What’s the difference between Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Mounjaro®? Which one might be right for you?
A new era in weight and metabolic health
GLP-1 medications are transforming the way the world is treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Mounjaro® have quickly become popular household names as their efficacy has been seen by countless users and those around them.
Shed is making it even easier to access these medications by connecting you with a licensed provider to if GLP-1s are right for you. We’re also gearing up to accept insurance to help cover the costs.
This guide will break down each of these medications to help you understand what makes them unique and which one could be right for you.
A quick history: where each of these medications came from
Ozempic® (semaglutide):
Ozempic® was developed by Novo Nordisk as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the action of a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. It was approved by the FDA in 2017 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. While its primary purpose was blood sugar control, Ozempic® quickly gained widespread attention for an unexpected side benefit: weight loss. This led to a surge in off-label use, making it one of the most talked-about medications in recent years.
Wegovy® (semaglutide):
Wegovy® is made with the same active ingredients as Ozempic®, but is used at a higher dose. In 2021, the FDA approved Wegovy® specifically for chronic weight management, targeting patients without diabetes who meet the BMI and comorbidity criteria.
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
Mounjaro® was developed by Eli Lilly and was approved in 2022 for the management of type 2 diabetes. It is the first in its class to be developed as a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics two hormones that regulate appetite and insulin. Because of the way it’s designed, it has shown even greater weight-loss results than semaglutide did in trials. The FDA has approved tirzepatide for chronic weight management under the brand name Zepbound®.
How they work in the body
GLP-1 receptor agonists (Ozempic® and Wegovy®) work by mimicking a natural hormone that:
- Increases insulin release
- Slows stomach emptying
- Reduces appetite and cravings
GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist (Mounjaro®) provides an extra mechanism:
- GIP adds another layer of blood sugar and appetite regulation
- This combo may explain Mounjaro®’s superior weight-loss outcomes
So which one is right for me?
Consider Ozempic® if:
- You have type 2 diabetes and want weight-loss benefits
- You prefer a more established option with wide coverage
Consider Wegovy® if:
- You don’t have diabetes but qualify based on BMI
- You want a medication approved specifically for weight management
Consider Mounjaro® if:
- You have type 2 diabetes and are looking for a medication that offers blood sugar control, with significant weight-loss benefits as a secondary effect, and improvements in insulin sensitivity.
The information provided here is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. A licensed provider will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to determine the most appropriate medication and treatment plan for you.
Big news: Shed will be accepting insurance for these medications
We're working to make it easier than ever for members to access medications like Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Mounjaro®—with insurance! Soon, you’ll be able to use your insurance to help cover the cost of these popular GLP-1 treatments. Be the first to know when insurance acceptance goes live by joining our waitlist today.
A game-changer
Whether you're looking to navigate type 2 diabetes, or seeking solutions for chronic weight management, medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® represent significant advancements. Each offers distinct FDA-approved indications with powerful benefits to support your health journey. Not sure which option is right for you? Shed connects you with a licensed provider that can guide you through the decision-making process based on your goals and medical history. These medications are changing lives—and with Shed’s insurance option on the horizon, they’re becoming more accessible than ever before.
References:
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8717485/
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
https://www.lilly.com/en-CA/news/press-releases/2024.12.4-tirzepatide-surmount-5-h2h
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