Mounjaro vs Ozempic: a comparison regarding weight loss

In order to achieve and maintain a lower bodyweight, be it for aesthetic or health-related reasons, people often try various methods, including the use of medications that, although initially designed to help with type-2 diabetes, also aid in weight loss. Two very important options in this class are Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide). This article provides a comparative analysis of Mounjaro and Ozempic, focusing specifically on their effects on weight loss.

First off, let’s understand the basics of how these drugs work: according to Dr. Kathleen Duncan, Director of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, “both drugs work by activating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors in the body. GLP-1 is a critical hormone produced by the gut and works to regulate glucose through several mechanisms, particularly stimulating insulin secretion and inducing weight loss in large part via interaction with appetite centers in the brain. Tirzepatide also operates through stimulating receptors for an additional hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). This hormone is thought to accentuate the appetite suppressant effects of GLP-1 and promote weight loss, as well as enhance the glucose-lowering effects of GLP-1. Therefore, it is the first drug to be FDA-approved that targets multiple hormone receptors at once, among several drugs currently under development”.

As a result of this, research has shown that tirzepatide represents a potential breakthrough in the class of drugs for diabetes management and weight loss. A few already finished studies comparing tirzepatide to semaglutide drugs including Ozempic and Wegovy have brought up promising results. While both drugs activate GLP-1 receptors in the body, the studies reveal tirzepatide’s superior efficacy in controlling blood sugar and promoting weight loss, mainly due to its ability to also target GIP receptors.

While both Mounjaro and Ozempic are effective as weight loss medications, Mounjaro has shown to be the more potent option in recent head-to-head trials. The latest SURMOUNT-1 clinical trials, which lasted 72 weeks, encompassing 2,539 participants with an average initial body weight of 231 pounds showed how effective Mounjaro can be.

At the lowest dosage of Mounjaro, 5 mg, participants experienced a 15% reduction in their initial body weight. Progressing to higher doses of 10 mg and 15 mg, individuals achieved weight loss of up to 25%, resulting in an average weight reduction of 52 lbs. In contrast, participants in the placebo group managed only 1.3% reduction in body weight.

Mounjaro facilitates weight loss through a series of key mechanisms:

It directly suppresses appetite and accelerates metabolism by acting in the brain.
Lowers the secretion of glucagon, which in turn reduces hunger.
Leads individuals to crave less carbohydrates and fatty foods.
Increases insulin production, but only in response to high blood sugar levels, minimizing the risk of low blood sugar.
Decreases the liver’s production of sugar while increasing the absorption of blood glucose by muscle tissue, improving glycemic control.
Retards the pace at which the stomach empties food into the intestine, making the person feel satiated for longer.

A meta-analysis of 22 trials showcased tirzepatide’s superior performance in both diabetes management and weight loss. Participants receiving tirzepatide showed solid results over those that were administered semaglutide for comparatively the same period of time over the course of the trials:

Tirzepatide at 15mg daily led to a weight loss of nearly 12 pounds more than semaglutide at 2mg daily.
Tirzepatide at 10mg a day resulted in a weight loss about 8 pounds greater than semaglutide at 2mg a day.
Tirzepatide at 5mg daily led to a weight loss of almost 4 pounds more than semaglutide at 1mg daily.

However, it’s essential to note that both drugs may have an increased risk of side effects, including gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Tirzepatide, in particular, showed a higher incidence of these side effects when compared to semaglutide.

Another important factor is that both of these drugs offer benefits beyond just weight loss: they also improve levels of lipids, glucose, and blood pressure, and Ozempic is now shown to benefit cardiovascular outcomes, while trials with Mounjaro are still ongoing regarding this effect.

In the end, it can’t be emphasized enough the importance of combining medication with healthy lifestyle choices. Long-term weight management is only possible combining a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and possibly habit changes. Planning and limiting processed foods intake, ingesting high-fiber plant foods, and incorporating strength training into your routine are probably the most impactful things you can do to keep yourself at a healthy body weight.