Mounjaro is approved in the UK for weight loss, but Ozempic is not. However, both medications can lead to weight loss. But which is best for weight loss, Mounjaro or Ozempic?
Read on to find out the pros and cons of both medications, which is best for weight loss, and how to determine the best medication for you and your needs.
The Differences Between Mounjaro and Ozempic
| Mounjaro | Ozempic | |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Eligibility | Full UK regulatory approval specifically for managing weight
(and people in England and Northern Ireland living with type 2 diabetes may be offered Mounjaro if they can’t access other GLP-1 medications) |
Primarily approved for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes patients, although weight loss is a prominent side effect. |
| Effectiveness | In a study, Mounjaro led to weight loss of 17 lb to 25 lb on average across a 40-week trial | In the same study, Ozempic (1 mg dose) led to weight loss of 13 lb on average |
| How it Works | Reduces appetite, delays stomach emptying and makes you feel fuller for longer | Regulates blood sugar levels by boosting insulin utilization |
| Dosage | Maximum dose of 15 mg | Maximum dose of 1 mg approved in the UK |
Pros of Mounjaro and Ozempic
Mounjaro and Ozempic share several benefits. They can both aid weight loss, directly and indirectly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, and help manage blood sugar levels. Let’s delve a little deeper into the benefits of each medication:
Weight Loss
Both Mounjaro and Ozempic can lead to significant weight loss (combined with positive lifestyle changes, of course). However, Mounjaro is approved for weight loss purposes, whereas Ozempic is not.
Ozempic - A study found that semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) is effective for weight loss at 3 and 6 months for those with obesity. In the study, 57.3% of patients achieved a minimum of 5% weight loss in 3 months. 87.3% achieved 5% weight loss within 6 months.
Mounjaro - The SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial (with non-diabetic patients with obesity) showed that Mounjaro is highly effective for weight loss. Over 72 weeks, patients lost up to 22.5% of their body weight.
Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Events
Ozempic can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. It is FDA-approved for its benefits on cardiovascular health, whereas Mounjaro is not. The SELECT trial demonstrated that Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) reduced heart attacks and strokes by 20% in those taking it for weight loss.
Ozempic - FDA-approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes
Mounjaro - Does not yet have FDA approval for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events (although studies such as the ongoing SURPASS-CVOT trial are ongoing to evaluate this).
Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are effective in lowering blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes - although Mounjaro appears to be more effective.
Ozempic - Across 6 RCTs, there was a mean SBP reduction of 4.83mmHg in patients taking Ozempic, compared to taking a placebo. Ozempic also led to a mean diastolic blood pressure reduction of 2.45mmHG.
Mounjaro - In trials, Mounjaro (15 mg) reduced A1C by 2.30%. Ozempic (1 mg) reduced A1C by 1.86%.
Cons of Mounjaro and Ozempic
Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to opt for Mounjaro or Ozempic, from the potential side effects to access:
Side Effects
Both medications can lead to side effects, although these effects are usually temporary and will ease as your body adjusts to the medication. Some potential side effects of both Mounjaro and Ozempic include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach ache/ pain
- Constipation
If these side effects persist, speak to your doctor. They will determine the appropriate course of action - such as amending the dose or discontinuing the medication.
Both Mounjaro and Ozempic have a boxed warning relating to the risk of thyroid cancer. This is because, in trials, semaglutide appeared to cause thyroid tumours in rodents. However, this has not been seen in human trials.
Limited Access
Both medications are approved for type 2 diabetes. However, Ozempic is not approved for weight loss in the UK. It can, however, be used to prevent the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
There is currently a global shortage of GLP-1 agonists, which means Mounjaro and Ozempic are both in short supply in various parts of the world. However, it is still possible to get Mounjaro through Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic.
Because of this shortage, you can get Mounjaro through the NHS if you are unable to access other GLP-1 agonist medications. You can get Mounjaro privately if you do not qualify for it on the NHS as there are strict guidelines on which patients can be treated.
Is Mounjaro Better than Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Yes, studies suggest that Mounjaro can lead to more significant weight loss than Ozempic. Let’s break down what these studies say:
- JAMA Internal Medicine Study – Compared Ozempic and Mounjaro and found that Mounjaro led to more significant weight loss compared to those who took Ozempic. The longer that patients took each drug, the more significant the gap became.
- SURMOUNT-1 Trial – Patients lost up to 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks.
- SURMOUNT-2 Trial – Over 72 weeks, participants lost 15.7% of their body weight on 15mg, and 13.4% on 10mg.
- SURMOUNT-3 and SURMOUNT-4 Trials – Over 84 weeks, participants lost an average of 60 lbs alongside diet and exercise.
Which is Best For Me?
The right choice for you depends entirely on your goals, personal circumstances and preferences.
However, Mounjaro might be the best choice for you if:
- You hope to achieve more significant weight loss
- You don’t have severe stomach problems such as gastroparesis
- You have type 2 diabetes
At Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, we will determine the best course of treatment for you. Begin by filling out a consultation. This will give us insight into your medical history and current circumstances.
