A recent study conducted in the real world found that overweight and obese adults taking the injected medication Mounjaro lost more weight and were more likely to achieve specific weight loss targets compared to those taking a similar competitor, Ozempic. Both Mounjaro, or tirzepatide, and Ozempic, or semaglutide, work by mimicking the effects of the gut hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate insulin production, slows food passage through the stomach, and controls appetite. Tirzepatide also stimulates a second gut hormone, called GIP, which may further enhance its effects.
While these medications are typically prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, they have gained popularity for their potential to aid in weight loss. The study, conducted by Dr. Patricia Rodriguez and her team, analyzed thousands of patient records between May 2022 and September 2023. They found that people taking Mounjaro lost a greater percentage of their starting weight compared to those on Ozempic, with the average weight loss being 15% on Mounjaro over a 12-month period, compared to 8% on Ozempic.
The study, initiated by Truveta Research, provides valuable real-world data about the weight-loss benefits of these medications. With more than 70% of American adults classified as overweight or obese, there is a significant potential for these medications to be used for weight loss. The study’s findings suggest that Mounjaro may be more potent than Ozempic for weight loss, although further research is needed to confirm these results. Both medications have been approved by the FDA to treat obesity, and higher doses are available under the names Zepbound and Wegovy.
Despite the promising results, the study did identify that approximately half of the participants discontinued the medications during the study period, citing potential factors such as the drugs being in shortage. Common side effects reported included nausea, vomiting, and gallstones, with similar rates for both medications. Dr. Mopelola Adeyemo, a specialist in treating diabetes and obesity, emphasizes that the best weight loss drug for an individual is the one that works for them, as different patients may respond differently to various medications.
While the study has provided valuable insights into the weight-loss effects of Mounjaro and Ozempic, it’s important to note that the study wasn’t sponsored by either of the drugs’ manufacturers and hasn’t been peer-reviewed. Further research, including head-to-head trials, will be crucial in determining the most effective medication for weight loss. Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the manufacturers of Ozempic and Mounjaro, respectively, have expressed their commitment to providing more information through ongoing clinical trials.
