We have all thought about getting into better shape before travelling. Changing our lifestyle choices is not always easy. With all the hype about how Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound can help with weight loss on social media, it is natural to think if these are viable options for weight loss. So what are these injectable medications and how do they contribute to weight loss? Lets find out.
HualinXMN, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
What are Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound?
Ozempic and Wegovy are different brand names for the same active ingredient: semaglutide. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. This means they mimic the action of a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels(2,3).
Mounjaro and Zepbound, on the other hand, are brand names for another medication called tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is a bit more unique because it targets two hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. GIP is another hormone that plays a role in blood sugar control. So, while both types of medications help manage blood sugar, tirzepatide works in a slightly different way by interacting with both GLP-1 and GIP receptors (4,5).
| Category(2,3,4,5) | Indication(2,3,4,5) | Dosage(2,3,4,5) | |
| Ozempic | GLP-1 receptor agonist | glucose control in type 2 diabetes | 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg |
| Wegovy | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Weight Management | 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg |
| Mounjaro | GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist | glucose control in type 2 diabetes | 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg |
| Zepbound | GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist | Weight Management | 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg |
How do Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound work?
GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist are hormones that increase insulin secretion after eating. GLP-1 decreases weight by suppressing appetite within an area in the brain called ‘hypothalamus’ and also decrease gastric emptying(1). GIP affects the energy balance between fatty tissue receptor and the brain(1). When GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist are used together, they achieve better glucose control and body weight reduction(1).
What are their difference in regulating glucose or helping with weight management?
| A1C(6,7,8,9) | Weight Loss(6,7,8,9) | |
| Mounjaro | -1.7% at 10mg weekly at week 40 | 6.18kg at 15mg weekly at week 40 |
| Ozempic | -1.6% at 1mg weekly at week 30 | 3.5kg at 1mg weekly at week 30 |
| Wegovy | not indicated | 10.6 to 12.7kg (2.4mg once weekly at 1 year) |
| Zepbound | not indicated | 18.8kg at 15mg weekly at week 72 |
How are Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound given?
BruceBlaus, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound are all given as a subcutaneous once a week injection into the fatty tissue. They can be given any time of the day with our without food. Common injection areas are the abdomen or thigh or if someone else can give the injection then arm can be an injection site as well(2,3,4,5).
Click the link for instructions or videos on how to give the injections:
What are the side effects of Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound?
Like any medication, these drugs can have side effects. Some common ones include(6,7,8,9):
- Digestive issues: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain
- Other common side effects: Headache and fatigue can also occur
More serious side effects, while less common, can include:
Kidney problems: Acute kidney injury is a potential risk.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.
Gallbladder problems: gallstones, inflammation of the gallbladder
Eye problems: Retinal disorders, especially in people with type 2 diabetes.
Allergic reactions: Stop using and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat
Low blood sugar: Hypoglycemia can occur, especially if you’re also taking other diabetes medications.
Important Safety Note:
Studies in animals have shown a possible link between these medications and the development of thyroid tumors. However, it’s important to remember that what happens in animals doesn’t always happen in humans.
As a precaution, these medications are generally not recommended for people with:
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
Symptoms of thyroid tumors can include:
- A lump or mass in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Persistent hoarseness
It’s essential to discuss any potential risks and benefits of these medications with your doctor.
How are Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound stored?
| Before First Use(6,7,8,9) | After First Use(6,7,8,9) | Duration After First Use(6,7,8,9) | |
| Mounjaro | Refrigerated 2°C to 8°C | Room Temperature below 30°C or Refrigerated 2°C to 8°C | Good for 21 days |
| Ozempic | Refrigerated 2°C to 8°C | Room Temperature below 30°C or Refrigerated 2°C to 8°C | Good for 8 weeks |
| Wegovy | Refrigerated 2°C to 8°C | Room Temperature below 30°C or Refrigerated 2°C to 8°C | Single use pens: 28 days Multi use pens: 8 weeks |
| Zepbound | Refrigerated 2°C to 8°C | Room Temperature below 30°C or Refrigerated 2°C to 8°C | Good for 21 days |
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. It is advised to consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
References
(1) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9992880/
(4) https://mounjaro.lilly.com/
(5) https://zepbound.lilly.com/
(6) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/209637lbl.pdf
(7) https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00068421.PDF
(8) https://www.novonordisk.ca/content/dam/nncorp/ca/en/products/Wegovy-product-monograph.pdf
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