Ozempic Vs. Mounjaro: For Weight loss?
Posted On: September 10, 2024
Mounjaro and Ozempic are medications approved to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Both medications can also result in significant weight loss and have off-label uses. Ozempic is also approved to lower the risk of a major cardiovascular event (such as a heart attack or stroke) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro has not yet received this indication, although studies are ongoing.
The brand names Mounjaro (tripeptide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) may lead to significant weight loss, but Health Canada has not yet specifically approved them for this use. However, your healthcare provider might prescribe one of these medications "off-label" for weight loss, which means it's prescribed for a generally accepted use but not yet specifically approved by Health Canada or listed in package labeling.
If weight loss is your main goal, you have other options as well. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tripeptide) are the brand-name products for these medications that are approved for long-term weight loss. Zepbound has yet to be approved by Health Canada for weight loss in Canada. Gastrointestinal side effects, like nausea and diarrhea, are the most common side effects seen with these medications. Increasing the dose, as directed by your healthcare provider, may help you more effectively manage the stomach side effects.