Ozempic vs Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Doctors reveal which weight loss medication is right for you

They have taken over TikTok, trend on Reddit and made their way from celebrity circles to doctor’s clinics hence, Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy drugs are no longer just medical terms. They have become the cultural symbols of the global weight-loss era but beneath the hype and hashtags lies a practical question: Which one is actually right for you?

Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy: Same family, different personalities

These three medications may seem interchangeable but they have very different strengths and purposes. In an interview with the Times of India, Dr Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology and Weight-Loss Expert at Zandra Healthcare and Co-Founder of the Rang De Neela Initiative, explained, “Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy all belong to the same family of medications that help control blood sugar and aid in weight loss — but each has a slightly different purpose. Ozempic is mainly for people with type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro works on two hormone pathways for stronger sugar and weight control and Wegovy is specifically designed for people battling obesity or weight-related health issues.”

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In simpler terms, Ozempic and Mounjaro are primarily diabetes drugs that happen to cause significant weight loss, while Wegovy is a weight-loss drug that happens to benefit people with obesity-linked health risks.

Breaking it down: What science says

It depends on the goal whether you are choosing diabetes management or chronic weight loss. The key differences lie in their active ingredients, mechanisms of action and FDA-approved indications.

Ozempic (semaglutide 1 mg): Dr Kovil said, “Ozempic is mainly for people with type 2 diabetes who want to get their sugars under control and as a bonus, it often helps shed some extra kilos. Ozempic is available for 0.25 mg once a week to 9m1.mg once a week.” Approved for type 2 diabetes, Ozempic works by mimicking a gut hormone called GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1). This hormone increases insulin secretion, slows stomach emptying and curbs appetite that leads to both improved blood sugar control and gradual weight loss. Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Manjunath Malige, Director - Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Obesity and Weight Management at Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, said, “Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonist), which is generally approved for type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar; has weight-loss effects at diabetes doses. GLP-1 hormone to increase insulin, slow stomach emptying, and reduce appetite.A 2016 landmark SUSTAIN-6 trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that semaglutide not only reduced HbA1c levels but also led to significant weight reductions and a 26% lower risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. It is best for those with type 2 diabetes who also want to lose a moderate amount of weight.

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg): Dr Kovil said, “Wegovy (the higher-dose version of semaglutide) is designed more for people who struggle with obesity or have weight-related health issues. It’s being looked at not just for weight loss but also for people who have conditions like osteoarthritis, fatty liver (MASLD), kidney disease, heart problems, or even poor circulation (PAD).” Dr Malige added, “Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg), same active ingredient as Ozempic but formulated and licensed specifically for chronic weight management at a higher maintenance dose (weekly up to 2.4 mg).”Wegovy contains the same molecule as Ozempic but in a higher dose specifically approved for chronic weight management. According to a 2021 STEP-1 trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine, adults using weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight in 68 weeks compared to 2.4% with placebo. Interestingly, new formulations under development (like the 7.2 mg version) show comparable outcomes to Mounjaro in newer studies. Wegovy is best for people with obesity or metabolic health issues beyond diabetes like heart disease, fatty liver or joint strain.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide): This one is the overachiever. Dr Kovil said, “Mounjaro is also for diabetes but it works on two different hormone pathways, so it gives an even stronger push to both sugar control and weight reduction.” Mounjaro works on two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), giving it a dual mechanism that is proving to be remarkably powerful. A 2022 SURMOUNT-1 trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, tested tirzepatide in adults with obesity and found an average weight loss of up to 22.5%. This result was previously achievable only through bariatric surgery. Then, a May 2025 NEJM head-to-head study comparing tirzepatide with semaglutide confirmed that Mounjaro led to greater mean weight loss and waist reduction over 72 weeks. Dr Malige said, “Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual agonist, which means it mimics another hormone that is GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptideas) as well as GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonist). It has a different mechanism that is greater average weight loss than semaglutide and is approved for type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide is branded for obesity while Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management. If maximal weight loss is the primary objective, tirzepatide often gives larger mean percentage weight loss in trials.”est for those seeking maximum weight loss or with type 2 diabetes needing robust glucose control.

Dr Kovil summarised, “Think of it this way: If you have diabetes, Ozempic or Mounjaro could be your go-to but if your focus is weight, heart, joints or liver health, Wegovy is the one designed for the bigger picture. If you want only weight loss, Mounjaro is superior to Wegovy. Wegovy at a higher dose of 7.2 mg gives similar weight loss as Mounjaro."

Side effects and safety

All three drugs come with similar early-phase effects of nausea, constipation, vomiting or diarrhoea. These usually improve with gradual dose titration. Dr Malige cautioned, “Always assess kidney function, history of pancreatitis and pregnancy plans before starting. They’re not for use during pregnancy.”

Bottom line

Ozempic is for diabetes and moderate weight loss. Wegovy is for obesity and related health issues. Mounjaro is for maximum weight loss or dual benefit in diabetes. However, experts assert that these are not “magic shots” instead, they are scientific tools. The choice between them depends not just on your goals but your body, your medical history and your doctor’s guidance because in the end, the smartest way to lose weight might not be the fastest. It is the one that works for you.

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment.