Ozempic vs Mounjaro: How Do They Compare?

Struggling with weight loss can be frustrating and disheartening. Many people find it challenging to shed excess pounds through diet and exercise alone. Fortunately, medical science has made significant progress in developing effective treatments for obesity and weight management.

Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are injectable medications initially designed to treat type 2 diabetes. However, they’ve also shown promising results in helping people lose weight. If you’ve been considering medication to support your weight loss journey, this comparison will provide valuable insights to help you decide which is the best option for you. 

What are injectable weight loss drugs?

Injectable weight loss drugs are medications administered through injections to help with weight reduction. These drugs are typically designed to treat conditions like type 2 diabetes but have been found to have significant weight loss benefits. They work by mimicking certain hormones in the body that regulate appetite, insulin production, and digestion, leading to reduced food intake and increased feelings of fullness.

Injectable weight loss drugs currently available in the UK are Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is an injectable medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists and works by mimicking the effects of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite. It has also shown significant promise in helping people lose weight. 

Ozempic may cause some side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation and fatigue. These side effects often improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Staying hydrated and eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage these symptoms.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is an injectable medication containing the active ingredient tirzepatide. It was initially approved to treat type 2 diabetes but has shown significant promise for weight loss. Mounjaro mimics two hormones: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This dual action sets it apart from other medications in its class.

Common side effects of Mounjaro include nausea, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation and indigestion. These side effects are generally mild to moderate and often improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication. 

Ozempic vs Mounjaro: At a Glance

Ozempic vs Mounjaro: How do they work?

Mounjaro and Ozempic work in similar ways, despite Ozempic not being officially approved for weight loss in the UK. These medications work by

• Suppressing appetite: They both work by regulating appetite by mimicking hormones that signal fullness to the brain. 
• Slowing digestion: Both medications slow down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, helping you feel fuller for longer.
• Reducing calorie intake: The reduced appetite and the increased feeling of fullness will reduce the amount of calories consumed within a day.
• Improved insulin sensitivity: Strengthening the body’s response to insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels and can reduce fat storage.

Ozempic vs. Mounjaro: Who can take it?

Ozempic is only prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes, whereas Mounjaro can also be prescribed for weight loss. 

According to guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), these can be prescribed to:

• Adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood glucose control, along with diet and exercise
• Adults with obesity (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI of 27+) with at least one psychological or weight-related health condition, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro and Ozempic are not recommended for people with type 1 diabetes, a history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease.

It’s important to note that Ozempic is not currently licensed as a weight loss treatment in the UK, and its use for losing weight is considered off-label. Other semaglutide-based weight loss injections, like Wegovy, are licensed in the UK. 

Mounjaro and Ozempic Prescribing Information 

Mounjaro and Ozempic have different approval statuses in the UK. Weight loss injections grew in popularity in mid-2023; however, Ozempic was only approved for treating type 2 diabetes in the UK and was not licensed for weight loss. This is due to the ongoing shortages of Ozempic, which have impacted access for patients with diabetes who rely on this medication for insulin management. As a result, alternative drugs like Mounjaro were approved for weight loss in 2023. 

In the UK, both require a prescription and cannot be purchased over the counter. The prescription process involves a consultation with a pharmacist or GP, who will assess the person’s overall health and management needs. These medications are part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Ozempic vs Mounjaro: Active Ingredients

The active ingredients in these medications are different, which affects how they work. Ozempic contains semaglutide, which targets GLP-1 receptors to help manage blood sugar levels. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This dual action can tackle blood sugar control and appetite regulation more effectively.

Ozempic vs Mounjaro: Mechanism of Action

Mounjaro’s dual receptor activation boosts its ability to regulate blood sugar levels and suppress appetite. It stimulates insulin secretion in response to meals and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can lead to reduced calorie intake. Ozempic focuses on GLP-1 receptor activation, which helps lower glucose levels by increasing glucose regulation and slowing gastric emptying. However, this single mechanism may not provide the same level of appetite suppression as Mounjaro.

Ozempic vs Mounjaro: How effective for weight loss are they?

When it comes to the effect on weight loss, Mounjaro has shown promising results in clinical trials, often leading to losing more weight compared to Ozempic. Clinical trials have found that Mounjaro can lead to significant weight loss, with some participants losing an average of 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks, compared to those taking Ozempic losing more than 10% of their body weight within a year. Overall, Mounjaro tends to result in greater weight loss than Ozempic.

Ozempic vs Mounjaro: Dose and Administration

Mounjaro and Ozempic are self-administered weekly injections, making them convenient for long-term use. They are injected subcutaneously, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. These user-friendly pens come with clear instructions, making self-administration accessible for most patients. Mounjaro requires a higher dose over time, while Ozempic is typically given at a standard dose unless your body cannot manage sugar levels at a low dose. The weekly dosing schedule helps improve adherence by reducing the frequency of administration compared to daily medications.

Ozempic vs Mounjaro: Blood Sugar Control

Both medications are effective in managing blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. They enhance insulin secretion in response to meals and slow gastric emptying, which helps maintain stable blood glucose levels. Mounjaro, with its dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors, may offer better blood sugar control compared to Ozempic, which targets only GLP-1 receptors. Both medications are valuable tools in diabetes management and can significantly improve glycemic control when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Ozempic vs Mounjaro: Side Effects Profile

The side effects of Mounjaro and Ozempic are similar, with gastrointestinal issues being the most common. Patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, especially in the early weeks. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and can decrease over time. Individual tolerance may vary, and some patients may find one medication more tolerable than the other due to gastrointestinal side effects.

Take the Next Step with Click2Pharmacy

If you’re considering Mounjaro or other weight loss medications, Click2Pharmacy has an easy and convenient online weight loss clinic. 

You start by completing a simple online consultation form, and our registered pharmacists will review your information to determine if Mounjaro is suitable for you. If approved, your prescription will be processed quickly, and the medication will be delivered directly to your home.

Take the first step toward effective weight management today. Explore our online clinic to learn more about Mounjaro and how it can help you achieve your weight loss goals!

Ozempic vs Mounjaro FAQs

Can you switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro?

Yes, it is generally safe to switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro. However, you must stop taking it before transitioning to the next treatment. This decision should always be made in consultation with your prescriber, who can assess your specific health needs and make sure the transition is appropriate for your treatment plan. 

Is Mounjaro stronger than Ozempic?

The term “stronger” can mean different things, like how effective they are for weight loss or blood sugar control. Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg per week and can go up to 15 mg, while Ozempic typically has a maximum dose of 2 mg per week. Mounjaro might have more noticeable effects in these areas because it works on two hormone receptors, GLP-1 and GIP, compared to Ozempic, which targets only GLP-1 receptors.

Are Mounjaro and Ozempic in the same drug class?

Mounjaro and Ozempic are not in the exact same drug class, but they are similar. Both belong to a group of medications known as incretin mimetics, which help manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. However, Mounjaro acts as a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, while Ozempic is solely a GLP-1 receptor agonist. 

Is Ozempic or Mounjaro better for type 2 diabetes?

Both medications are effective for managing type 2 diabetes, but they work differently. Mounjaro, with its dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors, may offer more universal blood sugar control. Ozempic, however, is also approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which might make it a better choice for those with specific cardiovascular concerns.