Here at MD Exam, having helped over 10,000 patients reach their weight loss goals, we have seen our fair share of questions and concerns. In this article we’ll answer some of the most pressing questions people have about GLP-1s, as well as provide a solid foundation for understanding just how game-changing these medications are in treating obesity.

If you’ve already read some of the medication snapshots we have, you may have a solid understanding already. If not, we’ll give you the important details below! We hope to answer some of the following frequently asked questions:

How do I choose Mounjaro vs Ozempic, Rybelsus vs Ozempic, or Wegovy vs Mounjaro?

What is the best injection for weight loss?

What is the best weight loss treatment?

Understanding the Differences

       1. Ozempic

Ozempic is probably the most widely known of the GLP-1s, likely because it was the first. Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a drug developed by Novo Nordisk and FDA-approved to treat diabetes. Although not initially intended to be a treatment for obesity, it was so incredibly effective that doctors began prescribing it off-label, prescribing it for a condition other than what it is approved for, for weight loss. Ozempic comes in a pre-dosed pen that is injected under the skin once a week.

       2. Wegovy

Wegovy is another brand name for the same active ingredient semaglutide, but it is FDA-approved for weight loss rather than diabetes. In almost every other way, Wegovy and Ozempic are the same thing. Wegovy is produced by Novo Nordisk, contains semaglutide, comes in a pre-dosed pen and is injected under the skin once weekly like Ozempic. The only difference is that Wegovy is approved to treat weight loss, which has effects on dosage, and Ozempic is approved to treat diabetes.

       3. Rybelsus

Rybelsus is yet another brand name for semaglutide, but this one differs in how it is taken. Rybelsus is produced by Novo Nordisk, contains semaglutide and is FDA-approved for diabetes, but it is taken daily by mouth as a tablet rather than injected. Although not specifically approved for weight loss, it is often prescribed off-label for individuals that prefer a tablet they can swallow over an injection they have to give themselves.

       4. Mounjaro

Mounjaro is a GLP-1 like Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, but contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, not semaglutide. Tirzepatide has similar effects to semaglutide but acts on more receptors in the body, often with greater amounts of weight loss. Mounjaro is produced by Eli Lilly as a competitor to Nordisk’s semaglutide products, and is taken weekly as an injection under the skin. Like Ozempic and Rybelsus, Moujaro is approved for diabetes but is often prescribed off-label for weight loss. The FDA recently approved a version specifically made for weight loss, Zepbound, but it is not as well known yet.

Which is Best?

Without a medical history and a dedicated team of medical professionals, it is difficult to determine which one will work best for you — that’s why we have our quick pre-qualification quiz! All of the above medications are being heavily researched, and all of them can be effective. At MD Exam, tirzepatide is typically used for individuals that want more aggressive weight loss due to its generally increased efficacy over semaglutide, but it can differ by patient.

Interested in learning more? Head on over to this page to see if GLP-1s are right for you!

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