Mounjaro vs Ozempic: What’s Best for Weight Loss?

When it comes to weight loss solutions, two medications often come up in conversation: Ozempic and Mounjaro. Both have received considerable attention for their potential to help people shed pounds, so how do you determine which one to choose?

In this article, we delve into the ins and outs of Mounjaro vs Ozempic, exploring the similarities, differences, side effects, costs, and, most importantly, which one is the right option for weight loss.

Ready to make an informed decision on your weight loss journey? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about Mounjaro and Ozempic. 

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What are Ozempic and Mounjaro?

Ozempic and Mounjaro are both weekly injectable pens that belong to a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, which means they bind to GLP-1 receptors and mimic their actions. By doing so, Mounjaro and Ozempic regulate blood sugar levels, reduce your appetite, and slow the transit of food through your stomach. These effects are linked to weight loss.

Mounjaro also binds to gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) receptors, making it a dual agonist, which enhances its effectiveness for both weight management and type 2 diabetes. While both drugs regulate blood glucose levels and appetite, they differ in their active ingredients, composition, dose, and intended purposes. 

What is the Difference Between Ozempic and Mounjaro?

When comparing Mounjaro and Ozempic, it is essential to gain a well-rounded understanding, including the differences between the two medications. In doing so, you’ll select the right one for you and benefit from its effectiveness. Let’s explore some of the key differences between these two self-injectable pens.

Active Ingredients

A key difference between the two is their active ingredients. Ozempic contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Wegovy, which works by mimicking the actions of the hormone GLP-1 to regulate your blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production, suppressing your appetite, and increasing the feeling of fullness.

Mounjaro, on the other hand, contains a dual agonist called tirzepatide, which acts on both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, offering more substantial appetite suppression effects than semaglutide.

Licensing

Mounjaro is licensed both as a treatment option for type 2 diabetes and weight management, making it a versatile choice for people looking for assistance when losing weight and for those struggling with both obesity and diabetes. Ozempic, while effective for weight loss, is only officially licensed for the management of diabetes. Although it used to be prescribed off-label for people seeking to lose weight, this practice has largely stopped. Instead, we recommend Wegovy as a more suitable option for a semaglutide-containing weight loss injection. 

Manufacturer

The manufacturers of Mounjaro and Ozempic are different. Eli Lilly, a US company, manufactures Mounjaro, and Novo Nordisk, a Danish company, produces Ozempic. 

Mounjaro

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• Approved Weight Loss Treatment
• Suitable for adults with a BMI of +30kg/m²
• Pre-filled injection pen

• Discreet delivery next working day
• Online prescription - No doctor visit

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Dosage Schedule

Because Ozempic and Mounjaro contain different active ingredients, their dosage schedules differ even though they are both injected once weekly.

The Ozempic schedule begins with the lowest dose of 0.25 mg per week for four weeks, then gradually increases until you reach the maximum strength of 2 mg, as shown below:

Mounjaro, on the other hand, starts at a low 2.5 mg dose and increases every four weeks, usually over 21 weeks, until you reach the maximum maintenance dose – the most potent amount for weight loss – of 15 mg. 

Mounjaro and Ozempic Similarities

While Mounjaro and Ozempic have their differences, they also share several key similarities that contribute to their effectiveness for weight loss and blood sugar control. For example, both are self-injected, belong to the same drug class, and share a similar side effect profile. Ozempic and Mounjaro share the following likenesses:

• Both are available for type 2 diabetes: Mounjaro and Ozempic are available to manage very high blood sugar levels, but only Mounjaro is licensed for weight loss. 
• Route of administration: Both Mounjaro and Ozempic are administered subcutaneously, meaning they are injected into the layer of tissue just below the skin. They are also available in pre-filled, multi-dose pens, so there’s no complicated drawing-up method; simply select your dose and inject.
• Injection site: You can inject Mounjaro or Ozempic into three main sites in the body:

1. Abdomen: So long as it is at least 2 inches away from your belly button.
2. Thigh: Either thigh can be used, and dividing each into two means you can rotate the injection site each week.
3. Upper arm: This is a generally good location for someone to assist with your injection, as it is easily accessible.

• Steady titration: Although they contain different active ingredients and follow a specific dosing schedule, each injection is slowly titrated to allow your body to become accustomed to its respective active ingredient, thereby reducing the likelihood of side effects.
• Requires a prescription: Neither Mounjaro nor Ozempic is available over the counter for weight loss or diabetes; therefore, you will need to consult with your doctor or a clinician from an online pharmacy, such as Prescription Doctor, to obtain a prescription. This ensures that you are eligible for the medicine and that it is safe and suitable for you to use. 

Ozempic vs Mounjaro Side Effects

All medications can cause side effects, and Ozempic and Mounjaro are no exception. Because of the way they work, both semaglutide and tirzepatide can cause similar adverse events. The following are the most common:

• Feeling or being sick
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Weakness or tiredness
• Headaches

For many people, these side effects are usually mild and improve as your body adjusts to the injection. Some people find that they return to their original dose after increasing it, only to settle down again. If you are concerned about any side effects from Mounjaro or Ozempic, please contact your clinician for further advice. 

Mounjaro vs Ozempic Dose Conversion

The dosage schedules for Mounjaro vs Ozempic are similar in that each dose is taken for four weeks before being increased if it has been well tolerated. However, because each injection contains a different active ingredient, the amount required to be effective is different.

Ozempic starts at 0.25 mg, before doubling every four weeks until you reach the most potent strength of 2 mg per week. All being well, this is the amount you will stick to for effective diabetes management.

Mounjaro starts with a 2.5 mg weekly dose, and increases by 2.5 mg every four weeks until you reach 15 mg or a lower, well-tolerated and effective strength for you.

Ozempic to Mounjaro Dose Conversion Chart

The dosage schedules for Mounjaro and Ozempic vary slightly, and it is essential to understand this difference, especially if you are considering switching weight loss medications. Here is a quick reference guide to help you navigate these conversions:

Mounjaro vs Ozempic Cost Comparison

Cost can be a contributing factor when deciding which injection is best for weight loss. Since Mounjaro is the only medication of the two approved for weight loss purposes, we will compare the prices of Mounjaro and Wegovy instead.

At Prescription Doctor, we believe finding the right medication to lose weight needn’t be stressful. So, here is a side-by-side comparison of what you can expect to pay for Mounjaro or Wegovy when you choose to purchase from us:

The cost of Moujaro and Wegovy varies. Although the starting dose of Wegovy is slightly lower, the maximum strength of Mounjaro is more affordable. If cost is a factor when deciding which treatment is best for you, understanding the price differences before committing to treatment can help you make an informed decision that suits your situation and budget. 

Ozempic vs Mounjaro for Weight Loss: Which is Best?

Although both semaglutide and tirzepatide can produce impressive weight loss results, Mounjaro is the most effective, primarily due to its dual action. One study has demonstrated that at 15 mg per week over  72 weeks, Mounjaro resulted in an average weight reduction of 21%, with at least 91% of people losing at least 5% of their initial body weight. Lower doses also resulted in significant results, with 85% and 89% achieving at least a 5% loss with the 5mg and 20mg doses, respectively.

While Ozempic is not approved for weight loss, its active ingredient, semaglutide, is approved under the brand name Wegovy for this purpose. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Wegovy, at its highest strength, can result in an average weight loss of 15% over a 68-week period. However, people prescribed Ozempic for type 2 diabetes have also reported up to a 7kg weight loss with 2mg per week.

When it comes to distinguishing between Ozempic vs Mounjaro for weight loss, Mounjaro is the winner, not least because it is the only one of the two which is specifically recommended to help you lose weight. Yet, even when compared to Wegovy, Mounjaro comes out on top with clinical trials showing that tirzepatide is more likely to help people achieve substantial weight loss compared to semaglutide.  

Mounjaro

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• Approved Weight Loss Treatment
• Suitable for adults with a BMI of +30kg/m²
• Pre-filled injection pen

• Discreet delivery next working day
• Online prescription - No doctor visit

Prices from £159.99 Review More Prices

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Are Alternative Products Available? 

If Mounjaro doesn’t feel like the right option for you, and you don't want to try Wegovy, there are other weight loss treatments available. These are available either as injectable pens or in tablet form. 

At Prescription Doctor, we stock the following treatments as alternatives to Mounjaro and Wegovy:

• Nevolat is a generic version of liraglutide, formerly known as Saxenda, and is a more affordable alternative to branded treatments. It can result in an average weight loss of 8% at its maximum dose. However, one key difference is that it is administered daily rather than weekly. 
• Xenical blocks the absorption of fat, allowing it to be excreted from the body as waste. It is also available in its generic form, Orlistat. 
• Mysimba acts on the reward centres of the brain to suppress your appetite. 
• Alli is an over-the-counter version of orlistat. It works in the same way as Xenical and can block up to 25% of the fat you eat daily.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic FAQs

With so much information to consider, it’s natural to have questions about Mounjaro vs Ozempic for weight loss. Here, we’ve addressed some of the most frequently asked questions to help clear up any confusion and provide you with all the details you need to make an informed choice.

Can I Switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro?

Yes, switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro for weight loss is possible, but it should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. You will need to start with Mounjaro’s lowest dose, even if you have reached the maximum Ozempic strength and have tolerated it well.

That’s because they have different active ingredients, and you will need to give your body time to adjust to them. You’ll also need to wait at least 5 weeks after your last Ozempic injection before starting Mounjaro, to allow semaglutide to leave your system entirely. If you are considering switching, our clinicians are available to provide you with all the support you need during your transition to a new medication.

Can I Take Mounjaro and Ozempic Together?

No, because Mounjaro and Ozempic have a similar mechanism of action, you must not take them together. They both bind to GLP-1 receptors, so taking them at the same time is likely to result in side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Specialist Weight Loss Solutions from Prescription Doctor

When it comes to choosing the right weight loss solution, ordering from a trusted provider like Prescription Doctor ensures you receive all of the guidance and care you need for successful treatment. Whether you’re considering Mounjaro vs Ozempic for weight loss, we offer a safe and convenient way to access weight loss medication with professional support throughout, including a 7-day diet plan.

When you order from us, you can be assured that our clinicians have carefully assessed your suitability. We also offer next-day delivery, with discreet packaging, so you can start your journey the next day from the comfort of your own home, ensuring the process is as hassle-free as possible.

Order Mounjaro today and take your first step towards a healthier, more confident you.

Authored By

Leanne Edermaniger

Medical Content Writer

Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.

Published on: 14/05/2024

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 05/06/2025