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Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Jessica G – General Practitioner | Last Reviewed: February 16, 2026

The world of weight loss medicine is all changed fast. While you are also looking for some sort of medical help for the weight, one might have likely heard the two names: Semaglutide and Mounjaro. Both are once-weekly shots that can all help the people to drop significant pounds. While they might seem similar, they work differently inside the body, and you can offer different outcomes.  One might also break down the differences. We want to help and understand what one might be a better fit for your health journey.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide medicine is the active ingredient found in two famous brand names: Ozempic and Wegovy.  It was the first made for helping people with Type 2 diabetes. Doctors soon noticed that patients were losing a lot of weight while taking it.  This can all lead to the creation of Wegovy that is specifically for weight management. It can further mimic a hormone in your gut called GLP-1.

How Semaglutide Works?

  • Signals the Brain: This tells the brain you are full, so you feel less hungry. 
  • Slows Digestion: It can all keep the food in stomach longer, making that "full" feeling last. 
  • Regulates Sugar: It can help the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is the brand name for Tirzepatide. This is just like that rival, it started as a diabetes treatment but became famous for weight loss.  For weight management specifically, the same medicine is sold under the name which is called as Zepbound.  Mounjaro is known as a "dual agonist." This can help in meaning things double duty by targeting two different hormones instead of simply one.

How Mounjaro Works?

  • GLP-1 Action: Like Semaglutide medicine, it can all target the GLP-1 hormone to curb the appetite. 
  • GIP Action: this can also target a second hormone called GIP. 
  • Double Impact: This "two-hormone" approach can all help the body break down fat and sugar even more effectively.

The Head-to-Head: Which is More Effective?

Recent medical studies which are from late 2024 and 2025 have finally put such drugs that are right against each other.  The outcomes that are shown about that Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) usually can all lead to more weight loss than Semaglutide.

Weight Loss Percentages

  • Mounjaro/Zepbound: In major trials, people lost an average of 20% to 22% of the body weight over 72 weeks. 
  • Semaglutide/Wegovy: In similar trials, people who might have lost an average of 13% to 15% of their body weight. 
While Mounjaro has a higher "peak," of both the medications that are well considered to be highly successful. Most older weight loss pills only helped people lose about 5% of their weight. 

Common Side Effects to Expect

Since both medications shall affect the digestive system, they ca further share similar side effects. Most of the people can feel such things can start or when they can increase their dose.

Most Frequent Issues

  • Nausea or feeling "queasy" 
  • Diarrhea or constipation 
  • Stomach pain and bloating 
  • Heartburn or acid reflux 
  • Feeling tired (fatigue)
Pro Tip: Doctors might all suggest eating smaller, low-fat meals as it can help in managing such symptoms well. Drinking plenty of water can all help in preventing the constipation often seen with such shots.

Safety and Risks

While some of these medications are usually safe, they are well serious about those medical treatments. You must also use them under a doctor's supervision.  There are some few "red flags" and health histories can all make these medicines a bad choice for you.

Who Should Avoid Them?

  • Family History: If you or your family might have had Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC). 
  • Pancreas Issues: People with a proper history of pancreatitis should be very careful. 
  • Pregnancy: Such medicines are not recommended if you are pregnant or planning to be soon.

Serious Warning Signs

If you experience severe, persistent stomach pain which can further radiates to the back, seek help as soon as possible. This can be a sign of pancreatitis, which is a rare but serious side effect.

Availability and Cost

In 2026, many insurance plans have updated their rules on these medications.  Wegovy and Zepbound are the versions officially approved for weight loss. Ozempic and Mounjaro are officially for condition like diabetes. 

Key Factors in Your Choice

  • Insurance Coverage: Some of the plans cover Semaglutide more easily than the newer Tirzepatide. 
  • Supply: There have been shortages of both the medicine drugs, though production has enhanced recently. 
  • Heart Health: Semaglutide (Wegovy) has strongdata showing it reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

How to Choose the Right One

Choosing between Semaglutide and Mounjaro is not just about the highest weight loss percentage. It is about what the body can handle.  If you have a lot of weight to lose, Mounjaro’s dual-hormone action might be the best path.  However, if one might have heart concerns, the doctor can prefer Semaglutide due to its proven cardiovascular benefits. 

Questions for Your Doctor

  • Which medication does my insurance currently cover for my BMI? 
  • Do I have any existing stomach issues that might make one drug better? 
  • Is my goal weight loss alone, or am I also managing blood sugar? 

Making the Most of Your Treatment

Neither of these is a "magic shot" that works on its own. They are tools meant to be used alongside a healthy lifestyle. 

Habits for Success

  • Eat Your Protein: These drugs can cause muscle loss, so eating enough protein is vital. 
  • Fiber is Your Friend: To avoid constipation, focus on veggies and whole grains. 
  • Move Your Body: Resistance training helps you keep your strength as the fat disappears. 
Losing weight too quickly can sometimes lead to "Ozempic face" (loss of facial fat) or sagging skin. Losing weight at a steady, controlled pace is usually better for your appearance and health.  
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