Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Understanding the Difference

Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy are often confused. While they're all injectable medications that can cause weight loss, they're not the same. Here's what you need to know.

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The Basic Difference

• Mounjaro = tirzepatide (dual GIP + GLP-1 agonist)
• Ozempic = semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist only), approved for diabetes
• Wegovy = semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist only), approved for weight loss

Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient at different doses and with different approved uses. Mounjaro is a completely different medication.

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Why Ozempic Gets Used for Weight Loss

Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. However, because it causes weight loss as a side effect, some doctors prescribe it "off-label" for weight management.

This practice increased during Wegovy shortages when the dedicated weight loss medication wasn't available.

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Key Differences

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Which Produces More Weight Loss?

Mounjaro consistently produces more weight loss than semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) in clinical trials. The SURMOUNT-5 trial showed tirzepatide achieved 20.2% weight loss versus 13.7% for semaglutide.

Ozempic at its maximum dose (2mg) produces less weight loss than Wegovy (2.4mg) or Mounjaro.

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Why This Distinction Matters

• For insurance/funding: Using Ozempic for weight loss is off-label, which affects coverage
• For effectiveness: Ozempic isn't optimised for weight loss
• For safety: Using medications off-label has implications
• For supply: Off-label weight loss use has contributed to Ozempic shortages for diabetics who need it

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Making the Right Choice

If your primary goal is weight loss:

• Wegovy (if available) is the approved semaglutide option
• Mounjaro offers greater efficacy
• Ozempic is a fallback but isn't the optimal choice for weight loss

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Get Proper Guidance

At Well Revolution, we help you understand your options and access the most appropriate treatment for your goals.