Mounjaro vs Ozempic: The main differences

In our blog series “vs”, we provide information on the key differences between the most common weight loss injections and pills. In this blog, you will find a detailed description of the differences between Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Mounjaro vs. Ozempic – What are the differences?

Both medications influence the feeling of hunger and blood sugar regulation – however, they differ in active ingredient, approval, and effectiveness.

Ozempic contains Semaglutide, a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist that is injected weekly and is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Mounjaro contains Tirzepatide, a novel dual receptor agonist that activates both the gut hormone GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) – also administered once weekly. Mounjaro is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and additionally for weight reduction, i.e., for treating people with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27) and at least one weight-related comorbidity. Studies show that Mounjaro is more effective than Ozempic for blood sugar control and weight loss.

How do Mounjaro and Ozempic work?

Ozempic (Semaglutide):

GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Promotes insulin secretion while protecting against low blood sugar levels.
Slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite.

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide):

Dual receptor agonist: activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
Leads to reduced appetite, improved insulin sensitivity, and delayed gastric emptying.
Has an additional effect via GIP: enhanced metabolic effect.

Who is Mounjaro suitable for – and who is Ozempic for?

Mounjaro and Ozempic are both prescription medications that you can inject subcutaneously (under the skin) once a week. They effectively control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Whether Mounjaro or Ozempic is more suitable depends on your needs and treatment goals.

If the primary goal is weight reduction, it is important to note that Ozempic can only be prescribed for this purpose as an off-label use, whereas Mounjaro is explicitly approved for the treatment of obesity or overweight. It belongs to the new generation of weight loss injections because it acts in two ways – on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Studies (Jastreboff, A. M., et. al. 2022) suggest that there may be an additional benefit in targeting multiple endogenous hormone pathways stimulated by nutrients at the same time.

Both medications should generally only be used under medical supervision – and ideally as part of a holistic approach that includes nutrition, exercise, and behavior.

Switching between medications

Important to consider:

Switching between Mounjaro and Ozempic is generally possible but should only be done under medical supervision. There are differences in dosage, tolerability, and effect. A seamless transition is not always guaranteed, and individual responses to the active ingredients must be taken into account.

Advantages and disadvantages of switching

A switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro (or vice versa) may be sensible in cases of:

Side effects with the current medication.
A different mechanism of action appears more promising for the individual case.
Individual reactions to the respective active ingredient.

Expected weight loss: Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

Studies show an average weight reduction of:

With Mounjaro, weight loss can reach up to 22.5%, depending on dosage and duration of therapy.
Ozempic also leads to weight loss, typically in the range of 5–10%, depending on dose and individual response.

Summary: Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

Ozempic: primarily for type 2 diabetics for blood sugar control, available in doses up to max. 1 mg/week. Ozempic is not a weight loss drug but is mainly used for the treatment of diabetes!
Mounjaro: in addition to treating type 2 diabetes, specifically approved for medical weight reduction in obesity and overweight, available up to 2.4 mg/week.
Both drugs are prescription-only and should only be used under medical supervision.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Sources:

EMA product information for Mounjaro and Ozempic