Zepbound vs. Mounjaro for Weight Loss: What’s the Difference?

If you’re considering taking a prescription medication for weight loss, you may be wondering about the difference between Zepbound and Mounjaro.

Both Zepbound and Mounjaro are brand names for the same generic medication called tirzepatide.

Tirzepatide comes from a class of drugs known as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.

The main difference between Zepbound and Mounjaro is the condition they are prescribed to treat.

Zepbound is approved by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss, while Mounjaro is approved to treat type 2 diabetes.

Read on to learn about the differences and similarities between Zepbound and Mounjaro and how you can decide which one is right for you.

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What is Zepbound?

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a weekly injectable medication approved for treating weight loss. 

Doctors prescribe Zepbound to adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater who have at least one weight-related medical problem. 

Weight-related medical problems can include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Zepbound helps you lose weight by mimicking two natural hormones (GIP and GLP-1) to reduce your appetite and slow digestion so you feel fuller for longer. 

It should be used along with a healthy diet and regular physical activity for the best results.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injectable medication that is prescribed to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar.

Like Zepbound, Mounjaro is part of a class of drugs known as GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists.

These medications help reduce blood sugar by encouraging your body to release more insulin.

Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone that removes excess sugar from the bloodstream.

Mounjaro is intended to be used together with a healthy diet and exercise plan for the best results.

What’s the Difference Between Zepbound vs Mounjaro?

While Zepbound and Mounjaro are both brand names for tirzepatide, there are some important differences between them. Here is a quick breakdown of the main differences between Zepbound and Mounjaro.

FDA Approval

Even though they are the same medication, Zepbound and Mounjaro are approved by the FDA to treat different conditions. 

Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss, while Mounjaro treats type 2 diabetes.

If your doctor prescribes either of these medications for a non-FDA-approved reason, your insurance company may not help cover the cost.

Effectiveness

Both Zepbound and Mounjaro are effective for weight loss when used along with a healthy diet and exercise.

In a 72-week study on tirzepatide, participants without diabetes lost an average of 15%, 19.5%, and 20.9% of their body weight with weekly doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg of tirzepatide respectively.

Participants with diabetes lost an average of 12.8% on the 10 mg dose and 14.7% on the 15 mg dose.

Your individual results may vary depending on your medical history, genetics, and overall health goals.

Dosing

Both Zepbound and Mounjaro have recommended weekly maximum dosages of either 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg. Your doctor will determine which dose is right for you.

The starting dose for both Zepbound and Mounjaro is 2.5 mg once weekly for the first four weeks.

This is done to minimize potential side effects. After four weeks, the dose will increase by 2.5 mg for an additional four weeks until the maximum dose is achieved.

You should take the medication on the same day each week and rotate your injection site with each dose.

Zepbound and Mounjaro can be taken with or without food.

Potential Side Effects

Similar to other GLP-1 medications, the majority of side effects from Zepbound and Mounjaro involve the digestive system.

This is because these medications slow down your digestion, which means food stays in your stomach for longer.

The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain.

More rare, but serious side effects include severe stomach problems, low blood sugar, and problems with the kidneys, gallbladder, or pancreas.

Cost

Zepbound and Mounjaro cost about the same out-of-pocket, but your final cost varies depending on your insurance coverage and indication for use.

Before insurance is applied, the list price for Zepbound is $1059.87, while Mounjaro’s list price is $1069.08.

If you have insurance, your prescription drug plan may help cover some of the cost.

However, your doctor may be required to submit a prior authorization before your insurance company covers the medication. 

Another factor that affects cost is how the medication is prescribed.

Zepbound is only FDA-approved for weight loss, while Mounjaro is specifically used for treating type 2 diabetes. 

So, if your doctor prescribes Mounjaro for weight loss, your insurance might not help cover it.

Who Shouldn’t Take GLP-1s like Zepbound and Mounjaro?

Children, pregnant women, and those with certain pre-existing medical conditions or a family health history of the following should not take Zepbound and Mounjaro.

• Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to tirzepatide
• Type 1 diabetes
• Kidney problems
• Pancreatitis
• Severe stomach problems

Additionally, these medications may not be a good fit if you currently struggle with or have a history of an eating disorder. Let your doctor know right away if any of these conditions are part of your personal or family health history.

If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, or herbal supplements for weight loss, discuss them with your doctor before starting Zepbound or Mounjaro. 

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Other Considerations Before Taking Zepbound or Mounjaro

Before taking Zepbound or Mounjaro, it’s important to also consider personal lifestyle factors.

If you’re uncomfortable with injections, talk to your doctor to see if these medications are the right choice for you.

Both Zepbound and Mounjaro are meant to be used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Getting support from healthcare professionals, friends, and family is crucial for making these lifestyle changes sustainable.

Having trouble losing weight? Take the weight loss quiz to understand your next steps and reach your goals.

Takeaway

Zepbound and Mounjaro are medications that belong to a class of drugs known as GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists.

These medications help you lose weight by decreasing your appetite and slowing down your digestion so that you stay fuller for longer.

They can also help reduce your blood sugar by increasing the amount of insulin released by your body.

The FDA approved Zepbound for weight loss and Mounjaro for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. 

Your doctor can help you choose which medication is right for you based on your personal and family health history, insurance coverage, and other lifestyle factors.

How a Dietitian Can Help

Zepbound and Mounjaro work best when used together with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. 

If you’re unsure or have questions about losing weight while taking these medications, a dietitian can help.

A dietitian can assess your current eating habits, nutritional needs, and overall health goals and work with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle. 

If you experience nausea or digestive problems while taking Zepbound or Mounjaro, a dietitian can teach you how to eat to manage these side effects.

Find a dietitian who specializes in GLP-1 medications and can help you maximize your results on Zepbound or Mounjaro while also minimizing any potential side effects.