Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro
The short answer: Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same substance (semaglutide), Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. Ozempic is registered for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy and Mounjaro are (also) registered for weight management. All three are weekly injections and are available only on prescription through a doctor and pharmacy. Below we set out the differences factually; a doctor always assesses whether a medicine is suitable for you.
The three medicines in brief
Ozempic and Wegovy are both brand names for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. The difference lies mainly in registration and maximum dosage: in the EU, Ozempic is registered for type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy for weight management with a higher maximum dosage. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which acts on both the GLP-1 and the GIP receptor ("dual action"). If you want to know how these substances work in the body, read how GLP-1 works. A more direct two-way comparison can be found at Ozempic or Mounjaro and Wegovy vs Ozempic.
Comparison table
| Ozempic | Wegovy | Mounjaro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active substance | Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| Mechanism of action | GLP-1 | GLP-1 | GLP-1 + GIP |
| Registered for | Type 2 diabetes | Weight management | Type 2 diabetes and weight management |
| Administration | Weekly injection | Weekly injection | Weekly injection |
| Weight loss (indicative, study averages) | n/a as a weight-loss medicine* | approx. 15% (STEP-1, 68 wk) | approx. 16–22.5% (SURMOUNT-1, 72 wk) |
What do the studies say about weight loss?
The figures below are averages from clinical studies and say nothing about your personal outcome. In the STEP-1 study, participants on semaglutide (Wegovy dosage) lost on average about 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks, alongside lifestyle support. In the SURMOUNT-1 study with tirzepatide (Mounjaro), an average weight reduction of about 16% (5 mg) to 22.5% (15 mg) was reported after 72 weeks. Results vary from person to person and depend on dosage, lifestyle and support. You can find more context at how much weight can you lose and dose titration.
Cost and reimbursement (indicative)
The price varies by medicine, dosage and pharmacy; consult the current cost estimate for an overview. Reimbursement depends on your indication and policy — different rules apply for type 2 diabetes than for weight management. Read more about the conditions at reimbursement. You can read exactly what a doctor and pharmacy do at the doctor's intake.
Which medicine when?
Which medicine is appropriate is determined by the doctor based on your situation, BMI, any diabetes and other conditions. Wegovy and Mounjaro are registered for weight management; Mounjaro is also registered for type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is primarily a diabetes medicine. Not sure whether you qualify? See who it is suitable for. You can find an overview of clinics that carry out intakes at clinics.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?
Does Mounjaro work better than Ozempic or Wegovy?
Are these medicines available without a prescription?
How often do I need to inject?
Official sources on this topic
Independent, authoritative information from official bodies: