Ozempic vs. Mounjaro: The Head-to-Head

Semaglutide vs. tirzepatide, the two leading type-2-diabetes brands.

✓ Medically reviewedUpdated 2026

The bottom line

In the direct SURPASS-2 trial, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) lowered A1c and body weight more than Ozempic (semaglutide 1 mg). Both are once-weekly injections that improve blood sugar and support weight loss; tirzepatide’s dual mechanism and higher dose ceiling give it a larger average effect. A clinician determines which is appropriate.

At a glance

 OzempicMounjaro
Active drugSemaglutide (GLP-1)Tirzepatide (GIP + GLP-1)
FDA approved forType 2 diabetes; CV riskType 2 diabetes
Max dose2.0 mg weekly15 mg weekly
Head-to-headMounjaro lowered A1c & weight more (SURPASS-2)

Ozempic and Mounjaro are the two leading diabetes brands — Ozempic is semaglutide, Mounjaro is tirzepatide. They were compared directly in SURPASS-2, where tirzepatide lowered blood sugar (A1c) and body weight more than semaglutide 1 mg.

Blood sugar (A1c)

A1c reduction, SURPASS-2 (type 2 diabetes, 40 weeks)
Frías JP et al., NEJM 2021. Head-to-head, tirzepatide vs semaglutide 1 mg.
Tirzepatide 15 mgTirzepatide 15 mg: 2.32.3 %Tirzepatide 5 mgTirzepatide 5 mg: 2.092.09 %Semaglutide 1 mgSemaglutide 1 mg: 1.861.86 %

Weight change

Weight change, SURPASS-2 (40 weeks)
Frías JP et al., NEJM 2021 — weight was a secondary endpoint in this diabetes trial.
Tirzepatide 15 mgTirzepatide 15 mg: 12.412.4 kgTirzepatide 5 mgTirzepatide 5 mg: 7.67.6 kgSemaglutide 1 mgSemaglutide 1 mg: 6.26.2 kg
These are diabetes doses; the weight-management brands (Wegovy, Zepbound) titrate higher. For weight loss specifically, see Wegovy vs. Zepbound.

DripVitals offers clinician-reviewed compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide for eligible adults seeking weight management.

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DripVitals is an online clinic: complete a secure intake, a licensed clinician reviews it, and if a GLP-1 medication is appropriate it ships from a licensed pharmacy to your door, with follow-ups by message or video.

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Related comparisons

Semaglutide vs. TirzepatideOzempic vs. WegovyMounjaro vs. ZepboundCompounded vs. brand-name

Frequently asked questions

Is Mounjaro better than Ozempic?

In SURPASS-2, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) reduced A1c and weight more than semaglutide 1 mg. “Better” still depends on your health profile and tolerability.

Are these weight-loss drugs?

They’re approved for type 2 diabetes; the weight-management versions are Wegovy and Zepbound — see Wegovy vs Zepbound.

Same drug class?

Both are incretin therapies; Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist, Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist.

Cheaper options?

Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide contain the same active ingredients at lower cost, though not FDA-approved.

Clinical references

  1. Frías JP, et al. Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide in Type 2 Diabetes (SURPASS-2). N Engl J Med. 2021;385:503–515.
  2. Marso SP, et al. SUSTAIN-6. N Engl J Med. 2016;375:1834–1844.
  3. FDA prescribing information: Ozempic; Mounjaro.
Medically reviewed. For general education only — not medical advice, and not a substitute for a consultation with a licensed clinician. Trial figures are group averages; individual results vary. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
GLP-1 medications are prescription treatments with risks and contraindications, including a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors; do not use with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2. This page is not medical advice; a licensed clinician determines whether treatment is appropriate for you.