With the rising popularity of injectable medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, many people are experiencing fast, significant weight loss. Let’s take a moment for a closer look at exactly what these different medications are and what they do before choosing the right solution for your body and lifestyle.
Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists – drugs that mimic hormones your body naturally produces to help regulate blood sugar and appetite. These four medications mimic or activate GLP-1, slow digestion, increase satiety, and reduce appetite. To put it simply: they help you feel full, so it’s easier to eat less.
Ozempic and Wegovy are both brand names for semaglutide, while Mounjaro and Zepbound shares the same active ingredient, tirzepatide. All four medications are approved for different uses by the FDA, and work by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar. GLP-1 helps lower blood sugar, slows digestion, and reduces hunger, while GIP enhances insulin release and may amplify weight loss when combined with GLP-1.
At the time of this blog post, Ozempic and Mounjaro are the only two of these four drugs that are FDA-approved expressly for weight loss and may be prescribed if your BMI (Body Mass Index) is higher than 30, or if it is over 27 and you have another health-related condition such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, or high blood pressure (HTN).
Considering these drugs may have multiple side effects and  contraindications, it is important that you consult with your physician before beginning any medication.
Dual-hormone GLP-1 and GIP medications may offer more powerful results for some patients and explains why Mounjaro, which contains tirzepatide, might work better for weight loss compared to Ozempic. 

A recent real-world evidence comparison study conducted between May 2022 and September 2023 revealed that on average, patients taking Mounjaro lost more weight than patients taking Ozempic.
No matter which path you’re considering, it’s essential to choose a treatment plan that’s right for you. At Novel U Wellness, we’re here to help you explore your options, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way.