Learn the differences between Mounjaro®, Ozempic®, and Wegovy®. Compare uses, ingredients, and how licensed providers may prescribe them for metabolic health.
With increasing public interest in medications originally developed for managing blood sugar, many are now wondering how Mounjaro®, Ozempic®, and Wegovy® compare, particularly in the context of metabolic health. While none of these medications are approved as weight loss drugs except Wegovy®, licensed healthcare providers available through the Eden platform may evaluate patient needs and determine if a treatment plan involving these medications is appropriate for an individual’s health goals.
Understanding the differences between these treatments is important for making informed decisions when discussing options with a licensed healthcare provider. This guide outlines the key differences between Mounjaro®, Ozempic®, and Wegovy® in terms of ingredients, mechanisms of action, FDA approvals, and access.
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injectable medication developed to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Unlike Ozempic® and Wegovy®, which contain the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide, Mounjaro® activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, two hormonal pathways that may influence insulin secretion and blood sugar control.
In studies such as the SURPASS clinical trial series, Mounjaro® demonstrated significant effects on A1C and body weight among participants with type 2 diabetes. However, more research is ongoing to determine its long-term role in chronic weight management.
Ozempic® (semaglutide) is another once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist used in adults with type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss.
Although Ozempic® is only FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, some individuals have reported weight changes during use. These observations may be linked to semaglutide’s activation of the GLP-1 receptor pathway, which is believed to influence appetite regulation and caloric intake. In a 2021 study published in The Lancet, adults receiving semaglutide 2.4 mg, the dosage used in Wegovy® , which is higher than the doses used in Ozempic®, experienced substantial weight reductions when combined with lifestyle interventions. While this study focused on Wegovy®, it has contributed to growing clinical interest in the GLP-1 pathway’s potential role in metabolic health.
Licensed healthcare providers on the Eden platform evaluate each individual’s health history before determining if semaglutide-based treatment is appropriate.
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Wegovy® is also a semaglutide-based injectable medication, but unlike Ozempic®, it is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
Clinical studies such as the STEP trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of Wegovy® in supporting weight reduction when combined with lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise.
While Mounjaro®, Ozempic®, and Wegovy® are all injectable treatments administered weekly, their pharmacological profiles differ:
Note: This table is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Final treatment decisions should be made with a licensed healthcare provider.
These differences can help licensed healthcare providers determine which, if any, medication may be appropriate based on a patient’s health goals and medical profile.
Eden is a digital health platform that connects adults with licensed healthcare providers and state-licensed compounding pharmacies. Eden does not manufacture medications or practice medicine. Instead, the platform offers a streamlined experience that allows patients to:
This model supports better access to personalized care without requiring patients to visit a clinic in person.
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If you're curious about any of these medications, here are a few questions to consider asking during a consultation:
Each of these medications may affect individuals differently, and consultation with a licensed provider is the only way to determine whether treatment is appropriate.
While Mounjaro®, Ozempic®, and Wegovy® share similarities in form and frequency of use, they are approved for different purposes and contain different active compounds. Wegovy® is currently the only one of the three approved by the FDA for weight management. Mounjaro® and Ozempic® are approved for managing type 2 diabetes but are being explored in ongoing research for broader metabolic benefits.
Licensed healthcare providers on the Eden platform evaluate each individual's health history before determining whether any of these medications are appropriate as part of a personalized care plan. If you are considering your options, a professional consultation is the safest and most effective place to start.
Disclaimer: The FDA does not approve compounded medications for safety, quality, or manufacturing. Prescriptions and a medical evaluation are required for certain products. The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not be relied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blog is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns, including side effects. Use of this blog's information is at your own risk. The blog owner is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions or information provided in this blog.
Eden is not a medical provider or a pharmacy. Eden connects individuals with independent licensed healthcare providers who independently evaluate each patient to determine whether a prescription treatment program is appropriate. All prescriptions are written at the sole discretion of the licensed provider. Medications are filled by independent, state-licensed pharmacies. Eden does not manufacture, own, or dispense any medications. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
Dahl, D., Onishi, Y., Norwood, P., Huh, R., Bray, R., Patel, H., & Rodríguez, Á. (2022). Effect of Subcutaneous Tirzepatide vs Placebo Added to Titrated Insulin Glargine on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. JAMA, 327(6), 534. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.0078
Davies, M., Færch, L., Jeppesen, O. K., Pakseresht, A., Pedersen, S. D., Perreault, L., Rosenstock, J., Shimomura, I., Viljoen, A., Wadden, T. A., & Lingvay, I. (2021). Semaglutide 2·4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. The Lancet, 397(10278), 971–984. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00213-0
Wilding, J. P., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B. M., Rosenstock, J., Tran, M. T., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., Yokote, K., Zeuthen, N., & Kushner, R. F. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2032183
