Obesity is a worldwide epidemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global adult obesity more than tripled between 1990 and 2022. This has resulted in an increase in health issues ranging from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological disorders to chronic respiratory diseases and digestive problems. In this context, it is in people's best interest to keep a healthy weight. Nevertheless, the quest for rapid weight loss is prompting individuals to seek solutions in medications intended for diabetes treatment, which also promote weight reduction. Ozempic and Mounjaro are two such weight loss medications that have generated significant attention worldwide. Are they alike or different? Let us clarify the Ozempic vs Mounjaro discussion for you!

How does Mounjaro function?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an innovative injectable therapy designed for type 2 diabetes management, but it is also utilized as a weight loss medication. “It is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist,” explains diabetologist Dr. Shankar Kumar Venkatarayaraju. Thus, it replicates the effects of both GIP and GLP-1 hormones that regulate blood sugar levels and decrease appetite, resulting in weight loss.

The medication, which comes in a prefilled pen, is given once a week through a subcutaneous injection, indicating it is injected beneath the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for type 2 diabetes, with unauthorized usage for obesity.

How does Ozempic function?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication that is injected once weekly designed for the management of type 2 diabetes and is used off-label for weight reduction. "It acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist that simulates natural glucagon-like peptide-1," explains the specialist. It raises the levels of gut hormones, incretins, and facilitates increased insulin production when required. It also assists in decreasing the quantity of sugar created by the liver and slows down food digestion. These mechanisms aid in lowering blood sugar levels and supporting weight loss.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic: What are the similarities?

Both medications share various similarities.

1. Not authorized for weight loss

Mounjaro is not sanctioned by the FDA for weight loss, although its active ingredient, tirzepatide, has been approved for weight loss under the brand Zepbound. Likewise, Ozempic is not approved for this aim. The only FDA-approved medication for weight management is Wegovy, which also contains semaglutide, the primary component in Ozempic.

2. Weekly injectable treatments

Regarding Mounjaro vs Ozempic, both are weekly injectable treatments designed to handle type 2 diabetes and function as weight loss aids. They operate via incretin hormone pathways to decrease blood sugar levels and suppress appetite, leading to weight loss.

3. Given subcutaneously

Both medications are administered subcutaneously and necessitate dose titration (the gradual increase of one solution with a known concentration). This is crucial, as it can diminish gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

"Additionally, both medications, recommended after the failure of first-line treatments like metformin, demonstrate favorable cardiovascular and metabolic profiles, and are not appropriate for type 1 diabetes," states Dr. Venkatarayaraju.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic: What are the distinctions between them?

Here are several key distinctions between Mounjaro and Ozempic:

1. Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Ingredients and mechanism

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) serves as a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Ozempic (semaglutide) focuses solely on the GLP-1 receptor. This dual targeting in Mounjaro may offer beneficial effects on metabolism and assist in weight loss.

2. Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Dosing

Although both are administered subcutaneously on a weekly basis, their dosing differs. "Mounjaro is available in weekly doses ranging from 2. 5 to 15 mg, while Ozempic is typically titrated to a maximum of 2 mg," explains the expert.

3. Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Safety

Ozempic, which was introduced in the US in 2017, has more extensive long-term data, including advantageous cardiovascular outcomes for individuals with type 2 diabetes. "Mounjaro's long-term safety is still being assessed, although initial data appears promising," according to Dr. Venkatarayaraju.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which one is better?

From a clinical efficacy perspective, Mounjaro seems to be more effective than Ozempic for both glycemic management and weight reduction. In a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, individuals who were overweight or obese were treated with tirzepatide and semaglutide. They achieved significantly more substantial weight loss with tirzepatide.

"However, 'better' also relies on patient-specific considerations. Ozempic has robust cardiovascular data, including FDA endorsement for decreasing major cardiovascular incidents in high-risk individuals. Mounjaro does not currently have this designation," says the expert.

In the comparison of Mounjaro and Ozempic, the former might be preferred when maximal weight loss and glycemic management are the main objectives. Ozempic may be selected when cardiovascular safeguarding is a priority.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Side effects

Here are some of the side effects:

Mounjaro side effects

• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Flatulence
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Discomfort or discolouration around the spot where the medicine was injected

Ozempic side effects

• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Discomfort around the injection area

While the side effects of Ozempic and Mounjaro might be fleeting, there can also be significant risks. "They are uncommon, but individuals using both might develop pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, and gallbladder disease," notes the specialist.

In the comparison between Mounjaro and Ozempic, no definitive champion emerges. Their active components differ, yet their health objectives, side effects, and methods of administration show substantial similarities.

Read Also: Burn Belly Fat Without Feeling Hungry: A Fitness Expert's Favorite Filling Foods

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