Ozempic and Mounjaro are drugs that can be used to treat type 2 diabetes. But you’ve likely heard of them because they’re all over the news for weight loss.
Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda are in a newer class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists. These once-weekly injectable medications are currently the most effective diabetes and weight management medications available, leading to an average weight loss of 6% to 20% depending on the drug. But only Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda are approved specifically for weight loss.
GLP-1 agonists are not without side effects. Because of how they work, common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
The demand for these drugs increased after celebrities on social media described taking them and losing weight rapidly. Initially, this led to a shortage of Wegovy. As a result, people began taking Ozempic off-label instead, even though they did not have type 2 diabetes.
Supply chain issues still exist today for these medications. Insurance companies have become more strict when it comes to covering the drugs, rejecting claims even for patients with diabetes already on the drug.
It’s important to remember that the hype is warranted. Medications like semaglutide, which makes up both Ozempic and Wegovy, are both effective and necessary—over 40% of adults in the U.S. have obesity and another 30% have overweight. Their rising popularity is paving a way for a new era of weight loss drugs, and hopefully, access to these drugs.
Here’s what you need to know.
—Kelly Wood, MD, endocrinologist and Verywell Health Medical Expert Board member
Types of Obesity Treatment
What Is Obesity Treatment Like?What’s the Difference Between Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro?Weight Loss Drug vs. Bariatric Surgery: Which One Is Better?8 FDA-Approved Drugs for Weight Management
What Is Obesity Treatment Like?
What’s the Difference Between Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro?
Weight Loss Drug vs. Bariatric Surgery: Which One Is Better?
8 FDA-Approved Drugs for Weight Management
Overweight vs. Obesity
Overweight: A person has a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2. (Normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.)
Obesity:A person has a BMI of 30.0 or greater. A BMI of 40.0 or greater is often referred to as severe obesity.
While these differences matter for medical purposes, like who is eligible for certain medications or bariatric surgery, they don’t take into account anything other than BMI. Many experts are now lookingbeyond the BMI for insights into defining obesity—and how to treat it.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWeight management medications should only be used in combination with lifestyle therapy (a healthy meal plan, physical activity, and behavioral interventions) and not alone. This combination is recommended for individuals with a BMI over 30 (obesity), or individuals with both a BMI of 27 (overweight) or greater with a weight related health problem such as hypertension or diabetes.To date, the FDA has approved eight medications for weight management. Xenical (orlistat), Alli (orlistat), Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate), Contrave (bupropion-naltrexone), Saxenda (liraglutide), Imcivree (setmelanotide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Zepbound (tirzepatide).Insurance companies are no longer covering Ozempic for weight loss. Patients who do not have diabetes are getting compounded semaglutide from various health or weight loss clinics. This may have different active ingredients than the approved version of the drug. Patients should be aware that the safety and efficacy of these unregulated sources have not been tested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Weight management medications should only be used in combination with lifestyle therapy (a healthy meal plan, physical activity, and behavioral interventions) and not alone. This combination is recommended for individuals with a BMI over 30 (obesity), or individuals with both a BMI of 27 (overweight) or greater with a weight related health problem such as hypertension or diabetes.
To date, the FDA has approved eight medications for weight management. Xenical (orlistat), Alli (orlistat), Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate), Contrave (bupropion-naltrexone), Saxenda (liraglutide), Imcivree (setmelanotide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Zepbound (tirzepatide).
Insurance companies are no longer covering Ozempic for weight loss. Patients who do not have diabetes are getting compounded semaglutide from various health or weight loss clinics. This may have different active ingredients than the approved version of the drug. Patients should be aware that the safety and efficacy of these unregulated sources have not been tested.
What’s Next For Weight Loss Drugs?
New Weight Loss Drugs Are on the Way That Could Upstage Wegovy and OzempicAn Oral Version of Wegovy Appears as Effective as the Injectable Version
New Weight Loss Drugs Are on the Way That Could Upstage Wegovy and Ozempic
An Oral Version of Wegovy Appears as Effective as the Injectable Version
How Mounjaro Helped Me Regain My MobilityIt’s like something I’ve been missing has been fixed.—PATTY NECE
How Mounjaro Helped Me Regain My Mobility
It’s like something I’ve been missing has been fixed.
—PATTY NECE
Navigating Access Issues
Who Should Get Weight Loss Drugs? Why People With Obesity Can’t Access Ozempic, MounjaroWays to Save on Mounjaro and OzempicCan You Switch Between Ozempic and Mounjaro?
Who Should Get Weight Loss Drugs? Why People With Obesity Can’t Access Ozempic, Mounjaro
Ways to Save on Mounjaro and Ozempic
Can You Switch Between Ozempic and Mounjaro?
Ask the Expert
Kelly Wood, MDEndocrinologistKelly Wood, MD, is a board-certified endocrinologist with an interest in osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease based in Atlanta, Georgia.Read more
Kelly Wood, MDEndocrinologist
Kelly Wood, MD
Endocrinologist
Kelly Wood, MD, is a board-certified endocrinologist with an interest in osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease based in Atlanta, Georgia.Read more
Kelly Wood, MD, is a board-certified endocrinologist with an interest in osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease based in Atlanta, Georgia.
As an endocrinologist, what is your experience with newer weight loss drugs like semaglutide?
Have drug shortages or drug costs been a challenge for your diabetes patients?
Do you think Ozempic will ever be FDA-approved for weight loss?
Dr. Wood:I think Ozempic (semaglutide) will remain approved only for type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide at even higher doses is already approved for weight loss under the name of Wegovy. I expect other weight loss medications using the GLP-1 agonist mechanism of action, or GLP-1 in combination with other drugs, to come through the pipeline soon.
Risks & Side Effects
Weight Loss Drugs and Your HeartCan You Take Ozempic With Other Medications?Should You Take Ozempic When You’re Over 65?
Weight Loss Drugs and Your Heart
Can You Take Ozempic With Other Medications?
Should You Take Ozempic When You’re Over 65?
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Defining adult overweight and obesity.
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Defining adult overweight and obesity.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Defining adult overweight and obesity.
