Semaglutide vs Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro: What Is the Difference?

All three of these medications are frequently prescribed as part of a medical weight loss program due to their efficacy in supporting and sustaining significant weight loss in patients who are obese or overweight. Ozempic and Wegovy are both brand names of the medication semaglutide, which was originally for patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to help manage their blood sugar levels. Ozempic is the brand name that is still only FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, whereas Wegovy has been FDA-approved for medical weight loss. They work very similarly in the body, differing slightly in dosage, but both are still regularly used as weight-loss medications.

Mounjaro is a brand name for the medication tirzepatide, which has also only been FDA-approved for use to manage type 2 diabetes but is also frequently prescribed off-label due to its efficacy with medical weight loss. This medication works very similarly to semaglutide but is taken at a much higher dosage to provide comparable results.

Semaglutide and Mounjaro come with very similar results and side effects, making it difficult to determine which will be better suited for patients. However, patients will often find that one medication seems to be a bit more effective for them than another. Some patients will find that Mounjaro is more effective due to the fact that it is a receptor antagonist for two natural incretin hormones (GIP, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, and GLP-1, glucagon-like peptide-1), meaning it often leads to a slightly more significant weight loss than semaglutide since it only bonds to GLP-1. Many patients may find that Mounjaro provides faster results, but some patients will respond better to semaglutide. It really varies from patient to patient which option is deemed to be a better fit for them, but this decision will be made through consultation between the patient and their healthcare provider.

Patients who are suitable candidates for weight loss medication will often find that one type of medication works better than others. While none of these medications should be taken at the same time or have any overlap, it is possible to stop taking one in order to try a different one to see if more successful results can be achieved. Patients will most likely not need to take a break in between medications, but they should be mindful of the varying recommended dosages as there is quite a vast difference between the maximum dosage of Mounjaro and Ozempic. A physician’s guidance will be required for this switch from one weight loss medication to another to make sure that the patient is able to start the new medication at a dosage that is going to be both effective and safe. The side effects are somewhat similar between the two types of medication as well, but as with starting all new medications, the patient will need to be made aware of the potential risks and side effects of Ozempic before the switch from Mounjaro is made.

When used as part of a long-term medical weight loss program, all of these medications can provide patients with a higher chance of success as well as sustainable weight loss results. However, it is very important that the patient is able to maintain the lifestyle changes to the diet and exercise routine in order to help keep the weight off once they are no longer taking the weight loss medication. It is common for patients to continue taking the medication for multiple years just to sustain the results for even longer and to prevent putting some of the weight back on right after achieving the goal weight. Semaglutide, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic all work to make it substantially easier to achieve the goal weight, but it is up to the patient to continue to put in the work with their diet and exercise during and after the weight loss program to ensure that they are able to keep the weight off long term. 

Semaglutide and Ozempic are available at True Life Wellness. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 809 E Oak St. Suite #201, Kissimmee, FL 34744. We serve patients from Kissimmee FL, Southchase FL, Celebration FL, Buena Ventura Lakes FL, St. Cloud FL, Meadow Woods FL, Williamsburg FL, Hunters Creek FL, and surrounding areas.