Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Comparative Study on Weight Loss

Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Comparative Study on Weight Loss Published in JAMA Internal Medicine

In a landmark study, Truveta Research published findings in JAMA Internal Medicine comparing Mounjaro vs Ozempic based on the effectiveness of tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Ozempic) for weight loss. This study is the largest of its kind using real-world data, revealing that patients taking Mounjaro are three times more likely to achieve 15% weight loss compared to those on Ozempic.

Are Mounjaro and Ozempic the Same?

A common question is: “Are Mounjaro and Ozempic the same”. They are similar, but not the same. Both medications are glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist-based (GLP-1 RA) treatments used for type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) also includes a gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) component, which contributes to its superior weight loss effects. The gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) component in the Mounjaro injection enhances its effectiveness for weight loss. GIP, when combined with GLP-1, works to improve insulin secretion, reduce appetite, and slow down gastric emptying. The combination of GLP-1 and GIP helps to lower blood sugar levels and promotes greater weight loss compared to just using the Ozempic injections which only inlcudes GLP-1.

Is Mounjaro Better Than Ozempic?

The resulsts of the study reveal that Mounjaro is better than Ozempic in terms of weight loss effectiveness. The study utilised data from over 18,000 overweight and obese patients who started either Mounjaro or Ozempic between May 2022 and September 2023. To ensure a fair and accurate comparison, Truveta Research used advanced methods to ensure the groups of patients taking each medication were similar. The results were significant:

• 5% Weight Loss: Patients on Mounjaro were 1.8 times more likely to achieve this compared to those on Ozempic.
• 10% Weight Loss: Mounjaro users were 2.5 times more likely to achieve this milestone.
• 15% Weight Loss: Mounjaro users were 3.2 times more likely to reach this target.

The study also found that patients on Mounjaro experienced significantly larger reductions in body weight at various timepoints:

• 3 Months
  -5.9% weight loss with Mounjaro vs. -3.6% weight loss with Ozempic
• 6 Months
  -10.1% weight loss with Mounjaro vs. -5.8% weight loss with Ozempic
• 1 Year
  -15.3% weight loss with Mounjaro vs. -8.3% weight loss with Ozempic

Despite the impressive results, both medications did have high discontinuation rates: 55.9% for Mounjaro and 52.5% for Ozempic within 12 months. Weight loss was also more pronounced in patients without type 2 diabetes, though the comparative effectiveness between the two drugs remained consistent. Rates of moderate to severe gastrointestinal adverse events were similar for both medications. 

Why is Mounjaro Better Than Ozempic for Weight Loss?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) stands out for weight loss compared to Ozempic (semaglutide) due to its unique combination of medications. Mounjaro combines the GLP-1 receptor agonist with a GIP receptor agonist, which enhances its effectiveness. This dual-action approach helps reduce appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, and slow gastric emptying more effectively than GLP-1 alone.

According to the study patients on Mounjaro experience greater weight loss than those on Ozempic, and Mounjaro users are more likely to achieve significant weight loss milestones, which is why Mounjaro is proven to be better than Ozempic in terms of weight loss effectiveness.

Read the full Truveta article here.