It’s safe to say that obesity and unhealthy weight gain are problems that are getting worse day by day. Although exercising and relying on a weight loss diet helps, it may not necessarily be the deciding factor. Whether it’s an unhealthy diet, family history, a sedentary job, or even a hormonal issue, it’s important to solve obesity.
For a while now, the medical community has dealt with these problems with the use of semaglutide. However, over the years, the medical community has continued researching and developing new medications. One of those new medications is Tirzepatide. This medication may be more recognizable by its brand name – Mounjaro or Zepbound. Even though it’s new, Mounjaro and Zepbound’s weight loss reviews look promising. However, before moving on, it’s important to understand what this medication is and how it works.
How is Mounjaro Better Than Semaglutide
Firstly, it’s important to realize that Mounjaro was initially made to combat type 2 diabetes. Diabetes drugs for weight loss do sound like a risky endeavor. However, research done so far on Tirzepatide shows promise. It’s an injectable prescription medicine that only a qualified doctor can prescribe.
Semaglutide (Ozempic) and Mounjaro have the same objective of treating type 2 diabetes. However, there are considerable differences. Semaglutide injections aren’t used to treat patients who need insulin. Instead, it’s used to treat obese and overweight patients. It is also done with the help of a healthy diet and exercise plan.
Different Between Mounjaro and Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes
Mounjaro produces insulin in the body by activating GIP and GLP-1 pathways. Studies show that Mounjaro reduces A1C significantly. This is especially true for patients who used the 10 mg of Mounjaro for treatment because 90% of people’s hemoglobin levels went down to less than 7%.
Semaglutide is also highly effective in reducing A1C. However, its effectiveness is comparatively less than that of Mounjaro for reducing A1C.
Mounjaro and Semaglutide for Weight Loss
Mounjaro is only approved to treat type 2 diabetes; however, it showed promising results as a weight loss drug. And after extensive clinical trial, it was approved under a different brand name (Zepbound) for the treatment of obesity. Early signs show promise and also show that it may be more effective than Semaglutide. That is why a lot of weight loss tips online mention Mounjaro.
A study done by Mounjaro found that adult patients who used 5 mg lost 12 lbs. The result of 10 mg is shocking – adult patients lost over 25 lbs. Weight loss may also differ individually. Another reason Mounjaro is great for weight loss and calories are that the drug reduces sugar in the body.
Both Semaglutides and Mounjaro recreates the body’s appetite-suppressant hormone and slowing down the process of food travelling through the digestive tract, reducing appetite. However, Mounjaro produced better results in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity compared to semaglutide injections.
How To Use Mounjaro and Semaglutide
Firstly, it’s important to know that although Tirzepatide and Semaglutide have different effectiveness, they are used similarly. Your doctor will usually explain the instructions to you. Each patient has a unique set of problems, which may necessitate minor changes. These changes may even involve how to use either medication.
That said, most doctors will apply Mounjaro or Semaglutide to treat patients themselves. However, under certain circumstances, the doctor may ask you to use it on yourself. As mentioned earlier, in the case of self-use, the doctor will instruct you to follow certain steps. Besides that, though, there may be a lot of other factors to keep in mind before using Mounjaro –
- Follow the instructions mentioned on the packaging.
- Inject the medication under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
- Use once a week, any time of the day.
- Strictly avoid injecting Mounjaro and insulin right next to each other.
- Avoid injecting on the same site more than once.
- Seek emergency medical help in case of injecting too much Mounjaro.
Similar instructions need to be kept in mind when using Semaglutide shots (better known by their brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) –
- Inject the Semaglutide injection under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
- Use once a week, as advised by the doctor.
- Avoid injecting Semaglutide injections and insulin right next to each other. You can inject both in the same area.
- Avoid mixing Semaglutide and insulin in the same syringe.
Common Side Effects of Mounjaro and Semaglutide
Despite all the strides it has made in the fight against obesity and type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro and Semaglutide have their fair share of flaws. These side effects are common, which means most people who use these medications may face these side effects.
Fortunately, though, this isn’t a cause for concern and doesn’t warrant immediate medical attention. Some of the common side effects of both medications include diarrhoea, reduced appetite, puking, and abdominal pain.
On a more concerning note, both medications have many side effects that people should be wary of. Although Mounjaro is more effective, the side effects of Semaglutide aren’t as severe as Mounjaro’s. Get in touch with your healthcare professional if you experience any of the following side effects –
- Pancreatitis
Both these medications are strictly prohibited for people with pancreatitis. A grave side effect of these medications may include pancreas inflammation, which can lead to pancreatitis. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience pain from the abdomen to the back.
- Low Blood Sugar
The risk of low blood sugar increases if the patient uses other medications, along with Mounjaro or Semaglutide. This is especially true for patients who also use insulin along with Mounjaro. Watch out for signs of low blood sugar, like dizziness, sweating, blurry vision, headaches, increased heart rate, mood changes, and speech slurring.
- Allergic Reactions
The chances of an allergic reaction are low because your doctor will check any history of allergies. However, unfortunately, having an allergic reaction may still be possible. It’s important to watch out for signs of an allergic reaction. Swelling of the face, lip, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, rash, itches, and dizziness are all signs of an allergic reaction.
- Kidney Problems
One of the most painful side effects of Mounjaro is kidney-related problems. This is why this medication isn’t usually prescribed to patients with kidney failure. This is because vomiting and diarrhoea are common side effects of Mounjaro. These common side effects also cause dehydration, which can harm the kidneys. While the same side effect may occur in semaglutide patients, the chances are rare.
In Summary
While both medications are fairly new and require way more research to understand their safety and efficacy, especially Mounjaro, they are still making a name for themselves. The results are undeniable, this injectable medication has helped a lot of diabetic patients since its introduction. Now, Mounjaro is approved to become a medication for treating obesity, too, under the brand name of Zepbound
With the rise in cases of type 2 diabetes and obesity around the world, it’s understandable that there are a lot of concerns. We at Track Your Max want to alleviate those fears. We’ve worked extensively with renowned medical professionals to track the status of the patient’s health with the use of FDA-approved medications and lifestyle changes. Visit our website and schedule an appointment today to get your health back on track!
