Zepbound® vs Mounjaro® for Weight Loss: A Simple Guide

Weight loss results: Zepbound® vs Mounjaro®

In the FDA labeling for Zepbound® (tirzepatide), weight loss at 72 weeks was dose-dependent in adults without type 2 diabetes:

5 mg: ~15.0% average weight loss

10 mg: ~19.5% average weight loss

15 mg: ~20.9% average weight loss

In adults with type 2 diabetes (also 72 weeks), average weight loss was typically lower:

10 mg: ~12.8% average weight loss

15 mg: ~14.7% average weight loss

These are study averages and aren’t a guarantee of individual results.

Why was there a difference? People with type 2 diabetes often lose less weight on average than people without diabetes, and these studies were designed for different goals. So it’s easy to draw the wrong conclusion if you compare headline results without looking at who was in the study. 

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Is Zepbound® “Better” for Weight Loss Than Mounjaro®?

If someone takes tirzepatide at the same dose regardless of the medication name, the medication effect should be similar. What people really mean by “better” usually comes down to:

• On-label vs off-label: Zepbound® is FDA-labeled for weight management; Mounjaro® is labeled for type 2 diabetes. As of Dec 20, 2024, Zepbound® is also FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe OSA in certain adults with obesity.
• Study population differences: obesity trials (no diabetes) often show higher average weight loss than diabetes trials.
• Coverage differences: insurance often follows labeled indication, which can drive what people can access.

What this really means–It’s not that the ingredient “works better” in one brand. It’s that Zepbound® is studied/labeled for weight management, so that’s how it’s discussed, prescribed, and covered, which tends to align more directly with weight-loss goals.

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Dosing

Dosing and titration schedules are similar across tirzepatide products: people typically start at a low dose and increase gradually over time. In the Zepbound® weight-management trials, doses were titrated up to maintenance doses (e.g., 5, 10, or 15 mg), with weight assessed at 72 weeks. Keep in mind that only your prescriber can determine your dosing plan.

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Side Effects (What People Notice First)

Because the active ingredient is the same, the most common side effects overlap. GI effects are the ones most people ask about—nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort—often appearing during dose increases and improving for many people over time (not guaranteed).

Both medications have important warnings and potential serious risks (including the boxed warning). Review the full prescribing information and talk with your clinician about what applies to you.

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How to Decide Which is a “Better” Fit

Zepbound® may be a better fit if:

• Your goal is chronic weight management, and you want an option labeled for that use, and/or
• You and your clinician are navigating coverage where label indication matters.

Mounjaro® may make more sense if:

• You have type 2 diabetes, and weight loss is a meaningful secondary goal alongside glycemic control.

The practical reality:

A lot of the time, people discuss both options because insurance coverage and access end up determining what’s realistic.

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Cost & Coverage

For most people, the “real-world” difference comes down to what your plan will cover.

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• Coverage varies a lot and often depends on the FDA-labeled use (weight management vs type 2 diabetes).
• Without coverage, costs can be high: reported list prices are often >$1,000/month, but what you actually pay depends on your plan, pharmacy pricing, and eligibility for manufacturer programs.
• You may need prior authorization at times: plans may require documentation (diagnosis/BMI criteria, prior attempts, etc.), and requirements vary by insurer.

Tip: If you’re unsure what your plan covers, ask your insurer whether tirzepatide is covered under your plan for weight management vs type 2 diabetes, and what documentation is needed. 

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Conclusion

Zepbound® and Mounjaro® use the same medication (tirzepatide), so the most important differences for weight loss usually come down to FDA-labeled use, how the study results apply to you, and what your coverage allows. If you’d like support sorting through it all, Eden can help you set up a conversation with a licensed clinician to talk through options and a plan that fits your goals.

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Eden is an independent company and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Eli Lilly and Company; all trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Names are used for identification and educational purposes only.

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