Ozempic vs Mounjaro: everything you need to know

GLP-1, Ozempic, Mounjaro. These three words were entirely unfamiliar to most of us just a year ago but are now in everyone’s mouths and ears.

If you feel that there is too much information on this topic and it's hard to find the answers you need, you're in the right place.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Ozempic vs Mounjaro, exploring how they differ, their benefits, side effects, costs, and more.

Main points to know

• Ozempic and Mounjaro are both approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes, but doctors often prescribe them for weight loss, too;
  
• Both meds work well for losing weight, but studies show Mounjaro might help you lose a bit more;
  
• They have similar side effects, like nausea, vomiting, and constipation, but Mounjaro tends to cause more serious stomach problems;
  
• Mounjaro targets two receptors linked to weight loss, while Ozempic focuses on just one;
  
• To get the best results from these meds, it’s important to pair them with healthy eating. Platforms like Nutrium provide personalized nutrition plans to help manage diabetes and reach your weight loss goals.
  

What are Ozempic and Mounjaro?

Let’s break it down. Ozempic and Mounjaro are meds that help adults with type 2 diabetes keep their blood sugar in check. They do this by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which boosts insulin production, lowers blood sugar, and even tells your brain, "Hey, you’re full!"

This means they don’t just help with diabetes. They can also help with weight loss by reducing those constant food cravings and making you feel fuller faster. Some people find that these meds help silence the never-ending thoughts about food, leading to quicker and more noticeable results.

However, Ozempic and Mounjaro are only FDA-approved for people with type 2 diabetes, but not as weight loss drugs. They can be prescribed off-label for weight loss, but insurance may not cover them if you don't have type 2 diabetes.

If your main goal is weight loss, there are other FDA-approved options like Wegovy and Zepbound. These might be easier to get covered by insurance.

Here’s a breakdown for easier understanding:

Ozempic vs Mounjaro: what are their differences?

These two medications have a lot of similarities, but there are some key differences between them too. Let’s get into that.

How Ozempic works

The magic behind Ozempic comes from its active ingredient, semaglutide. This ingredient acts like a hormone in your body called GLP-1, which helps keep your blood sugar levels in check. By acting like GLP-1, semaglutide helps lower blood sugar, reduces appetite, and makes you feel fuller for longer. This means you eat less and take in fewer calories, leading to visible weight loss over time.

Ozempic is taken once a week as an under the skin injection in the belly, thigh, or upper arm. It starts at a low dose of 0.25 mg and can gradually increase up to 2 mg, depending on what your doctor thinks is best for you.

As for cost, it depends on your prescription and insurance coverage. Without insurance, Ozempic typically runs around $935 a month. You can check here if your insurance covers it.

How Mounjaro works

Mounjaro works a bit differently. Its active ingredient, tirzepatide, is a multitasker that mimics two hormones: GLP-1 (like Ozempic) and GIP, another hormone that helps manage hunger and blood sugar. By hitting both these receptors, Mounjaro is essentially double-teaming your appetite and blood sugar.

Because it’s working on two fronts, Mounjaro is generally prescribed in higher doses than Ozempic. You usually start at 2.5 mg and can go all the way up to 15 mg. The dose can be gradually increased, depending on how things go and what your doctor decides.

It costs generally around $1,069 a month, but it varies depending on your dosage. You can check here if your insurance covers Mounjaro.

How do their results compare?

Truveta Research recently published a real-world study showing the electronic health records of over 18,000 overweight or obese adults who used Ozempic or Mounjaro between May 2022 and September 2023. 

The results? Both meds are extremely effective for weight loss, but Mounjaro seems to have the upper hand. People taking Mounjaro were more likely to achieve weight loss of over 5% and 15% compared to those taking Ozempic.

These findings back up what clinical trials by the companies behind these medications have already shown:

• Over at Novo Nordisk, clinical trials for Ozempic showed weight loss ranging from 9.3 to 14.1 pounds. On average, people experienced about a 15% drop in body weight after 68 weeks.
  
  
• Eli Lilly's clinical trials showed that participants on Mounjaro lost between 12 and 25 pounds, with an average weight reduction of 21.1% after just 12 weeks. Over 84 weeks, the total average loss was a whopping 26.6%.

One important thing to keep in mind is that both of these medications work best when paired with healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes. If you're looking to maximize your results while on GLP-1, Nutrium can help you create a healthy eating strategy that works for you and your taste buds.

Ozempic vs Mounjaro side effects

You might get some side effects with these medications. Some are pretty common and mild, while others are more serious but less likely to happen.

Common side effects

Both Ozempic and Mounjaro have their share of side effects, and most are pretty similar. These are the most common ones, reported by at least 5% of people taking these meds:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation

With Mounjaro, there are a few extra side effects that are pretty common:

• Abdominal pain
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Severe stomach pain

These side effects are relatively common, especially during the first few weeks as your body gets used to the medication. For example, nausea affects 20-40% of people starting on Ozempic, and it can be even higher with Mounjaro.

While these side effects can be uncomfortable, many people find the benefits worth pushing through the initial rough patch. The good news? The side effects usually get better over time. A lot of people find they can manage the symptoms by staying hydrated, eating smaller meals, or adjusting their diet.

That said, everyone’s different. Some people find the side effects too much to handle and decide to stop taking the medication. In those cases, it’s all about working with a doctor to see if a lower dose might help or if a different option could work better.

Serious side effects

While rare, both Ozempic and Mounjaro can cause more serious side effects. You should be aware of the following symptoms, and if you feel any of them, you should contact your doctor immediately:

Both Ozempic and Mounjaro come with a "boxed warning" about the risk of thyroid cancer. You should not use any of these medications if:

• you or anyone in your family has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• you’re allergic or have had a serious reaction to semaglutide or any of the other ingredients in Ozempic
• you’re allergic or have had a serious reaction to tirzepatide or any of the other ingredients in Mounjaro

If you experience any side effects while on these medications, be sure to let your healthcare provider know. They can help you figure out what’s going on and might be able to adjust your dose or try something else to help you feel better.

Ozempic vs Mounjaro: which one should you take?

When it comes to the Ozempic vs Mounaro battle, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

Overall, Mounjaro has shown more success in weight loss, but it's not always that straightforward. The right choice depends on your unique health needs and medical history.

Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding:

• Heart Health: If you or someone in your family has a history of heart disease, Ozempic might be a better bet. Studies have shown Ozempic helps lower the risk of major heart issues, like strokes and heart attacks.
• Stomach Issues: If you have a sensitive stomach or any gastrointestinal problems, Mounjaro can have serious adverse effects.
• Allergies: If you’re allergic to any ingredients in these medications, they’re obviously not the way to go.

Ultimately, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider. Based on your medical history, they can decide which option is the right one for you and support you in your weight loss journey.

Should you have nutrition guidance?

Definitely! A dietitian can be a game-changer for someone on GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro or Ozempic. Here’s how they can help:

• Create a personalized meal plan, ensuring you’re still getting all the nutrients you need while maximizing weight loss
• Help you choose foods that minimize side effects like nausea and constipation
• Teach you how to eat the right mix of protein, fats, and carbs to support your medication's effects and overall health
• Offer ongoing support, answer your questions, and help you stay motivated

Overall, a dietitian can help make your weight loss journey with GLP-1 medications easier and more effective. If you want expert nutrition guidance with free appointments and an exclusive app, check out Nutrium.