Health & Fitness, Weight Loss

Zepbound vs Mounjaro: Which Weight Loss Solution Fits Your Need?

by Susan Debicki

The quest for a slimmer, healthier body is a common goal for many individuals. With the rise of weight loss medications, the options can be overwhelming. Two medications that have gained popularity in recent years are Zepbound and Mounjaro. Both medications contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, and are designed to help individuals with weight-related health issues. But which one is right for you?

Key Takeaways

  • Zepbound and Mounjaro are two medications that contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide.
  • Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management, while Mounjaro is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
  • Both medications work by increasing the levels of GLP-1 in the body, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, and increase feelings of fullness and satisfaction.
  • Zepbound has been shown to result in an average weight loss of 20% or more in individuals with obesity, while Mounjaro has been shown to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
  • Both medications can cause side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, and injection site reactions.

What Are Zepbound And Mounjaro?

Zepbound and Mounjaro are both medications that contain the active ingredient tirzepatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking the action of a natural hormone in the body, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. Tirzepatide has been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss and improving blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

CategoryZepboundMounjaro
Active IngredientTirzepatideTirzepatide
MechanismDual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonistDual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist
FDA ApprovalFor weight loss (2023)For type 2 diabetes (2022)
IndicationsWeight loss and long-term weight managementImproving blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes
Dosing ScheduleOnce-weekly injectionOnce-weekly injection
Administration MethodSubcutaneous injection (stomach, thigh, arm)Subcutaneous injection (stomach, thigh, arm)
Dosage Strengths2.5 mg to 15 mg2.5 mg to 15 mg
Starting DosageTypically 2.5 mgTypically 2.5 mg
Common Side EffectsNausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, upset stomach, abdominal pain, injection site reactionsNausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, upset stomach, abdominal pain
Serious Side EffectsAcute pancreatitis, acute kidney injury, acute gallbladder disease, severe gastrointestinal disease, serious allergic reaction, hypoglycemia (in those on insulin), depression/suicidal ideationAcute pancreatitis, acute kidney injury, acute gallbladder disease, severe gastrointestinal disease, serious allergic reaction, hypoglycemia (in those on insulin)
Boxed WarningRisk of thyroid cancerRisk of thyroid cancer
Cost (without insurance)Approx. $1,059.87 for a 4-week supplyApprox. $1,069.08 for a 4-week supply
Savings ProgramsUp to $150 off with savings card (up to $563 for uninsured)Up to $150 off with a savings card (up to $563 for uninsured)
Insurance CoverageVaries; consult plan; Zepbound Savings Card availableVaries; consult plan; Mounjaro Savings Card available
ManufacturerEli LillyEli Lilly
Additional BenefitsSignificant weight loss in individuals with obesity or overweight with a weight-related conditionEffective blood sugar control and weight loss, often prescribed off-label for obesity
Shortage StatusLimited availability for higher doses through June 2024Limited availability for higher doses through June 2024

Zepbound

Zepbound, a new injectable weight loss medication, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic obesity and excess weight in adults with at least one related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension. It works by mimicking the action of two naturally occurring hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels

Clinical trials have shown that Zepbound is effective in reducing body weight, with participants losing an average of 48 pounds at the highest dose. The medication can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain, but these are usually mild and temporary

Zepbound is priced at approximately $1,060 for a month’s supply, making it less expensive than Wegovy but still potentially out of reach for many eligible individuals. Insurance companies often refuse to cover weight loss medications, and Medicare does not cover them, but Eli Lilly offers a copay or discount card program to help lower the cost of the drug for patients.

Zepbound is compared to other weight loss medications such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, but it is unique in that it activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, making it more effective in reducing body weight. Additionally, Zepbound is approved for the treatment of chronic obesity and excess weight, while other medications are approved for specific conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

Lifestyle modifications, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, play a crucial role in overall health and can help patients lose and maintain weight more effectively than Zepbound alone.

Mounjaro

Mounjaro, a new injectable medication, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management in overweight and obese adults with at least one weight-related condition.

It works by mimicking two hormones involved in digestion, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Mounjaro is administered via a once-weekly injection and has been shown to be effective in reducing body weight, with participants losing an average of 60 pounds in clinical trials.

The medication is priced at approximately $1,000 per month and is covered by some insurance providers, but not all. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, weight loss, and increased heart rate.

While Mounjaro is effective in managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss, it is not suitable for people with type 1 diabetes and should be used with caution in those with pancreatitis. Additionally, the medication should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise for optimal results.

What Are The Differences Between Zepbound And Mounjaro?

While both medications contain the same active ingredient, they have different FDA approvals and indications. Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Mounjaro, on the other hand, is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

How Do Zepbound And Mounjaro Work?

Both Zepbound and Mounjaro work by increasing the levels of GLP-1 in the body, which helps to:

  • Regulate blood sugar levels
  • Reduce appetite
  • Increase feelings of fullness and satisfaction
  • Slow down gastric emptying, which helps to reduce food intake

What Are The Benefits Of Zepbound And Mounjaro?

Both medications have been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss and improving blood sugar control. Zepbound has been shown to result in an average weight loss of 20% or more in individuals with obesity, while Mounjaro has been shown to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Who May Benefit From Zepbound And Mounjaro?

Zepbound and Mounjaro may be beneficial for individuals who:

  • Have a BMI of 30 or higher
  • Have a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related comorbidity
  • Have type 2 diabetes
  • Are looking to lose weight and improve their overall health

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Zepbound And Mounjaro?

Like all medications, Zepbound and Mounjaro can cause side effects. Common side effects of Zepbound include:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Injection site reactions

Common side effects of Mounjaro include:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Injection site reactions

Lastly

Zepbound and Mounjaro are two medications that contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide and are designed to help individuals with weight-related health issues. While they have different FDA approvals and indications, they share many similarities.

Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management, while Mounjaro is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Both medications have been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss and improving blood sugar control. When considering which medication is right for you, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your individual needs and health goals.

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