About 1 in 8 Americans have reported using a GLP-1 medication to treat diabetes or for weight-loss support. Its use for weight loss has become so popular that brand-name medications like Ozempic® come up regularly in everyday conversations.

However, while GLP-1 medications have similar benefits, they are not interchangeable. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference between Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Zepbound®, and Mounjaro® actually is, this article will be your guide.

What Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Zepbound®, and Mounjaro® have in common

Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Zepbound®, and Mounjaro® have all been used to help people lose weight, as well as treat other conditions like type 2 diabetes. Here are the main ways these medications are similar:

• GLP-1 based medication: Each drug mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar, insulin release, appetite, and satiety.
• Injectable delivery method: All are administered as once-weekly injections.
• Weight-loss effects: Each medication has been shown to support weight loss, though not all of them are officially FDA-approved for that purpose.
• Side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms can happen with any of these medications.

People take these medications for many of the same reasons, but not everyone responds to them in the same way. This is where the differences become especially important.

How GLP-1 medications are different

The differences between GLP-1 medications are more subtle, but no less impactful. Let’s break them down by medication.

Ozempic®

• Active ingredient: Semaglutide
• Dosing schedule: Subcutaneous injection once a week. Dosage typically starts at 0.25 mg per week and gradually increases to 1 mg. See a sample Ozempic® dosing schedule here.
• Dosage form: Pens that contain multiple doses. Before each injection, you’ll attach a new needle to the pen, and then discard after your shot. The number of doses per Ozempic® pen varies depending on your dosage.
• What it’s approved for: Ozempic® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, but is often prescribed “off-label” for weight loss.

Like the natural GLP-1 hormone, Ozempic® stimulates insulin release and lowers blood sugar levels, but it stays in your system longer than natural GLP-1. This slows the gastric emptying process so you feel full for longer. As a result, it’s easier to avoid overeating, and even food noise and craving can be easier to manage. 

Wegovy®

• Active ingredient: Semaglutide
• Dosing schedule: Subcutaneous injection once a week. Dosage typically starts at 0.25 mg per week and gradually increases to up to 2.4 mg weekly. See a sample Wegovy® dosing schedule here.
• Dosage form: Single-use pens with needles already attached.
• What it’s approved for: Wegovy® is FDA-approved for both type 2 diabetes and weight management.

Ozempic® and Wegovy® have more similarities than differences. The main difference is FDA approval—Ozempic® is specifically approved to treat type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy® is approved for weight management. That being said, both medications have been shown to help people achieve significant weight loss.

Zepbound®

• Active ingredient: Tirzepatide
• Dosing schedule: Subcutaneous injection once a week. Dosing typically starts at 2.5 mg and gradually increases to up to 10 mg weekly.
• Dosage form: Single-use pens with needles already attached.
• What it’s approved for: Zepbound® is FDA-approved for weight management.

The active ingredient in Zepbound®, tirzepatide, has a dual mechanism of action. This means that it mimics GLP-1 and another hormone, GIP, which also plays a role in satiety and insulin secretion. 

Mounjaro®

• Active ingredient: Tirzepatide
• Dosing schedule: Subcutaneous injection once a week. Dosing typically starts at 2.5 mg and gradually increases to up to 10 mg weekly.
• Dosage form: Single-use pens with needles already attached.
• What it’s used for: Mounjaro® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, but may be prescribed off-label for weight management. See a sample Mounjaro® dosing schedule here.

With the same active ingredient, Mounjaro and Zepbound work the same way and have similar dosing schedules. The main difference between the two is FDA approval types, but both have been used to help treat weight loss.

Which GLP-1 is best for weight loss?

Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Zepbound®, and Mounjaro® have all shown to help people lose weight. In the recent SURMOUNT-5 trial, which is the first to compare semaglutide and tirzepatide head-to-head, the study found that participants lost an average of 50 pounds on tirzepatide and 33 pounds on semaglutide. The better results on tirzepatide are likely due to the dual mechanism of action; more research is being done to better understand the unique benefits of semaglutide vs. tirzepatide. 

GLP-1 medication should be paired with a balanced, healthy diet and regular exercise, regardless of which treatment you're on. Studies across the board show that those who develop sustainable habits are more likely to get the results they’re hoping for, and to keep the weight off if they decide to discontinue treatment.

Individual results vary, so what works well for someone else may not work as well for you. So having lots of GLP-1 options is a good thing, as it means you’re more likely to find a solution that is ideally suited to your needs and goals.

How to know which GLP-1 is right for you

Your provider will go over your options with you before you start treatment. Some of the factors that will need to be taken into consideration include:

• BMI and comorbid health status
• Health goals
• Side effect tolerance
• Insurance/cost
• Dosing schedule

Always consult with a licensed medical provider before starting GLP-1 treatment or making major changes to your health regimen.

FAQs about Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Zepbound®, and Mounjaro®

What is the difference between Ozempic® and Wegovy®?

Both contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), but are approved for different uses. Ozempic® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy® is FDA-approved for weight management (though your doctor may prescribe Ozempic® off-label for weight management). In addition, Wegovy® typically has a higher maximum dose.

How is Mounjaro® different from Zepbound®?

Both contain the same active ingredient (tirzepatide) and have similar dosing schedules, but are approved for different uses. Mounjaro® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound® is approved for weight loss.  

Which medication causes the most weight loss?

Clinical trials suggest that Zepbound® (tirzepatide) can lead to the most weight loss, around 20% of body weight at higher doses. Wegovy® (semaglutide) averages around 15% of body weight lost, with Ozempic® tending to cause more modest weight loss. However, individual results vary. 

Do I have to be diabetic to take a GLP-1?

No. Wegovy® and Zepbound® are approved for adults who have obesity or overweight plus another health condition (like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or high cholesterol), even if you don’t have diabetes.

How long do I have to take Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, or Zepbound®?

These medications are meant for long-term use. Studies show that those who maintain healthy habits they established during treatment are more likely to keep the weight off if they decide to discontinue treatment.

Does insurance cover GLP-1 medications?

Insurance coverage varies widely. Insurance is more likely to cover Ozempic® or Mounjaro® for diabetes. Wegovy® and Zepbound® may be covered for weight loss if your doctor documents that you meet weight-management criteria, but it can still be a challenge to get insurance approval. The U.S. administration is considering a pilot program that would allow Medicare and Medicaid plans to cover GLP-1 for weight loss, which would make insurance coverage available for more people.

If you don’t qualify for insurance coverage, Shed makes it easy to get the prescription you need with clear, upfront pricing.

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.

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