Zepbound vs. Ozempic: What Are the Differences?

The availability of new medications for weight management is exciting news for anyone who has struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise. These injectable drugs are helping many people achieve their weight-loss goals and, as a result, improve their overall health and quality of life.

However, doctors also prescribe these medications (under other names) to treat diabetes, so it can be hard to keep them straight. This article provides information on Zepbound vs. Ozempic, explaining what they are and how they differ.

Zepbound and Ozempic: Similar Goals, Slightly Different Approaches

A good starting point in understanding the various weight-loss and diabetes medications is to group the trade names with their generic drug, like this:

• Zepbound and Mounjaro are both trade names for tirzepatide.
• Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy are all trade names for semaglutide.

Another fact that may help you keep the names straight is that the American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly makes tirzepatide, whereas the Danish company Novo Nordisk makes semaglutide.

Each generic drug goes by two different trade names: one for weight loss and the other for diabetes treatment.

When people ask about the differences between Zepbound and Ozempic, they’re actually crossing that dividing line. Zepbound is the weight loss version of tirzepatide, and Ozempic is the diabetes version of semaglutide. Some confusion exists about Ozempic’s purpose because it gained popularity when celebrities started using it “off-label” for weight loss rather than diabetes treatment.

However, we’ll answer the question as asked. Here are some of the essential differences between Zepbound and Ozempic:

• Zepbound is what’s called a “dual-agonist” drug.
• Ozempic is a “single-agonist” drug.
• Dual-agonist drugs affect two different hormones related to digestion.
• Single-agonist drugs affect one hormone related to digestion.
• Zepbound and Ozempic have different dosages, and the gradual increase to the maintenance (highest) dose is faster with Zepbound.
• Studies indicate that Zepbound may help people lose more weight. (Note: It’s important to remember that the goal isn’t maximum weight loss but reaching your optimal weight.)
• Zepbound is approved for adults only.
• Ozempic is approved for use in people 12 and older.
• Ozempic may be better for reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems in adults with heart disease.

These are a few of the more notable ways that Zepbound and Ozempic differ. Keep in mind that some of these differentiators may change with further research. For example, Zepbound is being studied for use in adolescents.

The best source of information on tirzepatide and semaglutide is your doctor. They have access to the latest studies and can explain the pros and cons of these medications, including their similar side effects. Importantly, your physician can provide advice tailored to your needs since they know your health history.

Talk With Your Baptist Health Doctor About Zepbound and Ozempic

If you’ve struggled to manage your weight through diet and exercise, medication-assisted weight loss may help you achieve your goals. Your Baptist Health physician can talk with you about the advantages and disadvantages of this approach and provide more details on how the two types of medications work.

If you don’t have a doctor, our online provider directory is an excellent place to find one.

Next Steps and Useful Resources:

Zepbound: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Risks of Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss
What Is Ozempic Face?
More Articles on Weight Management