Mounjaro vs. Zepbound (and Ozempic vs. Mounjaro)
Short answer: Mounjaro and Zepbound contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, from the same company. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is approved for weight management and for obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. Compared with Ozempic, Mounjaro acts on two hormone receptors instead of one.
Mounjaro vs. Zepbound
| Mounjaro | Zepbound | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Tirzepatide |
| Approved for | Type 2 diabetes blood-sugar control (adults and ages 10+); lowering major heart-event risk in adults with type 2 diabetes at high risk | Weight reduction and long-term maintenance in adults with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition; moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg weekly | 2.5 mg weekly |
| Maximum dose | 15 mg weekly (adults); 10 mg (ages 10 to 17) | 15 mg weekly |
Because the medicine is the same, the difference for you mostly comes down to the diagnosis a provider is treating and what your insurance covers for that diagnosis.
Ozempic vs. Mounjaro
Both are once-weekly injections approved for type 2 diabetes. Ozempic (semaglutide) activates the GLP-1 receptor. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. In head-to-head research, tirzepatide has produced larger average weight loss than semaglutide: in the SURMOUNT-5 trial in adults with obesity, tirzepatide averaged 20.2% weight loss versus 13.7% for semaglutide at 72 weeks.
- Both carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents.
- Both have stomach side effects as the most common complaint.
- Which one suits a person depends on diagnosis, other medicines, tolerability, and coverage, so it is a prescriber decision.
Sources
See how tirzepatide's trial averages translate to your own goal.
Try the Free GLP-1 CalculatorMedical Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnose any condition, recommend or prescribe treatment, or guarantee results. Estimates are based on information you provide and published clinical-trial averages. Individual results can vary significantly.
Estimates are based on average outcomes reported in the STEP 1 (semaglutide) and SURMOUNT-1 (tirzepatide) clinical trials. Individual results can vary significantly and are influenced by factors such as dosage, diet, and adherence.
Do not start, stop, or change any medication based on the results of this calculator. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding medications, treatment options, risks, side effects, and your individual health needs.