27 Feb Wegovy Vs. Mounjaro Vs. Zepbound: An In-Depth Comparative Guide

Studies show that Wegovy helps people lose a significant amount of weight. In a major clinical trial, adults who took Wegovy lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. This is much higher than what’s typically seen with lifestyle changes alone. Participants also experienced better control of blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels.

For people with type 2 diabetes, the results were positive, but weight loss was slightly lower compared to people without diabetes. The study found that Wegovy helped people with diabetes lose around 9% of their body weight while also improving their A1C (an important blood sugar measurement).

Because Wegovy is designed specifically for weight management, it’s a popular choice for people without diabetes who are looking for an FDA-approved weight loss treatment.

Clinical trials have shown that Mounjaro is one of the most powerful weight loss medications available. In an important study, people who took Mounjaro at the highest dose lost up to 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks. That’s nearly one-fourth of their total body weight, which is even greater than what was seen with Wegovy.

For people with type 2 diabetes, the results were also impressive. The study found that Mounjaro helped participants lower their A1C by up to 2.4%, which is better than most other diabetes medications. Plus, those with diabetes also lost a significant amount of weight, averaging between 12% and 16% of their body weight.

By working on two different hormones, Mounjaro helps regulate appetite and blood sugar better than older medications, making it a good option for both diabetes and weight loss.

When comparing Zepbound to Wegovy or Mounjaro, clinical trials show that Zepbound can provide weight loss results that are similar to Mounjaro because both contain tirzepatide. In a study focusing on weight management, people taking Zepbound lost between 15% and 22.5% of their body weight, depending on the dose. These results are some of the highest ever recorded for a weight loss medication.

Although Zepbound and Mounjaro contain the same active ingredient, the main difference is that Zepbound is specifically FDA-approved for weight loss, while Mounjaro is approved for diabetes. Since they work the same way in the body, people who take Zepbound also experience improved blood sugar levels, even if they don’t have diabetes.

Most people taking Wegovy experience some digestive side effects. The most common include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain

These usually happen right after starting the medication or when increasing the dose. In many cases, the symptoms become milder or go away over time.

There are also some serious risks to be aware of. Wegovy carries a warning about a possible increased risk of thyroid tumors, though this has only been seen in animal studies. Some people may also experience pancreatitis, which causes severe stomach pain, or gallbladder problems, which can lead to gallstones. Wegovy may also cause low blood sugar in people taking diabetes medications. Because of these risks, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you have a history of these conditions.

The most common side effects of Mounjaro are similar to those of Wegovy and include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite

Many people find that these symptoms improve as their body adjusts to the medication. Eating smaller meals and avoiding greasy or heavy foods may help reduce stomach issues.

There are also some serious risks to consider with Mounjaro as well. Mounjaro has a warning about a potential risk of thyroid tumors, similar to Wegovy. Other rare but serious side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and severe allergic reactions. Since Mounjaro lowers blood sugar, people taking diabetes medications may need to adjust their doses to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It’s important to work with your doctor to monitor any side effects, especially if you have a history of digestive or thyroid conditions.

The side effects of Zepbound are almost the same as Mounjaro, since they contain the same active ingredient (tirzepatide). The most common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain

These symptoms are usually temporary and can be managed by adjusting how and when you eat.

Just like with the other two medications, there are also serious risks to consider. Zepbound carries a warning about a possible risk of thyroid tumors. Other potential risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe allergic reactions, and low blood sugar in people taking diabetes medications. Since Zepbound is specifically for weight loss, it may be a better choice for people without diabetes, but it still has the same safety concerns. Always talk to your doctor about any pre-existing conditions before starting a new medication.

As of this writing, the cost of Wegovy is around $1,350 per month without insurance. Since it is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss, some insurance plans do cover it, but others do not. Many insurance companies still do not include weight loss medications in their plans, so it’s important to check with your provider.

Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Wegovy, offers a savings card for those who qualify. Some people may pay as little as $25 per month with this discount. However, availability depends on individual insurance plans. Medicaid and Medicare may cover it in some cases, but approval is not guaranteed.

Currently, the cost of Mounjaro is around $1,100 per month without insurance. Since Mounjaro is FDA-approved for diabetes (not weight loss), it is usually covered by insurance for people with type 2 diabetes. However, for those using it for weight loss, coverage is much less common.

Eli Lilly, the company that makes Mounjaro, offers a savings program where eligible patients can pay as little as $25 per month for their prescription. However, this program only applies to people using Mounjaro for diabetes. Those taking it off-label for weight loss may have to pay the full price out of pocket.

Zepbound has an advantage in terms of cost, as it is priced at $1,080 per month, which is lower than Wegovy and slightly less than Mounjaro. Since Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss, some insurance plans may cover it, but many still do not.

Eli Lilly offers a savings program where eligible patients may pay as little as $25 per month with insurance coverage. This can make it a more affordable option. While Zepbound and Mounjaro have the same active ingredient, insurance is more likely to cover Mounjaro for diabetes than Zepbound for weight loss.

In clinical studies, participants taking Wegovy reported significant weight loss, which often led to improvements in quality of life. Many individuals experienced increased energy levels and better physical functioning. However, some users reported side effects such as nausea and digestive discomfort, which could impact daily activities. It’s important to note that not everyone responds to Wegovy in the same way. While many see positive changes, others may experience minimal weight loss or find the side effects challenging.

Users of Mounjaro have reported substantial weight loss, which can lead to enhanced quality of life. Some people notice a decrease in appetite and improved control over their eating habits. However, as with other medications in this class, side effects like nausea and gastrointestinal issues were reported, which could affect daily comfort. It’s also worth noting that not all users experience significant weight loss. Individual responses can vary based on factors like genetics and lifestyle.

Studies have shown that Zepbound may lead to greater weight loss than Wegovy. As mentioned, in a clinical trial, participants taking Zepbound lost an average of 20.2% of their body weight, compared to 13.7% for those on Wegovy. This significant weight loss can result in improved physical health and increased energy levels. However, side effects such as nausea and digestive issues were also reported, which could impact daily life.