Ozempic® vs Mounjaro®
Ozempic and Mounjaro are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Here’s what their different mechanisms may mean for blood-sugar control, weight change observed in trials, and cost.
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4.9%
Avg weight loss Ozempic*
From
$199/mo
Ozempic
June 2026
11.0%
Avg weight loss Mounjaro*
From
$149/mo
Mounjaro
June 2026
What are they?
Ozempic activates GLP-1 receptors. Mounjaro activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Both are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. Wegovy is the FDA-approved semaglutide formulation for chronic weight management.
Ozempic
Type 2 DiabetesFDA-approved to improve blood sugar in adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Some patients using semaglutide as part of a comprehensive medical program may also experience reduced hunger and meaningful weight reduction over time.
Maker
Novo Nordisk
Approved
2017
Format
Weekly injection
Max dose
2.0 mg
Mounjaro
Type 2 DiabetesFDA-approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Uses a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor mechanism, activating both simultaneously. It’s not a weight loss drug but does regulate blood sugar and decrease how much food you consume.
Maker
Eli Lilly
Approved
2022
Format
Weekly injection
Max dose
15 mg
Quick comparison
How they stack up on the metrics that matter most.
| Feature | Ozempic | Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| FDA approved for | Type 2 diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes |
| Avg weight loss | 4.9%† | 11.0%† |
| Administration | Weekly injection | Weekly injection |
| Insurance | Broader | Moderate |
| Monthly Price | From $199/mo | From $149/mo |
Ozempic
Semaglutide
Mounjaro
Tirzepatide
Ozempic
Type 2 diabetes
Mounjaro
Type 2 Diabetes
Ozempic
4.9%†
Mounjaro
11.0%†
Ozempic
Weekly injection
Mounjaro
Weekly injection
Ozempic
Broader
Mounjaro
Moderate
Ozempic
From $199/mo
Mounjaro
From $149/mo
† Average weight loss data: Ozempic — SUSTAIN-1 (semaglutide 1.0 mg, 30 weeks); Mounjaro — SURPASS-1 (tirzepatide 15 mg, 40 weeks).
More energy,
less weight
How you ramp up
Both medications use a gradual dose escalation to minimize side effects.
Ozempic
- 1
0.25 mg
Weeks 1–4
- 2
0.5 mg
Weeks 5–8
- 3
1.0 mg
Weeks 9+
(Maintenance)
- 4
2.0 mg
Optional max dose
Mounjaro
- 1
2.5 mg
Weeks 1–4
- 2
5 mg
Weeks 5–8
- 3
7.5 mg
Weeks 9–12
- 4
10 mg
Weeks 13–16
- 5
12.5 mg
Weeks 17–20
- 6
15 mg
Weeks 21+
(Maintenance)
Start your weight‑loss
journey today
Weight loss compared
Clinical trial data showing average body weight reduction over 68 weeks.
Ozempic (1 mg)
Mounjaro (15 mg)
† Average weight loss data: Ozempic — SUSTAIN-1 (semaglutide 1.0 mg, 30 weeks); Mounjaro — SURPASS-1 (tirzepatide 15 mg, 40 weeks).
What to expect
How they stack up on the metrics that matter most.
| Side Effect | Ozempic (1 mg) | Mounjaro (15 mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 20.3% | 18% |
| Diarrhea | 8.8% | 17% |
| Vomiting | 9.2% | 9% |
| Constipation | 3.1% | 7% |
| Headache | N/A | N/A |
| Fatigue | N/A | N/A |
Ozempic (1 mg)
20.3%
Mounjaro (15 mg)
18%
Ozempic (1 mg)
8.8%
Mounjaro (15 mg)
17%
Ozempic (1 mg)
9.2%
Mounjaro (15 mg)
9%
Ozempic (1 mg)
3.1%
Mounjaro (15 mg)
7%
Ozempic (1 mg)
N/A
Mounjaro (15 mg)
N/A
Ozempic (1 mg)
N/A
Mounjaro (15 mg)
N/A
Side effects may be more noticeable during dose escalation, but individual experiences vary and some risks can be serious. GLP-1 medications are not appropriate for everyone. Review important warnings, contraindications, and the FDA label or Medication Guide with a licensed healthcare provider before starting or switching treatment.
The bottom line
Branded GLP-1 medications can offer effective weight loss, requiring individualized risk-benefit clinical evaluation.
Two different GLP-1 options
- Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, with blood-sugar control, weekly dosing convenience, and cardiovascular benefits supported by large clinical trials and long-term safety data.
- Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, with blood-sugar control, weekly dosing convenience, and clinical trial evidence supporting metabolic outcomes in appropriate patients.
Providers may pay BestGLP1 a referral fee. We disclose this for FTC compliance; rankings remain editorial.
What you
need to know
Yes, many patients switch between the two with guidance from a provider. Because they target different receptor pathways, your provider will typically restart you at the lowest Mounjaro dose and titrate up to manage tolerability — they’ll also monitor blood sugar and weight loss to confirm the new medication is working as expected.
Mounjaro’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, while Ozempic’s semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors. Some clinical studies observed greater average weight change with tirzepatide, but both Ozempic and Mounjaro are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not chronic weight management.
Trial data suggests tirzepatide produces slightly larger reductions in A1C than semaglutide across most dose ranges, but the difference is modest. Both are highly effective for type 2 diabetes — your provider will weigh tolerability, cost, and your individual response when choosing between them.
Yes. Both Ozempic and Mounjaro require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. A consultation is required to assess whether treatment is appropriate for you.
- Ozempic (semaglutide 1.0 mg). Trial: SUSTAIN 1 (388 participants, 30 weeks, adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on diet and exercise). Average weight loss: −4.9% vs −1.0% placebo. Sorli et al., Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide 5/10/15 mg). Trial: SURPASS-1 (478 participants, 40 weeks, adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on diet and exercise). Average weight loss by dose: 5 mg: −7.9%, 10 mg: −9.3%, 15 mg: −11.0% vs −0.9% placebo. Rosenstock et al., Lancet 2021.
BestGLP1 publishes these guides for informational and comparison purposes only. The information on this site is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not a substitute for guidance from a licensed healthcare professional. GLP-1 medications must be prescribed and monitored by a qualified provider; consult your provider to determine whether treatment is appropriate for your individual circumstances. Prices, side-effect rates, and clinical figures shown here are general references drawn from manufacturer labelling and published trials, and may not reflect your specific situation.
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Providers may pay BestGLP1 a referral fee. We disclose this for FTC compliance; rankings remain editorial.