Weight-Loss Drug Is More Powerful Than Ozempic But It's Also Pricier

Despite being arguably lesser known on the market, an Ozempic competitor drug has proven to be up to three times more effective for weight loss, a new study found. The caveat is that it costs more.

The study, which is still waiting to be peer reviewed, compared the active ingredient in Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, another diabetes and weight loss drug, to Novo Nordisk's Ozempic.

Weight loss was up to three times more effective than the ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, based on data from more than 18,000 U.S. adults who were obese or overweight and started using the drugs between May 2022 and September 2023.

Specifically, those taking Mounjaro were three times more likely to lose 15 percent of their body weight and more than 2 1/2 half times more likely to lose 10 percent of their body weight than those on the Ozempic or Wegovy. There were also significantly higher losses of weight at three, six and 12 months into the study.

However, for most Americans, the price of Mounjaro is more out of reach than Ozempic, although both have high costs. Mounjaro costs around $1,023 for a monthly supply, while Ozempic is priced around $100 less at $936.

According to Anis Rehman, a board-certified endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist at District Endocrine in Northern Virginia, these costs are what make it essentially impossible for most individuals to ever get the drugs in their hands, despite how effective and helpful they could be for many Americans.

"The cost is an issue as the insurance coverage is usually limited, particularly in weight management," Rehman told Newsweek. "Only 30 to 40 percent of patients can get these medications approved by their insurance despite there being very positive weight loss and reduction in several obesity-related complications."

What Are The Drugs, and Are They Safe?

Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide and has been approved by the FDA to treat Type 2 diabetes. Injected once weekly to help control blood sugar, many Americans have turned to the drug solely for weight loss.

In November of this year, tirzepatide was officially approved for weight loss by the FDA under the Zepbound label.

But how does it work? Doctors say tirzepatide affects two brain receptors that produce the GIP and GLP-1 hormones that the body creates after we eat. If you activate these receptors, you can decrease your appetite and food intake and also manage insulin production.

Semaglutide, the ingredient in Ozempic on the other hand, only targets one hormone, limiting its effect.

Last year, studies linked Mounjaro to substantial weight loss and has even been compared to the results of a gastric bypass surgery.

Today, four out of 10 Americans are obese. The World Health Organization estimates that 4 million people die each year as a result of obesity, making drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic high in demand for those trying to control their weight.

Side Effects Can Be Serious

While the drugs were initially made specifically for those with diabetes, some Americans are gaining access to them just for the weight loss benefits. However, there are side effects.

Common side effects of the drugs include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion and stomach pain. But there are less common serious side effects people should be aware of before hailing the drug as a saving grace for weight loss.

Some patients have reported pancreatitis, low blood sugar, serious allergic reactions, kidney problems, vision changes and gallbladder problems, according to Mounjaro.

Additionally, many patients report fear that they'll gain all the weight back when they stop using the drugs, meaning for many, the drugs will be used for a lifetime.

Rehman said the medications are safe, but an evaluation and follow-up is always necessary to have with a doctor. Rare complications like a gastrointestinal obstruction, suicidal ideations and pancreatitis should be monitored.

"Not everyone should be on these medications," Rehman said.