Ozempic® vs. tirzepatide for weight loss: Which one works best in 2025?

What you’ll learn:

• Tirzepatide medications may offer greater weight loss compared to Ozempic^® or other semaglutide medications. 
• Ozempic^® and all forms of tirzepatide are taken as weekly injections and work best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
• Work with your healthcare provider to determine which medication aligns best with your personal health goals, medical history, and budget.

If you’ve been thinking about trying a medication to help you lose weight, you have probably heard about GLP-1 medications. You also might be familiar with some of the brand names, like Ozempic^®, but aren’t sure where to start. While several GLP-1 medications have been around as diabetes treatment since 2005, the two most effective drugs on the market right now for weight loss are semaglutide and tirzepatide.

What’s the difference between these two? Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro^® and Zepbound^®, while semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic^® and Wegovy^®. Each of these is FDA-approved for different treatments and can be prescribed off-label for other conditions. Let’s break down what these medications are used for:

• Ozempic^® is the most well-known version of semaglutide. It’s approved to treat type 2 diabetes and can be prescribed off-label for weight loss. 
• Wegovy^® is the brand name for semaglutide that is approved for weight loss. It can also be prescribed to prevent cardiac events.
• Mounjaro^® is the version of tirzepatide that is approved to treat type 2 diabetes and can be prescribed off-label for weight loss. 
• Zepbound^® is tirzepatide that is FDA-approved for weight loss and to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

All of these medications come with regulations around who can take them, what they can be prescribed for, and what they cost. All four can be very expensive out of pocket, to the tune of over $1,000 per month, and insurance regulations and approvals can vary widely. Plus, they all have different discount structures, manufacturers’ coupons, and various pharmacy prices.

We’ll go through all the things you need to think about when choosing a semaglutide medication like Ozempic^® or a tirzepatide medication like Mounjaro^® or Zepbound^® so you can make an informed decision.

Ozempic^® (semaglutide) vs. tirzepatide: How do they work?

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide work by mimicking hormones that help lower appetite, slow stomach emptying, and regulate blood sugar levels; they just do it in slightly different ways. Let’s talk about what’s happening:

Semaglutide (Ozempic^® & Wegovy^®) 

Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a hormone naturally released in your digestive system in response to food. Semaglutide medications mimic this process, lowering your appetite and slowing digestion, helping you eat less and make healthier food choices.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro^® & Zepbound^®) 

Tirzepatide is different because it activates both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors—a dual approach that may enhance its effects. GIP is released by the small intestine after eating, helping the body regulate blood sugar and store or burn fat based on energy needs.

What are the similarities between Ozempic^® and tirzepatide?

While Ozempic^® and tirzepatide-based medications like Mounjaro^® and Zepbound^® have key differences, they also share several similarities in how they work, how they’re taken, and who can use them. Here’s what they have in common:

• How they’re taken: Ozempic^® and tirzepatide medications are all taken as a weekly shot you give yourself in your upper arm, stomach, or thigh. 
• Dose escalation: For Ozempic^® and all varieties of tirzepatide medications, you’ll start at the lowest dose. It will be increased as tolerated and to keep you losing steady weight.
• Who can take them: Generally, Ozempic^® and tirzepatide medications can be prescribed for weight loss to people with a BMI of 30 or higher or 27 and higher with at least one weight-related medical condition, like high blood pressure. (Ozempic^® and Mounjaro^® as off-label prescriptions.)
• Similar side effects: They all have similar side effects that typically involve gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue. They also carry similar risks for more serious effects, which we’ll discuss below.
• Highly effective: Ozempic^® and tirzepatide medications have helped millions of people lose weight. While your results will vary, these medications have helped people lose an average of 15 to 21% of body weight over time. We’ll dig further into how effective they are below.

What are the differences between Ozempic and tirzepatide?

To help you understand the differences between Ozempic^® vs. tirzepatide, let’s take a closer look at their features:

• They are made by two different pharmaceutical companies: Ozempic^®, and all branded semaglutide medications are manufactured by Novo Nordisk, while Eli Lilly produces the tirzepatide medications.
• Two different medications: Semaglutide and tirzepatide are both GLP-1 receptor agonists that mimic hormones in your body, but they work in slightly different ways.
• Pricing without insurance: The list prices of these medications are different.
  • Ozempic^® can be about $998 per month. Wegovy can cost around $1,350. 
  • Tirzepatide medications (Zepbound^® and Mounjaro^®) cost slightly more, ranging from about $1,000 to $1,050 per month.
• Approved uses: 
  • Ozempic^® and Mounjaro^® are FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes
  • Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight management and to prevent cardiac events.
  • Zepbound^{® i}s FDA-approved to treat weight loss and OSA.
• Insurance coverage: Coverage for weight loss is rare for all semaglutide and tirzepatide medications. 
  • Ozempic^® and Mounjaro^® might be covered for diabetes treatment, depending on your insurer. 
  • Zepbound^® might be covered for OSA in some cases.
  • Wegovy^® might be covered to treat heart disease.
• Effectiveness: Both semaglutide and tirzepatide medications have the potential to result in significant weight loss. The effectiveness of these medications can vary based on individual response and the lifestyle changes you make along with them. We’ll go into more detail about the effectiveness of these medications below.

Can you switch between Ozempic^® and tirzepatide?

Yes, you can switch between Ozempic^® (semaglutide) and tirzepatide-based medications (Mounjaro^®, Zepbound^®) under a doctor’s supervision. How you transition from one to the other will depend on your reason for switching and your current dose. Here’s what to consider in each scenario and how to make the switch safely:

1. You want to switch because one is too expensive

What to do:

• Check insurance coverage first. Since neither Ozempic^® nor tirzepatide is often covered for weight loss, switching to the one with better insurance coverage can lower your out-of-pocket costs.
• Ask about manufacturer savings programs. Both Novo Nordisk (Ozempic^®) and Eli Lilly (Mounjaro^®, Zepbound^®) offer discount programs.
• Discuss switching with your provider. They may need to submit prior authorization or update your prescription to align with your insurance plan.

2. You want to switch because one might be more effective

What to do:

• Consult your provider about your progress. If you’re not seeing the expected weight loss taking Ozempic^®, tirzepatide-based medications may give you better results.
• Consider dosage adjustments first. If you’re still on a lower dose of Ozempic^® (e.g., 0.5 mg or 1 mg), your provider may recommend increasing to 2 mg before switching to see if results improve.
• If switching to tirzepatide, you may start at the lowest dose. Your provider will likely start you on 2.5 mg of tirzepatide and gradually increase it to limit side effects.

3. You want to switch because you can’t find your medication in stock

What to do:

• Call multiple pharmacies. Supply issues vary by location, so check with different chains or independent pharmacies.
• Ask about alternative strengths. Some locations may have different dosages available, and your provider may be able to adjust your prescription accordingly.
• Consider switching under supervision. If your medication is often hard to get, your provider may recommend switching to a different GLP-1 medication with similar effects.

Above all, always work with your healthcare provider to transition safely and get the best results.

Ozempic^® vs. tirzepatide: Which is better for weight loss?

When you’re thinking about choosing between Ozempic^® and tirzepatide for weight loss, the real question you’re asking is whether you’ll lose more weight with semaglutide or tirzepatide. The true answer is: It depends. Whether one or the other works for you depends on whether you can afford the medication, take it consistently, and change your lifestyle for long-term use. 

Let’s go into the differences between these active ingredients and what the studies say.

How much weight can you lose on Ozempic^® vs tirzepatide?

When it comes to weight loss, both semaglutide and tirzepatide deliver impressive results, though individual results vary. Let’s go through what the average person can expect.

• Tirzepatide: Over 72 weeks, people using tirzepatide lost an average of 15% to 21% of their body weight. 
• Semaglutide: Semaglutide has helped people lose an average of 15% of their body weight over a similar time period. 

So, how do they stack up? One study involved 751 people split into two groups: one taking tirzepatide and the other taking semaglutide for 72 weeks. The results suggest that a person could lose 47% more weight with tirzepatide versus semaglutide. Keep in mind that this trial was conducted by the manufacturer of tirzepatide medications, Eli Lilly.

How long does it take to see results?

Many people notice weight loss within the first few weeks of starting these medications. Here’s a look at what studies on Ozempic^® and tirzepatide say you can expect in terms of average body weight lost: 

After 3 months:

• Tirzepatide: 6% 
• Semaglutide: 4% 

After 6 months:

• Tirzepatide: 10% 
• Semaglutide: 6% 

After 1 year:

• Tirzepatide: 15% 
• Semaglutide: 8% 

While everyone has a different experience, results depend a lot on your diet and exercise habits, as well as underlying health issues. Your doctor will adjust your dose to keep you losing steady weight as tolerated.

Who can take Ozempic^® or tirzepatide for weight loss?

Ozempic^® and tirzepatide medications can be used for weight loss, but only Zepbound^® (tirzepatide) and Wegovy^® (semaglutide) are FDA-approved for this purpose. Ozempic^® and Mounjaro^® will be off-label prescriptions. 

Here are the BMI requirements for each GLP-1 medication:

• Mounjaro^® is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. 
• Zepbound^® is FDA-approved for weight loss in people with:
  • BMI ≥ 30, or
  • BMI ≥ 27 with a weight-related health condition (such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol).
  • It can also be prescribed to treat OSA.
• Ozempic^® is not FDA-approved for weight loss, but many healthcare providers prescribe it off-label for people who meet the same BMI criteria as above. Its counterpart, Wegovy^®, can be prescribed for weight loss and to treat cardiovascular disease.

Who can’t take Ozempic or tirzepatide?

You should not take Ozempic^® or a tirzepatide medication like Zepbound^® or Mounjaro^® if you have:

• A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) – MTC is a rare type of thyroid cancer.
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) – MEN 2 is a genetic condition that increases the risk of thyroid tumors.

As your doctor if one of these medications is right for you if you have or have a history of:

• Pancreatitis – these medications may increase the risk of pancreas inflammation.
• Severe kidney disease – Ozempic^® and tirzepatide can cause dehydration, which may worsen kidney function.
• Severe gastrointestinal issues – if you have gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) or other severe digestive conditions, you shouldn’t take these medications, as they can worsen these issues.

You also cannot take Ozempic^® or tirzepatide if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. 

If you take tirzepatide or Ozempic^® to lose weight, will you need to keep taking forever?

While Ozempic^® and tirzepatide can be effective for weight management, they work best when combined with lasting lifestyle changes. Many people take these medications long-term, at least a year, but the goal is to create healthy habits that support weight loss, even if the medication is reduced or stopped.

How long will I need to take Ozempic^® or tirzepatide?

• Some people stay on them indefinitely, using a maintenance dose to maintain weight loss.
• About 85% stop taking these medications before the two-year mark.

Will I regain the weight if I stop taking Ozempic^® or tirzepatide?

The effects of these medications only last while you’re taking them, and stopping can lead to weight regain. 

If you stop taking Ozempic^® or tirzepatide medications, here’s what you should know:

• Some regain weight after stopping, as hunger and appetite control return to pre-medication levels. 
• Gradually tapering off may reduce this risk. A study found that people who tapered off semaglutide maintained a stable weight for 26 weeks.
• Restarting the medication may be possible, but it’s best to do so under medical supervision.

Success with these medications depends on building sustainable habits around nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management. Pairing medication with a structured plan like Noom can improve long-term success, and a well-balanced approach that incorporates healthy, sustainable habits may allow for lower doses or even stopping medication while keeping results.

Ozempic^® vs. tirzepatide: Dosage and administration

For both semaglutide and tirzepatide medications, your prescriber will start you on the lowest a low dose and gradually increase it to help your body adjust. This helps to reduce negative side effects while allowing you to lose weight at a steady pace. Here are the doses for each medication:

Ozempic^® (semaglutide)

Ozempic^® is a once-weekly injection that comes in a pre-filled injector pen for easy use. Each pen contains enough medication for a month. 

• Doses: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg. Everyone starts at the 0.25 mg dose, and it will be increased over time based on tolerance and response to up to 2 mg.
• If you need a higher dose, Wegovy^®  can prescribed up to 2.4 mg for more appetite control.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro^®/Zepbound^®)

Zepbound^® and Mounjaro^® are both available in pre-filled injector pens, like Ozempic^®. With Zepbound^® and Mounjaro^®, you use one pen per week. If you get Zepbound^® through the Lilly Direct program, they come as a vial and syringe with different doses. You will draw the dose yourself, but there are individual vials, so there isn’t any measuring. Here are the doses they come in:

• Pre-filled injector pens
  • Zepbound^®: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg
  • Mounjaro^®: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg
• Vial and syringe
  • Zepbound^®: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg

Tirzepatide vs. Ozempic^®: What do they cost

Ozempic^® and tirzepatide medications can be expensive, but insurance, savings programs, and manufacturer discounts can significantly lower costs. Here’s what you need to know:

Ozempic^® (0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg.): The list price is about $998 per month and doesn’t increase as your dose increases. If you need to go beyond the 2 mg dose, you will have to move to the 2.4 mg dose of Wegovy^®, which has a list price of $1,350 per month without insurance. If you don’t have insurance, you can get your medication through the manufacturer’s NovoCare^® Pharmacy, where you’ll pay $499 per month. Learn more about the true costs of Ozempic^® and Wegovy^®.

Zepbound^®: Zepbound^® comes with a pricing structure different from that of Ozempic^® because it is available in two forms: a pre-loaded injection pen and a vial and syringe format.

• Injector pen (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg): The list price for the pen is around $1,086 per month and doesn’t increase as your dose increases. 
• The vial and syringe format, available through the manufacturer’s Lilly Direct program, is less expensive if you don’t have insurance coverage.
  • $349 for 2.5 mg
  • $499 for 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg 

Learn more about what Zepbound® might cost you in 2025.

Mounjaro^®: (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg): The list price per pen is about  $1,080, regardless of dose.  Unlike Zepbound^®, Mounjaro^® isn’t available in a vial and syringe format through Lilly Direct. Learn more about what Mounjaro^® might cost you in 2025.

Ozempic^® vs. tirzepatide: Side effects

Both Ozempic^® and tirzepatide can aid in weight loss, but they come with potential side effects. Both the common and the more serious side effects of these medications are similar. Here’s what to watch for:

Common side effects

These side effects are typical as the body adjusts to the medication or when you increase your dose:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Fatigue

Rare but serious side effects

Ozempic^® and tirzepatide medications are considered safe, but they do have some potentially serious side effects associated with them. If you experience, or think you are experiencing, any of the below symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. These include:

• Pancreatitis: Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that radiates to your back, with or without vomiting. 
• Vision changes: If you notice any sudden changes in your vision while taking Ozempic^®  or tirzepatide, get immediate medical attention.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Symptoms include dizziness, shakiness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery. Low blood sugar is most likely in people who are also taking medications for diabetes. 
• Kidney problems: Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can cause dehydration and worsen kidney issues. Go to the ER if you experience decreased urination, swelling in the ankles or legs, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
• Gallbladder problems: Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, or clay-colored stools. 
• Allergic reaction: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a rapid heartbeat. If you think you’re having an allergic reaction to Ozempic^® or tirzepatide, get immediate medical attention. 
• Thyroid tumors or cancer: Be alert for a lump or swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath. (This connection has only been established in animal studies.) 

Tirzepatide vs. Ozempic®: Which is right for me?

Choosing between tirzepatide or Ozempic^® isn’t just about weight loss—it’s also about how the medication works in your body, how it fits into your budget, and availability. These factors can make a big difference in which medication is the better choice for you.

Medication	Ozempic® (Semaglutide)	Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®/Zepbound®)
Pricing per month (without insurance)	About $998 per month	Mounjaro®: $1,080 per month Zepbound®: – Prefilled pen: $1,086 per month – Vial and syringe format through Lilly Direct: $349 per month for 2.5 mg or $499 per month for 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg
Doses	Ozempic® is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. If you need to go up to 2.4 mg, you can switch to Wegovy®.	Pens: Mounjaro®/Zepbound®: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg Zepbound® (vial and syringe): 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg
Insurance coverage	Ozempic® is more likely covered for diabetes, rarely for weight loss. Wegovy® is rarely covered for weight loss.	Mounjaro® is more likely to be covered for diabetes rarely for weight loss. Zepbound® is rarely covered for weight loss.
Effectiveness	People taking semaglutide were lost an average of 15% of body weight after 72 weeks.	People taking tirzepatide lost an average of 15% to 21% of their body weight in 72 weeks.

Alternatives to Ozempic^® and tirzepatide 

When thinking about weight loss medications, you have other options beyond semaglutide and tirzepatide. There are other GLP-1 medications to consider, as well as other types of medications that can be used for weight loss. Let’s take a look at some alternatives that may work for your health goals, lifestyle, and budget. 

Semaglutide-based alternatives

In addition to Ozempic^® and Wegovyc^®, another medication is semaglutide-based. Rybelsus^® is an oral form of semaglutide that is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. If BMI requirements are met, it can be prescribed off-label for weight loss. The list price for Rybelsus^® is $998 per month, but different pharmacies have different prices, so be sure to shop around. Read more about the costs of Rybelsus.

Compounded semaglutide 

Our compounded semaglutide* offered via Noom GLP-1Rx contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic^® and Wegovy^®. If you qualify for Noom Med, your clinician can determine if it is the right medication for you and then prescribe it if needed. It starts at $149 for the first month and then costs $279 per month, billed in three-month increments. Read more: How to get a prescription for compounded semaglutide.

Liraglutide-based alternatives

Liraglutide is another medication that mimics GLP-1, but it requires daily injections rather than weekly. Here are the medications that contain it:

• Saxenda^® is FDA-approved for weight loss. Some insurance plans may cover it, but the list price for Saxenda^® is $1,349 per month without insurance. Read more about the costs of Saxenda.
• Victoza^® is FDA-approved to help control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and can also support weight loss off-label. The list price for Victoza^® is $815 for a 3-pen package. (Saxenda and Victoza have also been approved to prevent cardiac events.)
• Generic liraglutide has recently been FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes. The current cost for generic liraglutide is $469 for two pens and $704 for three pens.

Dulaglutide-based alternative

Dulaglutide is a weekly injectable GLP-1, available under the brand name Trulicity^®. It works similarly to Ozempic^®  but targets GLP-1 receptors differently and might be less effective. Trulicity^® is FDA-approved for diabetes management and occasionally prescribed off-label for weight loss. The list price is $987 per month without insurance.

Other weight-loss medications to consider

While GLP-1 medications are a very popular choice, other medications can also be effective or more affordable for some people. Here are some of the alternatives. (Always double-check the prices at your pharmacy for the most accurate numbers.)

• Metformin – A first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, metformin is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. It’s generally much cheaper than GLP-1 medications and widely available. People in one study lost an average of about 6% of their body weight over six months while taking metformin.
• Orlistat – This is a fat-blocking medication that prevents the body from absorbing dietary fat. It’s taken three times daily with meals, with costs ranging from $50 to $800 per month, depending on the brand (Xenical^® vs. Alli^®). Studies show that after one year, people taking Orlistat may lose an average of 10% of their body weight.
• Phentermine – This short-term appetite suppressant is taken once daily and typically costs $27 to $100 per month. One study showed that 45% of the people who took phentermine lost 5% or more of their body weight in a little over a year.
• Diethylpropion – Another short-term appetite suppressant, diethylpropion, is taken one to three times daily and costs between $40 and $85 per month. Studies have shown that in 84 days of treatment, people were able to lose up to 10% of their body weight.
• Naltrexone and bupropion (Contrave) – This medication helps reduce appetite and cravings. If purchased through the CurAccess™ Patient Support Program, Contrave^®  costs $99 per month. Without savings programs, prices range from $600 to $800 per month. In one study, people lost an average of 4% of their weight in 16 weeks. 

Making an informed choice between Ozempic^® and tirzepatide

Choosing between Ozempic^® and tirzepatide is a decision that should be based on your individual health needs, goals, budget, and how your body responds to treatment. 

Whichever you and your doctor choose, your best chance of achieving long-term success comes from making sustainable lifestyle changes. Focusing on balanced nutrition, regular movement, reducing stress, and improving sleep will help you maintain your hard-earned results!

 If you’re looking for a comprehensive plan, Noom provides structured guidance, coaching, and resources to help you stay on track and build habits that last.

If you think Ozempic^® or a tirzepatide medication might be right for you, talk to your doctor or explore Noom Med to determine which medication will be best for you and your goals. 

*Compounded semaglutide available on the Noom platform is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality.

Note: Ozempic^® and Mounjaro^® are not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.