Which Diabetes Medication Is Better?
Reviewed by Dr Lucy NewtonBoth Mounjaro and Ozempic are FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes, but they work differently. This guide breaks down the real differences based on clinical data and user experiences.
We've analyzed over 2 million Reddit posts on real user experiences with Mounjaro and Ozempic so you don't have to trawl through hundreds of posts finding the answers you want.
Side-by-side comparison based on 10,000+ Reddit discussions
| Feature | Mounjaro | Ozempic | Source Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide | Injectable GLP-1/GIP vs GLP-1 only |
| Primary Indication | Type 2 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes | Both FDA-approved for T2D |
| HbA1c Reduction | Up to 2.3% | Up to 1.8% | SURPASS-2 head-to-head trial |
| Typical Weight Loss | 15-22% | 12-15% | Clinical trial data in T2D population |
| Cardiovascular Risk | 42% lower MACE risk* | Proven reduction | *Nature Medicine 2025 real-world study |
| Brand Cost | ~$1,060/mo | ~$935/mo | 2026 retail list pricing |
| Medicare 2026 | Coverage expanding | Negotiation candidate | Policy changes effective 2026 |
| Supply Status | Available | Resolved | FDA shortage tracker Jan 2026 |
Injectable GLP-1/GIP vs GLP-1 only
Both FDA-approved for T2D
SURPASS-2 head-to-head trial
Clinical trial data in T2D population
*Nature Medicine 2025 real-world study
2026 retail list pricing
Policy changes effective 2026
FDA shortage tracker Jan 2026
Data from the SURPASS-2 (New England Journal of Medicine)
The SURPASS-2 trial was a landmark head-to-head study that directly compared the efficacy and safety of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) versus Ozempic (semaglutide) 1mg in adults with Type 2 diabetes. This study is the gold standard for comparing these two specific molecules.
| Comparison Metric | Mounjaro | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c Reduction (%) | -2.30% | -1.86% |
| HbA1c < 7.0% Goal | 92% | 81% |
| HbA1c < 5.7% (Normal) | 51% | 20% |
| Weight Loss (%) | 13.1% | 6.7% |
| Weight Loss (lbs) | 25 lbs | 13 lbs |
"In the SURPASS-2 head-to-head trial, Mounjaro (at all doses) was found to be superior to Ozempic 1mg in both glucose control (HbA1c) and weight loss. Furthermore, real-world data published in Nature Medicine (2025) suggests that tirzepatide may offer up to a 42% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to semaglutide in patients with Type 2 diabetes."
Results were statistically significant (p < 0.001) across all primary endpoints.
Latest verification performed January 2026.
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