Mounjaro vs Ozempic
Quick read · 5 min
Two drugs, different names. Mounjaro and Zepbound are tirzepatide. Ozempic and Wegovy are semaglutide. Here is how they compare, head to head.
Head-to-head weight loss
From the only large trial that directly compared these two drugs. 751 adults with obesity, 72 weeks at maximum dose.
Tirzepatide showed higher average weight loss in this direct comparison. Individual results vary substantially.
That is the headline number. But neither drug is universally "better" — they differ on cardiovascular evidence, cost, and form. Here is the fuller picture.
Weight loss at maximum approved dose
Including the oral semaglutide pill, which was not part of the head-to-head trial.
For a 240 lb person. Averages from clinical trials.
Monthly cost
The oral pill option is dramatically cheaper than either injection.
List prices and manufacturer self-pay programs. Insurance coverage varies.
Beyond weight loss
Heart protection
Semaglutide has proven cardiovascular benefit — a major trial showed a 20% reduction in heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths. Tirzepatide has non-inferiority data for cardiovascular safety but does not yet establish the same benefit.
Form and convenience
Tirzepatide is injection only, once weekly, no food timing. Semaglutide comes as both an injection and a daily pill. The pill needs a 30-minute fasting window before food (no water, no other drinks).
Side effects
Similar profiles. Nausea is the most common side effect for both (40–50% in trials), usually in the first 4–8 weeks, then settles. Tirzepatide has slightly more reports of early nausea. Semaglutide has the longer market history and more extensive safety data.
Two oral GLP-1 pills are now FDA-approved: Oral Wegovy (~16.6% weight loss, $149/month) and Foundayo (~12.4% weight loss, no food restrictions).
See the Oral Wegovy vs Foundayo comparison →Common questions
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Based on clinical trials · No rankings · Every claim linked to source
Last reviewed: April 2026