If you have been keeping up with the latest developments in diabetes medication, you may have come across two popular drugs – Ozempic® and Mounjaro®. While both are used to manage blood sugar levels, have you ever wondered what sets them apart? The office of CardioMender, MD Weight Loss Specialists in South Florida is here to help you understand what Mounjaro® and Ozempic® are, their fundamental differences, and how they relate to your weight loss journey.
What is Mounjaro®?
Mounjaro® is branded tirzepatide and was initially only FDA indicated for the treatment of type-2 diabetes, but now has FDA indication for weight loss. Zepbound® is also branded tirzepatide and has an FDA indication for weight loss. Both medications are taken as a weekly injection.
Both Mounjaro® and Zepbound® contain the same medication, tirzepatide, which has dual actions. They are GLP-1 receptor agonists and well as GIP receptor agonists.
Medical research studies (SURMOUNT-3Trusted Source and SURMOUNT-4) showed that people who took tirzepatide lost 26.6% of their body weight in 84 weeks when combined with a calorically restricted nutritional plan and lifestyle changes.
It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, especially if you are considering alternatives such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro® or Zepbound®.
What is Ozempic®?
Ozempic® is an injectable medication approved by FDA for the treatment of type-2 diabetes. It helps the body release more insulin and reduces liver glucose production to better control blood sugar. Although not FDA-approved for weight loss, Ozempic® has shown weight loss benefits and cardiovascular risk reduction.
The generic name for the medication in Ozempic® is semaglutide. It is FDA-approved for weight loss and is marketed as Wegovy® and is recommended at a higher dosage for weight loss as compared to Ozempic®. Wegovy® has been shown to reduce weight by 15% over the study period when coupled with a reduce calorie diet and lifestyle changes. CardioMender considers your medical history and your overall clinical condition and weight loss goals to determine if Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Mounjaro® or Zepbound® is the right option for you.
Key Differences Between Mounjaro® Vs. Ozempic®
Similar to Ozempic®, Mounjaro® works on the brain to decrease hunger and cravings and helps the liver reduce glucose production and the pancreas to produce more insulin. Mournjaro® has dual action meaning in addition to being a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it is also a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor agonist. Both GIP and GLP-1 are natural gut hormones that create a sense of fullness or satiety. Similar to semaglutide, people tend to feel full sooner on less food for longer and tend to eat less, which contributes to weight loss.
Ozempic® and Wegovy® are GLP-1 receptor agonists similar to Rybelsus®. However unlike Ozempic® and Mounjaro®, Rybelsus® comes as a tablet and can be taken by mouth, though it is only FDA indicated for the management of type-2 diabetes.
Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are associated with more weight loss, 21% body weight, as compare to 15% of body weight with Wegovy® or semaglutide. The weight loss associated with both Mounjaro® and Zepbound® compare to that achieved with bariatric surgery without the surgical risks.
The side effects of Ozempic® and Wegovy® are similar, mainly GI related, as are the precautions, except Mounjaro® and Zepbound® may impair the effectiveness of oral birth control pills. At the time of this blog, this has NOT been reported to occur with Ozempic® or Wegovy®. So, patients considering Mounjaro® or Zepbound® need to consider alternatives to oral contraception or consider semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®), which do not seem to pose the same risk. It should also be noted than many report patients report less side effects when taking tirzepatide as compared to semaglutide. GI side effects may include transient nausea, abdominal bloating, reflux, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and rarely pancreatitis. Mood changes may occur. The medications should not be taken with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or a rare condition called MENS-2.
See The Difference In Your Weight Loss Journey
Semaglutide AKA Ozempic® and Wegovy®, and tirzepatide AKA Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are the most requested weigh loss medications and now commonly used in weight loss and wellness journeys. Understanding the differences between these two drugs can help individuals make informed decisions about which one may be right for them. It is critical when selecting a weight loss program and medication to do so with a qualified medical practitioner.
Our team at CardioMender, MD, can help you achieve the weight loss goals you have in mind. We are FDA, CDC and the Florida Board of Medicine compliant and have our own trained medical practitioners and pharmacy in our office and strive to provide medical weight loss support to our patients in a caring, professional, ethical, and respectful manner.
Contact us today to see how we can help you meet your wellness and weight loss goals.
