Ozempic and tirzepatide are two leading GLP-1 medications. Tirzepatide is the brand name for Mounjaro and Zepbound. Choosing between tirzepatide vs Ozempic is usually one of the first things people ask when considering a GLP-1. Is tirzepatide the same as Ozempic - it’s one of the most common questions in the GLP-1 world. The answer is no.
They work in similar ways, but there is a difference between Ozempic and tirzepatide. Both of these drugs are type 2 diabetes medications at their core. Today, though, pharmaceutical companies push them as weight loss drugs.
They mimic the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate appetite, digestion, and insulin release from the pancreas. So, which is right for you between Ozempic vs tirzepatide, if either? The truth is, both come with weekly injections, high price tags, and tough side effects that can be hard to live with.
That’s why it’s worth questioning if there’s a better alternative before committing to Ozempic vs tirzepatide. More people are exploring other options, like semaglutide natural alternatives.
Our GLP-1 probiotic helps support appetite control and metabolic health without needles.* You can read more about the science and clinical studies on our gut health supplements.
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Overview of Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in some popular GLP-1 medications. Pharmacies sell it under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound. It’s FDA-approved for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. But is tirzepatide the same as Ozempic? No, they are two different medications.
What Does Tirzepatide Do in the Body?
Tirzepatide mimics two natural hormones in your body: GLP-1 and GIP. That’s the main difference between Ozempic and tirzepatide. GLP-1 and GIP both help your body release insulin after you eat, when glucose is present. GLP-1 focuses more on appetite and slowing digestion. GIP adds an extra push for insulin release and may influence fat metabolism.
You take tirzepatide once a week, and it mimics both hormones. The drug works by increasing insulin levels in your body, reducing how much sugar gets released into your blood, and slowing down digestion. For many people, this leads to weight loss and lower A1C levels.
Potential Side Effects and Concerns
The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. There are also concerns about gallbladder problems, thyroid issues, and muscle loss with long-term use.
Another thing to consider is how new tirzepatide is. The FDA released the drug as Mounjaro in 2022. That’s why you won’t find many long-term data studies about taking a dual-hormone drug like tirzepatide for weight loss.
Overview of Ozempic
Ozempic is the type 2 diabetes medicine that has taken over the GLP-1 market. The FDA first approved Ozempic for type 2 diabetes in 2017. The drug has become a go-to solution to shed the pounds in the last few years, despite not having an FDA approval for weight loss. Many now think of it as a weight loss shot first and a diabetes treatment second.
What Does Ozempic Do to the Body?
Ozempic works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which helps control your blood sugar, digestion, and appetite. The drug boosts the effects of the GLP-1 hormone your body naturally produces after eating. It works by enabling your body to produce more insulin while reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. It also slows down how quickly you digest your food.
Potential Side Effects and Concerns
Ozempic is one of the most talked-about prescriptions in recent years, but it comes with side effects. About 20-30% of people taking Ozempic experience nausea and vomiting. Food sitting in your stomach for a long time usually causes nausea from GLP-1 meds. The side effects are so severe for some that they stop taking the drug altogether.
Ozempic is also a long-term commitment. Going off the medication can lead to rapid weight gain. So, you’ll have to carefully weigh both the pros and cons before deciding if this treatment is right for you.
Is Tirzepatide the Same as Ozempic?
No. There is a difference between Ozempic and tirzepatide. They have different active ingredients. Ozempic uses semaglutide as its active ingredient. Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in some popular GLP-1 drugs. Ozempic only works on your GLP-1 receptor hormone. Tirzepatide is a dual-action agent, working on your GLP-1 receptor and GIP receptor.
Tirzepatide vs Ozempic: Cost, Benefits, Side Effects, and Other Differences to Consider
The choice of Ozempic vs Tirzepatide goes beyond which one works better. Anyone considering taking either of these medications should consider what life actually looks like while taking them.
Let’s take a closer look at tirzepatide vs Ozempic below.
Comparing Weight Loss Potential
Based on studies of their active ingredients, Zepbound or Mounjaro may help you lose more weight compared to Ozempic. The reason why someone might lose more weight on tirzepatide vs Ozempic is because of the dual action of GLP-1 and GIP in tirzepatide.
Looking at Side Effect Profiles
Is Tirzepatide the same as Ozempic when it comes to side effects? These two drugs share common side effects like nausea, vomiting, and digestive problems. But there are some nuances to keep in mind as well.
Some people taking Ozempic report constant bloating and fatigue that interferes with daily life.
Meanwhile, the gastrointestinal tirzepatide side effects can be more intense. More people stop taking tirzepatide because of the side effects compared to semaglutide (Ozempic).
Which is the More Affordable Treatment?
The price difference between Ozempic vs tirzepatide isn’t huge. On average, here’s a look at pricing without insurance coverage.
- Ozempic can cost about $998 per month.
- Tirzepatide usually ranges from about $1,000 to $1,050 per month
Insurance coverage depends on why you’re taking the medication. For example, patients with type 2 diabetes can usually get Ozempic covered. But you’ll likely pay out of pocket if you’re just using the drugs for weight management. Coverage will also depend on your plan’s policies.
Some pharmacies will offer affordable pricing on compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide. The FDA does not approve compounded versions of these medications. In general, though, both drugs are expensive.
A Word on Long-Term Sustainability
People lose weight while taking both of these drugs. That’s great. But what happens after you stop taking them? These medicines don’t typically have long-term effects, but studies show that most people regain weight once they stop using a GLP-1.
That means ongoing costs, injections, and side effects. You should think carefully about whether or not you’re willing to commit to this change for life. Because if you’re not, it’s probably best to avoid them altogether. Otherwise, you may just end up back at square one.
So is Tirtzepatide Better Than Ozempic, or Other Way Around?
There isn’t a correct answer. Choosing between tirzepatide vs Ozempic often comes down to how your body responds, what side effects you can handle, and what you’re willing to pay.
Tirzepatide may offer stronger results on paper, but it also comes with stronger risks and unknowns. Ozempic has a longer history, but many people still struggle with its side effects and cost.
Are you still unsure about which GLP-1 medication might be right for you? We also have comparisons between Ozempic vs Byetta and Ozempic vs Bydureon. In the end, a lot of these drugs are pretty similar, though - especially as far as the downsides go.
This begs the question, what are your other options?
Is There a Better Way to Quiet the Food Noise?
Food noise is that frustrating feeling of always being hungry. GLP-1 drugs can temporarily quiet the cravings. But as soon as you stop, the food noise usually comes back.
The good news is you don’t need prescription drugs to turn the noise down. Our gut-first approach helps your body naturally regulate hunger and balance metabolism.
Why Gut-First Approaches Work Better Long-Term
Did you know your gut controls hunger hormones and affects how you absorb nutrients? An unhappy gut can lead to stronger cravings, slower metabolism, and stubborn weight gain. Gut-first approaches work because they balance your body from the inside out.
A healthy gut supports appetite regulation, energy, and metabolic health naturally, without the cycle of dependency created by injections. We built resbiotic around this gut-first philosophy.
How resbiotic Helps Restore Natural Balance
Fuel your metabolism with physician-developed supplements. resM helps you restore your natural balance with science-backed ingredients, including postbiotic (heat-inactivated probiotic), chromium, white mulberry, fenugreek, vitamins D3 & vitamin B12.* These ingredients work together to support appetite control, weight, and healthy blood sugar already in normal range.*
Key Advantages Over Ozempic or Tirzepatide
Instead of comparing tirzepatide vs Ozempic, let’s take a look at the benefits beyond needles.
Natural GLP-1 alternatives can help you support your metabolism naturally. You don’t have to worry about weekly injections, constant nausea, and the high price tag. With resM, you get targeted ingredients that help quiet food noise, balance healthy blood sugar already in the normal range, and restore long-term health from the inside out.*
Bringing Our Ozempic vs Tirzepatide Comparison to a Close
Going on a GLP-1 is sometimes framed as your only option for losing weight. The choice of tirzepatide vs Ozempic or any other GLP-1 comes with costs, side effects, and the likelihood of weight returning once the treatment ends.
With resbiotic, you have another option. If you’re ready to support your weight journey without the prescriptions, resM may support you.* See how our natural alternative can help you reach your goals!