between Mounjaro and Ozempic is possible, but it requires careful consideration and consultation with your healthcare provider. Plus, it’ll depend on your health condition and treatment requirements.

For example, you’ll have to assess your needs and determine the optimal timing or dosage adjustments for a smooth and safe transition.

Moreover, you need to consider the starting dose, as the new medication may need to be adjusted based on your previous dosage.

If you switch from one medication to another, remember to monitor your health for any side effects or adverse reactions, such as low blood sugar levels, stomach pain, weakness, nausea, and others.

Final Thoughts

Although there are important differences between the two, both Mounjaro and Ozempic can be effective in the management and treatment of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and their associated complications.

However, choosing the “best” option for you will depend on your unique needs, goals, budget, and health condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Avoid Using Ozempic?

Ozempic isn’t for everyone. If you have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or thyroid tumors, suffer from type 1 diabetes, or are expecting to get pregnant, it isn’t recommended.

Moreover, keep in mind that you’ll need guidance from a healthcare provider if you’ve had pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas) or major stomach problems.

Who Should Avoid Using Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is also contraindicated for certain people, including those with a family history of thyroid carcinoma and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

People who have suffered or are at risk of developing pancreatitis and other stomach problems should also consult with professionals and exercise caution when using this medication.

Which Drug Can Help Patients Lose Weight Faster?

According to the latest research, Mounjaro seems to be more effective in promoting weight loss. However, the data available about Ozempic is more robust. Plus, everyone’s body is different, and results can vary.

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