A recent real-world study has brought to light the superior efficacy of the diabetes drug Mounjaro over Ozempic in facilitating weight loss among overweight and obese adults. This groundbreaking analysis, conducted by Truveta Research and published on Monday, delves into the comparative effectiveness of these widely used medications, revealing a notable edge for Mounjaro in aiding significant weight reduction.
Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro has been shown to lead to more significant weight loss at various milestones — 5%, 10%, and 15% of body weight — compared with Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, as per the data collected and analyzed by Truveta Research. This study, yet to be peer-reviewed, gains significance amidst the soaring demand for weight loss treatments in the U.S. Despite being approved for Type 2 diabetes treatment, Mounjaro and Ozempic are commonly used off-label for weight loss.
While Eli Lilly does not endorse the off-label use of their drugs, as emphasized by their spokesperson, the real-world data offers invaluable insights. The Novo Nordisk spokesperson highlighted that the study overlooks the lower dosage of Ozempic compared to its weight-loss equivalent, Wegovy. However, Mounjaro and its weight-loss version, Zepbound, maintain the same dosage levels.
Truveta Research’s study, which is not paralleled by any existing head-to-head clinical trials, mainly focuses on the overweight and obese population. It provides a precursor to the ongoing clinical trial between Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Wegovy, with results anticipated in 2025. Dr. Nick Stucky of Truveta Research remarked, “This study can help to inform patient care and outcomes today, not months from now.”
Significant Findings
The study involved roughly 18,000 adults, with over half diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Remarkably, Mounjaro users were three times more likely to achieve a 15% weight reduction than Ozempic users. They also showed more significant weight loss at three months, six months, and a year intervals. Interestingly, the weight loss effectiveness was consistent in patients with and without Type 2 diabetes, and the rate of gastrointestinal side effects was similar in both groups.
The Mechanism Behind the Drugs
The fundamental difference between Mounjaro and Ozempic lies in their mechanism of action. While both are weekly injections that decrease appetite by mimicking gut hormones, Ozempic targets only the GLP-1 hormone. Mounjaro, on the other hand, mimics both GLP-1 and GIP, potentially leading to more substantial weight loss.
The findings of this real-world study shed light on the effectiveness of Mounjaro over Ozempic in aiding significant weight loss among overweight and obese adults. As the medical community eagerly awaits the results of clinical trials for a more comprehensive understanding, this study provides valuable insights into current patient care and treatment options.
