Susan Maria Leach
Founder of Bariatric Eating
Author Before and After - Living & Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery (HarperCollins Publishers)
It took me a while to sort out all of these medications. So the more we explain and the more you read, the clearer it will become to you!
1. Zepbound
Zepbound is the Mounjaro alternative. It contains the same active ingredient - tirzepatide. It is injected once a week and is made by Eli Lily, the same manufacturer as Mounjaro. It is simply a rebranding.
Zepbound pens look the same as Mounjaro pens, the only difference being the label. Zepbound is FDA approved for chronic weight management in adults who meet certain body mass index (BMI) criteria.
Mounjaro was often prescribed off-label for weight loss in anticipation of Zepbound’s approval. Now that Zepbound has been approved, many who have been using Mounjaro off label are expected to switch to Zepbound. Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes with Zepbound for weight loss.
2. Wegovy
Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide — but at a slightly higher dose. Similar to Zepbound, Wegovy is injected once a week. Wegovy is approved for both adults and adolescents as young as 12 years old who meet certain BMI requirements. Wegovy is made by Novo Nordisk, the same maker as Ozempic. It is simply a rebranding. Ozempic was first approved as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes in 2017. Wegovy is for weight loss.
The Wrap Up
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy can help people lose a significant amount of body weight. However, studies show that Mounjaro causes more weight loss on average.
In studies, obese individuals without diabetes who were given Ozempic/Wegovy/Semaglutide lost an average of 12.4% of their initial body weight compared to individuals who received placebo. In studies with Mounjaro/Zeptide/Tirzepatide, individuals who were obese but did not have diabetes found it led to a weight loss of 22.5% of their initial body weight.
But on the other hand, Wegovy has proven cardiovascular benefits. Mounjaro is still being studied for heart-related outcomes.
