As both are GLP-1 receptor agonists, why is Mounjaro more effective in weight loss?

February 25, 2025

GLP-1 receptor agonists ( GLP-1 RAs ) have become one of the most effective weight loss and glucose control options. Among them, semaglutide ( Wegovy, Ozempic ) and tirpotide ( Mounjaro ) have both been approved by the FDA and are widely used in weight management and diabetes treatment . However, clinical studies have shown that Mounjaro 's weight loss effect is significantly better than semaglutide , which has led many patients and doctors to start using it as the first choice.

So, as both are GLP-1 drugs, why is Mounjaro more effective in weight loss?

1. Mounjaro vs. semaglutide: Differences in core mechanisms of action

Semaglutide : A GLP-1 monoreceptor agonist that helps with weight loss and blood sugar control by reducing appetite, delaying gastric emptying, and lowering glucagon secretion .

Mounjaro : GLP-1 + GIP dual receptor agonist can not only achieve similar appetite suppression and gastric emptying effects as semaglutide, but also enhance fat metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity through GIP receptor stimulation, thereby achieving better weight loss effects.

Key Mechanisms	Mounjaro ( GLP-1 + GIP dual agonist)	Semaglutide ( GLP-1 monoagonist)
Suppress appetite	✅ powerful	✅ powerful
Delays gastric emptying	✅ powerful	✅ powerful
Lowers glucagon	✅ powerful	✅ powerful
Promotes fat decomposition	✅ Stronger ( GIP effect)	❌ No direct effect
Enhance insulin sensitivity	✅ Stronger ( GIP effect)	⚠️ Moderate
Long-term weight loss effects	22.5% weight loss ( SURMOUNT-1 study)	16.9% weight loss ( STEP-1 study)

📌 Conclusion: Mounjaro achieves better weight loss effect than semaglutide through the dual mechanism of " reducing calorie intake + promoting fat burning " .

2. Latest clinical data: Mounjaro has better weight loss effect

SURMOUNT-1 study ( Mounjaro )

• After 72 weeks, the average body weight reduction in the Mounjaro 15mg group was 22.5% , and some subjects lost more than 25% of their body weight.

• More than 60% of patients lost more than 20% of their body weight , 5.6% higher than Wegovy .

• Insulin sensitivity is significantly improved, and long-term weight maintenance is more stable.

STEP-1 study (semaglutide)

• After 68 weeks, the average body weight of the Wegovy 2.4mg group decreased by 16.9% , and some people experienced a certain degree of weight regain.

• It mainly achieves weight loss by reducing appetite , and has a weak direct effect on fat metabolism.

💡 Data show that Mounjaro is superior to semaglutide in weight loss, metabolic improvement, and long-term weight maintenance.

3. Why is Mounjaro more effective in reducing weight?

( 1 ) GLP-1 + GIP mechanism makes weight loss more comprehensive

• GLP-1 effect : Reduce appetite, delay gastric emptying, and allow the body to naturally reduce calorie intake.

• GIP function : Promotes fat decomposition, improves insulin sensitivity, and allows the body to burn fat more efficiently rather than simply reducing food intake.

• In contrast, semaglutide acts only on the GLP-1 receptor and lacks GIP action, so fat metabolism efficiency is lower .

( 2 ) Long-term weight loss effect is more stable and the risk of regaining weight is lower

• Mounjaro helps maintain weight over the long term by improving metabolism , and even after discontinuation of the drug, the risk of rebound is lower than that of semaglutide.

• The rate of weight regain after discontinuation of semaglutide is high , and some people need longer to maintain their weight.

( 3 ) Fewer side effects and easier to stick with long-term use

• Mounjaro 's gastrointestinal discomfort (such as nausea and vomiting) is relatively mild and better tolerated .

• The common gastrointestinal side effects of semaglutide are strong, and some patients find it difficult to take it for a long time .

💡 Conclusion: Mounjaro combines the effects of GLP-1 and GIP to not only reduce calorie intake, but also accelerate fat burning, making weight management more efficient and sustainable.

4. Who is it for? Mounjaro vs. semaglutide

📌 Mounjaro is suitable for the following people

✔ Want to achieve greater weight loss (target more than 20% weight loss)

✔ A high base weight or insulin resistance or prediabetes

✔ Hopefully, it will reduce side effects and make it easier to stick with long-term use

📌 Semaglutide is suitable for the following people

✔ Want moderate weight loss (target 10-15% weight loss)

✔ Not suitable for GIP action (such as some people with metabolic disorders)

✔ Focuses more on appetite control rather than directly promoting fat burning

If you want stronger weight loss, fewer side effects, and improved metabolism, Mounjaro is a better choice.

🛒Mounjaro 2.5mg *2pcs / box

🛒Mounjaro 5mg *2pcs / box