Is Ozempic Safe To Use For Weight Loss? - Levity
Dr Ashwin Sharma
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Jul 17, 2024
Our Levity experts, made up of qualified healthcare professionals, explore how Ozempic works for weight loss and how to avoid accidental purchases of ‘fake Ozempic’.
Before starting your weight loss journey, it’s important to research all the treatment options available. All the medications we offer at Levity are science-backed and safe – with different active ingredients, side effects and costs to consider. Read on for your guide comparing two of the most popular treatments – Mounjaro and Ozempic – so you can make an informed choice about the right treatment option for you.
Ozempic belongs to a category of weight loss treatments called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. First prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s mimic what the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone does when we eat – triggering insulin production which regulates and reduces blood sugar levels. GLP-1s also slow stomach emptying which makes you feel fuller for longer, and works on regions in the brain to reduce your appetite and improve satiety. [1] [2]
Mounjaro is a dual GIP (Gastric inhibitory polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptor agonist. This dual mechanism is significant because GIP, like GLP-1, plays a role in the regulation of insulin secretion and also influences lipid metabolism while reducing hunger signals in the brain. By targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, Mounjaro improves glycemic control and enhances weight loss outcomes more effectively than GLP-1 receptor agonists alone.
Mounjaro is a weight loss treatment that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. A dual agonist, tirzepatide is a ‘twincretin’ – meaning it's both a GLP-1 and Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor agonist. [3] When combined with the effects of GLP-1 receptors, the GIP receptor activation enhances insulin sensitivity and can improve lipid metabolism. Together, these actions not only aid in glycemic control but also contribute to weight loss. [4]
In 2023, Mounjaro was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a weight loss medication. This means it will be possible to pay for using your insurance provider.
A well-known branded treatment, Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist that uses semaglutide as its active ingredient. This is the same active found in Wegovy and compounded (unbranded) semaglutide.
Unlike Mounjaro, Ozempic has not yet been approved by the FDA as a weight loss treatment. It is FDA approved as a diabetes drug. However here at Levity, we are licensed to prescribe Ozempic off-label, this means you will still get the full clinical care throughout, but would not be able to pay for it using your health insurance.
For the most part, Mounjaro and Ozempic offer similar benefits for those looking to manage their weight with GLP-1 medication. They are both administered in the same way – weekly injections using a pre-filled pen. And the potential adverse effects – mostly gastrointestinal side effects and injection site reactions – for both are similar.
For weight management, is there a meaningful difference between Ozempic and Mounjaro? There are two main differences to note before deciding which is best for you.
Why is Mounjaro better than Ozempic? It could seem like that at first glance, because it has shown greater weight loss effects in clinical trials. Mounjaro’s dual action active ingredient tirzepatide has demonstrated a greater reduction in body weight after a year up to 20%. [5] While Ozempic has shown to help reduce body weight 7% on average within a similar time frame. [6]
The other point of difference is in the price of each treatment. Although it isn't a huge difference compared with other medication options. Here at Levity, Mounjaro costs $1,299 every four weeks, while Ozempic costs $1,199. Included in that price is your initial consultation, prescription, medication, delivery and ongoing clinical support and health coaching when you choose Levity.
There are also other GLP-1 treatments available – at prices varying from $225 to $1,599 p/m including Compounded semaglutide which is administered using a syringe and vial, as well as Wegovy and Saxenda which are pre-filled injection pens like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Once you’ve completed your initial consultation – a short questionnaire on your weight loss goals and medical history to determine your eligibility – your Levity healthcare provider will recommend the right treatment options for you. If you’re ready to start your weight loss journey with Mounjaro, Ozempic or any number of our injectable medications, you can start here.
1. Collins L, Costello RA. Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/
2. Latif W, Lambrinos KJ, Rodriguez R. Compare And Contrast the Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP1RAs) [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572151/
3. Dutta P, Kumar Y, Babu AT, Giri Ravindran S, Salam A, Rai B, et al. Tirzepatide: A Promising Drug for Type 2 Diabetes and Beyond. Cureus [Internet]. 2023 May 1;15(5):e38379. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10231274/
4. Nguyen TMD. Adiponectin: Role in Physiology and Pathophysiology. International Journal of Preventive Medicine [Internet]. 2020 Sep 3;11. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7554603
5. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2022 Jun 4;387(3). Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
6. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2021 Feb 10;384(11):989–1002. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
Our Levity experts, made up of qualified healthcare professionals, explore how Ozempic works for weight loss and how to avoid accidental purchases of ‘fake Ozempic’.
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Wondering how to start using an injectable GLP-1? Get all the information you need from our experts here.
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Our Levity experts outline each step in the Ozempic injection process so that you can feel confident administering the medication and starting your weight loss journey.