Semaglutide vs Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro: What’s the Difference?

Semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are all becoming increasingly popular to help with weight loss and the management of obesity. However, although these medications are all intended for long-term use to help obese patients achieve considerable weight loss and improve health outcomes, they are distinct from one another in several ways.

First and foremost, the active ingredient(s) in the medications differ. Semaglutide is the active ingredient present in Ozempic and Wegovy. Wegovy features a higher quantity of Semaglutide than Ozempic and is also the only medication of the two FDA-approved for weight loss. Ozempic, FDA-approved for diabetes treatment, is often prescribed off-label to the same end.

Semaglutide’s function as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, aids in weight loss. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that Semaglutide mimics to delay stomach emptying. On top of delaying the emptying of the stomach, it also affects the signals to the brain indicating fullness.

Mounjaro, on the other hand, contains Tirzepetide as an active ingredient. Tirzepetide is a dual agonist that impacts the GLP-1 hormone and the GIP hormone. The GIP hormone can also contribute to feelings of fullness. As a result of its dual functionality, some patients can experience greater weight loss while using Mounjaro than the Semaglutide-based alternatives.

Semaglutide, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic are all increasingly commonly prescribed for weight loss. However, only Wegovy (Semaglutide) is FDA-approved for weight loss. Ozempic (Semaglutide) and Mounjaro (Tirzepetide) are both FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Despite this, due to their highly effective weight loss capabilities, both Ozempic and Mounjaro are prescribed off-label for this purpose.

Semaglutide, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic have all demonstrated highly effective obesity treatments and are associated with minimal side effects that are typically well-tolerated.

When it comes to which medication to choose, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each patient’s needs will differ and for this reason, medication will be prescribed as needed as part of a comprehensive medical weight management plan made in collaboration with the specialists at NorthShore Orthopedics.

Obesity is associated with a wide range of potentially hazardous health risks including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and a host of additional adverse health outcomes. Even a modest weight loss among obese patients can drastically improve their health outcomes. However,, Semaglutide, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, are all capable of helping patients achieve considerable weight loss and improved health outcomes.

The effectiveness of Semaglutide, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic in keeping weight off long-term will be dictated by a wide range of factors. These medications are prescribed for long-term use, with many patients capable of losing 10% or more of their starting weight over a year.

In certain cases, patients may use the medication for longer or shorter periods according to their unique needs. Maintenance doses may be prescribed at lower doses to avoid regaining weight.

Despite their unprecedented weight loss capabilities, it remains important, as with any weight loss efforts, for these medications to make up one part of a comprehensive weight loss plan. Patients who opt for health-conscious lifestyle interventions including diet and exercise are most likely to avoid gaining back the weight they lost on Semaglutide, Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Ozempic over the long term.

With appropriate lifestyle changes as part of a comprehensive medical weight management plan with the specialists at NorthShore Orthopedics, patients will have every opportunity to maintain their weight loss and improve their health outcomes over the long term.

Semaglutide, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, are available at NorthShore Orthopedics. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1827 Wells St # 1, Wailuku, HI 96793. We serve patients from Maui, Wailuku HI, Lahaina HI, Kahului HI, Kihei HI, Wailuku HI, Kula HI, Makawao HI, Paia HI, Wailea HI, Haiku HI, and Waihee-Waiehu HI.