In a groundbreaking head-to-head comparison of two widely used medications, Mounjaro has been shown to significantly outperform Ozempic in terms of weight loss. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, reveals that patients using Mounjaro achieved greater weight reductions across multiple time points in real-world conditions.
The research, which analyzed data from over 41,000 patients across the United States, found that after three months, those on Mounjaro lost an average of 5.9% of their body weight, while Ozempic users lost only 3.6%. The gap widened over time: at six months, Mounjaro users shed 10.1% of their weight, compared to Ozempic’s 5.8%. By the one-year mark, Mounjaro patients had lost 15.3% of their body weight, significantly surpassing Ozempic’s 8.3% loss.
The study’s findings underscore the effectiveness of Mounjaro, which combines two hormones — glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) — to help control blood sugar and promote weight loss. In contrast, Ozempic only mimics GLP-1.
Dr. Matthew Freeby, an endocrinologist at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine, noted that these results align with his clinical observations. “From both a weight loss and diabetes management perspective, Mounjaro seems to offer stronger effects,” he said.
Researchers from Truveta, a healthcare data analytics company, gathered their data by analyzing electronic health records of patients who began treatment with either Mounjaro or Ozempic between May 2022 and September 2023. The study focused on individuals with obesity or overweight, excluding those with Type 2 diabetes. Despite a higher number of Ozempic users, the data was adjusted to ensure an even comparison between the two groups.
Mounjaro’s success was evident not only in total weight loss but also in the percentage of patients who met key weight loss milestones. Nearly 82% of Mounjaro users lost at least 5% of their body weight, compared to 67% of those on Ozempic. Furthermore, 62% of Mounjaro patients lost at least 10%, while only 37% of Ozempic patients achieved the same. Mounjaro patients were also more likely to lose 15% of their initial weight.
While the biological mechanisms of Mounjaro’s superior performance remain unclear, Tricia Rodriguez, a principal scientist at Truveta, speculated that the dual-action of Mounjaro may contribute to its heightened effectiveness. Dr. Ken Fujioka, an endocrinologist at Scripps Clinic in San Diego, also suggested that higher doses of Ozempic may have led to more favorable results, had they been used throughout the study period.
Despite Mounjaro’s superior performance, the study found no significant differences in the rates of severe side effects, such as bowel obstructions or pancreatitis, between the two drugs. Both medications had low incidences of these issues. However, side effects like nausea and vomiting were not fully assessed, as they often go unreported to healthcare providers.
Notably, patients with Type 2 diabetes experienced less weight loss than those without, possibly due to the weight-gaining effects of some diabetes treatments. Researchers also acknowledged that individuals who sought prescriptions for weight loss may have been more motivated to continue their treatment and adopt lifestyle changes.
As for patients currently using Ozempic, Dr. Nick Stucky, senior author of the study, cautioned against making any rash decisions. “The results should not prompt patients to switch medications if Ozempic is already working well for them,” he advised. “Factors like side effects, insurance coverage, and drug availability should also be considered.”
While Mounjaro’s weight loss benefits are clear, its long-term effects on secondary health outcomes, such as cardiovascular health, remain under investigation. Ozempic, on the other hand, has demonstrated positive effects on reducing heart attack and stroke risks in clinical trials.
In conclusion, Mounjaro has shown promising results in helping individuals lose weight, surpassing Ozempic in this real-world study. However, patients should consult their healthcare providers to determine the best treatment plan tailored to their needs and health goals.
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