Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro for Weight Loss — Which is Best?
Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic are all injectable drugs, but Wegovy has an oral version, that are used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, they have also shown remarkable effectiveness for weight loss in overweight and obese patients, which is driving much of the hype around these medications.
While structurally similar, there are some key differences:
- Wegovy contains the drug semaglutide and is approved by the FDA specifically for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight or have obesity. It has both an injectable and oral version.
- Mounjaro also contains semaglutide but is only approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it appears to offer superior weight loss capabilities compared to the other two drugs.
- Ozempic contains semaglutide and is FDA approved for controlling blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risks.
These medications work by mimicking gut hormones that suppress appetite. They slow digestion and increase feelings of fullness, resulting in reduced calorie intake and significant weight loss.
In clinical studies, patients have experienced up to 20% body weight reduction over time on these medications. This level of weight loss is far greater than what can typically be achieved through diet and exercise alone, which is fueling tremendous excitement.
However, all three drugs come with gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially when first starting treatment. There are also serious but rare risks to be aware of.
All three drugs are in a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that work by mimicking natural hormones called incretins (Mayo Clinic, 2022a, 2022b, 2022c). While structurally similar, there are some key differences between these three drugs. Here’s a breakdown:
Wegovy
Wegovy contains the active drug semaglutide and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition like high blood pressure (Mayo Clinic, 2022a). It is given as a weekly subcutaneous injection started at a low dose of 0.25 mg and increased incrementally up to 2.4 mg. Wegovy works by activating GLP-1 receptors which slows digestion, increases satiety, and suppresses appetite resulting in weight loss (Mayo Clinic, 2022a). Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain. Wegovy also carries risks like thyroid C-cell tumors, pancreatitis, and gallbladder problems.
Mounjaro
Mounjaro also contains semaglutide but is FDA approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes, not weight loss (Mayo Clinic, 2022b). However, like Wegovy it often results in significant weight loss. Mounjaro is a weekly subcutaneous injection typically started at 2.5 mg and increased to a maximum of 15 mg. It acts on both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors leading to improved blood sugar control and weight loss (Mayo Clinic, 2022b). Potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and constipation. Mounjaro may also increase risks of thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, and kidney problems.
Ozempic
Ozempic contains the drug semaglutide and is FDA approved for glycemic control and reducing cardiovascular risks in type 2 diabetes (Mayo Clinic, 2022c). The starting dose is 0.25 mg injected weekly, increased up to 2 mg. It works solely on GLP-1 receptors to lower blood glucose and body weight (Mayo Clinic, 2022c). Common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation. Rare but serious risks include thyroid C-cell tumors, kidney problems, and pancreatitis.
In comparison, Mounjaro seems to offer the greatest weight loss, likely due to its dual mechanism of action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors (Stokes, 2023). However, Ozempic is the only one also approved to reduce cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes. All three carry gastrointestinal side effects and risks like pancreatitis and gallbladder disease. Thyroid cancer is also a warning for each. Providers like Ro.co and Evolve Telemed (use code POSH25 for $25 off) can prescribe these medications if clinically appropriate after receiving a virtual medical evaluation. In summary, while similar, there are distinct differences between Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic in their indications, dosing, mechanisms, side effects, and degree of weight loss.
“I have never felt better. I have never had more energy. This medication changed my life.”
The bottom line — these meds are true game changers if you struggle with lifelong weight challenges or obesity. However, you must be committed to lifestyle changes too or the weight can creep back. You may even lose muscle mass if your protein requirements aren’t met or you don’t exercise enough.
Note: Muscle keeps your body youthful and stimulates your metabolism which enables you to eat more and not gain weight so don’t overlook this important fact.
Talk to your doctor to see if any of the aforementioned drugs are right for you, and don’t forget to keep your muscles in the process by hiring a holistic online personal trainer!
References
Stokes V., (2023, August 2). Weight Loss: Why Mounjaro May be More Effective Than Ozempic. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health-news/mounjaro-more-effective-than-ozempic-for-weight-loss-new-studies-suggest#Takeaway
Mayo Clinic. (2022a, November 10). Semaglutide (Wegovy) for weight loss. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide-subcutaneous-route/side-effects/drg-20406730?p=1
Mayo Clinic. (2022b, November 4). Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for type 2 diabetes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide-subcutaneous-route/side-effects/drg-20406730?p=1
Mayo Clinic. (2022c, November 17). Semaglutide (Ozempic) for type 2 diabetes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide-subcutaneous-route/side-effects/drg-20406730?p=1
