.jpg)
Side Effects: Are They Different?
Both medications have similar side effects, especially early on. The most common include:
Nausea or upset stomach
Burping or reflux
Fatigue
Constipation or diarrhoea
Appetite changes
Some users report that Mounjaro feels “gentler” on digestion, especially in the first few weeks, possibly due to the GIP component. But others find Ozempic easier to tolerate.
TL;DR: You won’t know how your body responds until you try one (under medical supervision, of course).
Find out more about the most common side effects of Ozempic and Mounjaro.
So Should You Choose Ozempic or Mounjaro?
Honestly? It depends on your body, your goals, and what is available to you.
Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are powerful, medically backed options that may support weight loss and blood sugar control when used properly. The key is to start with realistic expectations, a good understanding of what to expect, and a prescriber who’s experienced with these meds.
Disclaimer: Everyone’s experience is different. Always speak to your prescribing professional if you’re unsure which medication is right for you.
Ozempic vs. Mounjaro: The Basics
Ozempic | Mounjaro | |
Generic Name | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Eli Lilly |
Hormone Targeted | GLP-1 only | GLP-1 and GIP |
Injection Frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
Approved Uses | Type 2 diabetes (Wegovy for weight loss) | Type 2 diabetes (Zepbound for weight loss) |
So What’s the Real Difference?
Here’s the big one:
Mounjaro activates two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, while Ozempic only activates GLP-1.
In theory (and in clinical trials), this dual action may make Mounjaro more effective for weight loss and blood sugar control. GIP is another hormone involved in insulin regulation and may help enhance the effects of GLP-1, like better appetite suppression, improved energy use, and fewer side effects for some people.
That said, everyone’s body responds differently. Some people do incredibly well on Ozempic. Others switch to Mounjaro and feel like they’ve finally found something that works.
Is Ozempic or Mounjaro Better?
In head-to-head trials, Mounjaro generally shows greater average weight loss than Ozempic, sometimes by quite a bit. But averages don’t tell your story. Real-world results vary massively depending on dosage, consistency, lifestyle habits and individual biology.
Ozempic has been around longer, so there’s more long-term data on safety and outcomes. That’s important to consider if you’re thinking of long-term use.
GLP-1 meds are everywhere right now, but let’s be real, most people have no idea what the difference is between Ozempic and Mounjaro (or even how to pronounce them). If you’re considering starting one of these medications, you’ve probably already Googled both names and left feeling more confused than when you started.
First, What Are GLP-1s Anyway?
Both Ozempic and Mounjaro belong to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. That’s a mouthful, but all it means is they mimic a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar, insulin, and appetite.
Originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, many GLP-1 meds are now also prescribed off-label for weight loss, or under different brand names like Wegovy and Zepbound (more on that in a future article).
Bite-Sized Podcasts
Listen to this article as audio
.png)
Pen Hub Team
Published:
19 Jun 2025
Updated:
12 Aug 2025
What’s the Difference Between Ozempic and Mounjaro?
Starting Out
Helpful Companions For Your Weight Loss Journey
From meal ideas to daily tracking, these digital tools are designed to make life on GLP-1s a little easier.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)