Aging Gracefully: Hormones and Holistic Care
Aging presents significant challenges, in part due to notable declines in key hormones. Here’s how a holistic approach to health can help you navigate those challenges and enjoy better health, too.
Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound: What’s the Difference?
In recent years, several medications have become widely discussed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight management. Four of the names you may see most often are Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. Although they share some similarities, they are not all the same—each has its own approved uses, mechanisms, dosing, benefits, and risks. Understanding these differences can help you and your doctor make the best choice.
What are these medications?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound. It is a dual-agonist, which means it acts on two hormonal pathways—GLP-1 and GIP—instead of just one.
Approved uses: Diabetes vs. Weight Management
| Medication | Primary FDA-approved use(s) | Weight loss / Obesity indication? |
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | Type 2 diabetes | Not approved for obesity (weight loss is a secondary effect) |
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | Weight management (obesity/overweight with comorbidities) | ✅ Yes |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | Type 2 diabetes | Not approved for obesity under this brand name |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | Weight management and obesity | ✅ Yes |
How they work
Ozempic & Wegovy (semaglutide): Mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which increases insulin release when blood sugar is high, slows stomach emptying, reduces sugar release from the liver, and curbs appetite.
Mounjaro & Zepbound (tirzepatide): Do all of the above, plus activate the GIP pathway, which can enhance insulin secretion and further reduce appetite. This dual action is why tirzepatide often produces stronger effects on blood sugar and weight loss.
Effect on weight loss
Wegovy: Clinical studies show average weight loss of about 13–15% of starting body weight.
Zepbound: Studies suggest an average weight loss of around 20% of starting body weight, making it one of the most effective prescription medications for obesity currently available.
Ozempic: Produces more modest weight loss than Wegovy since it is used at lower doses for diabetes.
Mounjaro: Shows significant weight loss as a side effect, though the brand is only approved for diabetes.
Dosing and side effects
All are typically administered as once-weekly injections.
Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort, especially during dose escalation.
Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney issues related to dehydration, and a potential risk of thyroid tumors in patients with certain genetic conditions.
Dose escalation is done gradually to improve tolerability.
What to consider when choosing
- Your primary health goal: diabetes control, weight loss, or both.
- Expected weight loss: tirzepatide-based options generally lead to greater average weight loss.
- Tolerability: some patients do better on one medication than another.
- Medical history: certain conditions may rule out use.
- Insurance and cost: coverage varies widely between diabetes and obesity indications.
- Long-term commitment: weight often returns when these medications are discontinued, so long-term use is common.
Bottom line
Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutide: Ozempic for diabetes, Wegovy for weight loss.
Mounjaro and Zepbound are both tirzepatide: Mounjaro for diabetes, Zepbound for weight loss.
Tirzepatide drugs (Mounjaro/Zepbound) typically lead to more weight loss than semaglutide drugs (Ozempic/Wegovy).
All are effective tools, but the right choice depends on your medical history, goals, side effect tolerance, and insurance coverage.
If you are considering one of these medications, talk with your healthcare provider about which option best aligns with your health needs and lifestyle.
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