Usage comparison: Who is Mounjaro suitable for, and who is semaglutide suitable for?

February 26, 2025

Currently, Mounjaro (tepoltide) and semaglutide ( Wegovy/Ozempic ) are the two most popular GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss drugs, both of which have been approved by the FDA . Both can help lose weight by reducing appetite, delaying gastric emptying, and reducing glucagon secretion, but because Mounjaro additionally activates the GIP receptor , it is superior in terms of fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity .

So, which different groups of people are suitable for these two drugs? How to choose?

1. Mounjaro vs. semaglutide: comparison of mechanisms of action

semaglutide ( Wegovy/Ozempic )

• Single GLP-1 receptor agonist , mainly through:

• Reduce appetite and lower overall calorie intake.

• Delay gastric emptying , increase satiety, and reduce eating frequency.

• Lower glucagon , control blood sugar, and improve sugar metabolism.

Mounjaro (tepoltide)

• GLP-1 + GIP dual agonist has a more comprehensive effect. In addition to the effect of GLP-1 , it also:

• Promotes fat decomposition and increases fat burning rate rather than just reducing calorie intake.

• It enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces insulin resistance more than semaglutide, making it suitable for people with prediabetes or metabolic abnormalities.

• Reduce gastrointestinal discomfort . Activation of GIP receptors can reduce side effects such as nausea and vomiting and improve tolerance.

💡 Conclusion: Mounjaro is superior in weight management, metabolic improvement, and tolerability, while semaglutide focuses more on appetite control.

2. Comparison of clinical weight loss effects: Mounjaro vs. semaglutide

Research	Mounjaro ( GLP-1 + GIP )	Semaglutide ( GLP-1 )
SURMOUNT-1 study ( Mounjaro )	Average weight loss after 72 weeks: 22.5%	-
STEP-1 study (semaglutide)	-	Average weight loss after 68 weeks: 16.9%
Weight loss limit	Greater ( >20% body weight loss)	Moderate ( 10%-17% weight loss)
Weight maintenance ability	Stronger, less risk of regaining weight	Some people may rebound

Conclusion: If the goal is maximal weight loss ( >20% body weight loss), Mounjaro is superior .

3. Comparison of applicable populations: Who should choose Mounjaro and who is more suitable for semaglutide?

Mounjaro is suitable for the following people:

✅ Desiring to achieve maximum weight loss (goal >20% body weight loss).

✅ BMI ≥30 (obesity) or BMI ≥27 (combined metabolic problems).

✅ People who have used Wegovy but did not achieve good results and want a stronger weight loss solution.

✅ If you have insulin resistance, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome, you need to improve your metabolic health.

✅ The hope is to have fewer gastrointestinal side effects and better long-term tolerability.

Semaglutide ( Wegovy/Ozempic ) is suitable for people who:

✅ Want moderate weight loss (goal 10%-15% body weight loss).

✅ BMI ≥27 (overweight people), but extreme weight loss is not necessarily required.

✅ The main focus is on appetite control rather than regulation of fat metabolism.

✅ Not suitable for GIP effects (such as people with specific metabolic disorders).

✅ Already have good eating control habits, but still need help to reduce appetite.

Summary of selection suggestions:

✔ If the goal is to lose more weight and improve metabolic health, Mounjaro is a better choice.

✔ If the main purpose is to suppress appetite and reduce calorie intake, semaglutide is a good choice.

4. Side effect comparison: Mounjaro vs. semaglutide

The main side effects of both are gastrointestinal discomfort (such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and diarrhea), but Mounjaro is better tolerated and has relatively mild side effects due to the effect of GIP .

side effect	Mounjaro ( GLP-1 + GIP )	Semaglutide ( GLP-1 )
nausea	Lighter	Strong
Vomit	less	More
Diarrhea / constipation	May appear	May appear
Risk of hypoglycemia	Low (non-diabetic patients)	Low (non-diabetic)
Injection site reactions	slight	slight

Conclusion: Mounjaro has milder side effects and is easier to tolerate, while some patients may have difficulty adhering to semaglutide for a long time due to gastrointestinal discomfort.

5. Mounjaro vs. semaglutide, how to choose?

Mounjaro is suitable for people:

✔ More aggressive weight loss is desired (goal > 20% body weight loss).

✔ Insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities need to be improved.

✔ Poor gastrointestinal tolerance and inability to adapt to the side effects of Wegovy .

Semaglutide is suitable for people:

✔ Moderate weight loss is needed (goal 10%-15% body weight loss).

✔ The main goal is to control appetite and reduce total calorie intake.

✔ No GIP action is required (such as non-insulin-resistant obesity).

If your goal is maximum weight loss, improved metabolic health, and minimal side effects, Mounjaro is superior.

💡 If you just want to reduce your appetite and lose weight moderately, semaglutide is a good choice.

🛒Mounjaro 2.5mg *2pcs / box