With weight loss medications becoming increasingly popular, it’s easy to think Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are interchangeable.
But they each have important differences. Here’s what sets them apart – and what you need to know before choosing one.
Ozempic is not approved for weight loss
Although commonly used off-label for shedding pounds, Ozempic is only FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes.
It is not officially recognized as a weight loss drug, even though many people use it that way.
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Wegovy is the weight loss version of Ozempic
Both medications contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but Wegovy is designed and approved specifically for weight loss.
It uses higher doses than Ozempic to help patients lose weight more effectively.
Mounjaro and Zepbound target two hormones
Unlike Ozempic and Wegovy, which only affect the GLP-1 receptor, Mounjaro and Zepbound also activate the GIP receptor.
This dual-action mechanism may lead to greater and more sustainable weight loss effects.
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Zepbound is just Mounjaro rebranded for weight loss
While the names and approved uses are different, the active ingredient in both Mounjaro and Zepbound is tirzepatide.
Mounjaro is for diabetes, Zepbound is for weight loss – but the drug itself is identical.
Wegovy leads to more weight loss than Ozempic
Clinical trials found that patients lost about 15 % of their body weight with Wegovy, a significantly higher percentage than what has been observed with Ozempic, likely due to the lower doses in Ozempic.
Tirzepatide shows dramatic results
In long-term studies, patients using Mounjaro or Zepbound experienced up to 26.6 % body weight reduction over 84 weeks.
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That’s more than what semaglutide has achieved so far, making tirzepatide a standout candidate.
Injection methods vary
Ozempic is delivered via a reusable pen, while Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound use disposable pens.
This distinction may influence convenience and user preference depending on the patient’s routine.
Stopping treatment can lead to weight regain
Research shows that many people regain the weight after stopping medication, especially with Wegovy.
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This suggests that long-term or even lifelong use may be necessary for sustained results.
All four medications can cause side effects
Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.
More serious but less frequent issues include low blood sugar levels and the risk of gallstones.
Always consult a doctor before starting
Medical professionals stress the importance of a consultation before beginning any of these medications.
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Not everyone qualifies, and insurance coverage can vary widely depending on the drug and intended use.
Lifestyle changes are still key
None of these medications are magic fixes. Their success in trials was always in combination with diet and exercise.
They’re tools – not replacements – for a healthy lifestyle.
This article is based on information from Healthline.com.