Mounjaro vs. Ozempic for weight loss – which is better?
Ozempic and Mounjaro are popular GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) class drugs. Over the past few years, their usage has increased dramatically due to their exceptional benefits, such as diabetes management, weight loss, etc. These two medicines were developed and approved to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, the usage of both these drugs resulted in significant weight loss, and doctors also prescribe them off-label. In a study conducted on a group of adults, it was stated that 81.8% of people who took Mounjaro lost a minimum of 5% of their body weight, while the same weight loss was achieved only in 66.5% of people who took Ozempic within one year.
Ozempic is also popular for additional health benefits, which include lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke and worsening kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.
According to a poll organised in the United States, 1 in 8 adults (12%) have taken a GLP-1 medicine either to treat diabetes, to lose weight, or to reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular problems. Moreover, 6% of adults say that at present they are still taking one of these drugs.
How do Mounjaro and Ozempic work?
Mounjaro and Ozempic are given in the form of an injection once a week.
Mounjaro is the first of its kind because it’s a dual-action GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking two key hormones in the body— glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which belong to incretin hormones. They are released after eating, which stimulates the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Thus, it regulates blood sugar levels, slows down stomach emptying, and lowers appetite, all contributing to improved blood sugar control and significant weight loss.
When it comes to Ozempic, it works by simulating only the GLP-1 hormone, which controls blood sugar levels. Semaglutide stimulates the release of insulin by activating GLP-1 receptors. It also suppresses the secretion of glucagon and lowers the frequency of stomach emptying, which all contribute to improved blood sugar control and significant weight loss.
It is known that diabetic people are at higher risk of cardiovascular problems. Taking Mounjaro and following healthy eating habits and regular physical activity as suggested by the doctor might reduce the risk of certain heart problems and also lower blood pressure. Remember, Mounjaro is not approved by the FDA for cardiovascular problems.
Mounjaro vs. Ozempic
The main differences between Ozempic and Mounjaro are their active ingredients and FDA indications. Mounjaro is the brand name for the medicine with the active ingredient tirzepatide, and Ozempic is for semaglutide. Ozempic was approved in 2017 by the FDA, and Mounjaro was approved in 2022 for treating type 2 diabetes.
But many doctors might prescribe these medicines for weight loss “off-label”, which means suggested for a generic use. To be precise, they are not officially approved by the FDA for weight loss.
Some other key differences include
Compared to Ozempic, Mounjaro can effectively control blood sugar levels and weight loss.
In some clinical trials, Mounjaro delivered substantial weight loss, with 80% of people losing at least 5% and 36% losing over 15% of their body weight. Whereas Ozempic delivered less weight loss, 54% of people lost at least 5%, while only 8% of them lost more than 15% of their body weight. Mounjaro also led to long-term control of blood sugar levels.
Ozempic is officially approved to treat type 2 diabetes and to help reduce the risk of significant cardiovascular problems like heart attack and stroke. Mounjaro is only approved to control blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. However, research suggests it can reduce blood pressure, which prevents heart complications.
The dosage is different with both medications, where Ozempic is available in doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 2.0 mg and should be taken based on patient requirements and the doctor’s suggestion. While Mounjaro is available in little high dosages of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg and should be taken depending on patient requirements and the doctor’s suggestion.
The cost of Mounjaro and Ozempic varies according to the dosage. On average, the cost of Mounjaro is high compared to Ozempic.
However, Zepbound and Wegovy are drugs specially manufactured for weight loss, which are approved by FDA to treat weight loss. Zepbound is being manufactured by Eli Lilly, which owns Mounjaro, and released in 2023. Similarly, Wegovy is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, which owns Ozempic.
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