If you’ve been around the GLP-1 world for more than five minutes, you’ve probably noticed the names Ozempic and Mounjaro being thrown around almost interchangeably. Some people even call them “the jabs” without really distinguishing between the two. But here’s the thing: while they sit in the same family, they’re not identical, and understanding the differences matters, especially if you’re thinking about switching.

Same family, different personalities

Both Ozempic and Mounjaro belong to a class of medicines called incretin mimetics; basically, they copy hormones your body already uses to manage blood sugar and appetite. They’re both given once a week as a small injection and are widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for weight management.

But here’s where the fork in the road appears.

• Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, which works by mimicking one hormone pathway: GLP-1.

• Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, which is a “dual action” drug. It works on GLP-1 and another pathway called GIP.

Think of Ozempic as the classic single-track player and Mounjaro as the upgraded version that plays two tracks at once. Both make music, but the sound feels a little different.

What does that mean in real life?

People often describe the difference in terms of appetite control. Ozempic slows digestion and switches on the part of the brain that says “we’ve eaten enough.” That alone can be powerful; many people report feeling satisfied with smaller meals and naturally cutting back on snacking.

Mounjaro does the same, but the GIP pathway seems to add an extra layer. Lots of users say it feels stronger, like food noise is quieter and cravings fade faster. Not everyone experiences it this way, but it’s a very common report.

So no, the two drugs aren’t the same, and if you’ve heard someone say Mounjaro is “just the newer Ozempic,” that’s only half the story.