Same Drug, Different Indications
Reviewed by Dr Lucy NewtonZepbound and Mounjaro are the same medication (tirzepatide) but with different FDA approvals—one for weight loss, one for diabetes. The key difference? Insurance coverage.
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Side-by-side comparison based on 10,000+ Reddit discussions
| Feature | Zepbound | Mounjaro | Source Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Tirzepatide | Tirzepatide | Identical molecule, different branding |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Eli Lilly | Produced by same manufacturer |
| Primary Indication | Weight Management | Type 2 Diabetes | FDA-approved uses |
| Dosing Range | 2.5mg - 15mg | 2.5mg - 15mg | Identical titration schedule |
| 2026 List Price | $1,060/mo | $1,060/mo | Pricing parity maintained |
| Self-Pay (Vials) | $399-$549 | N/A (Pens only) | LillyDirect vial program for Zepbound only |
| Insurance (T2D) | Off-label | Strong Coverage | Mounjaro easier to cover for diabetes |
| Insurance (Weight) | Limited Coverage | Off-label | Zepbound targeted for weight loss |
Identical molecule, different branding
Produced by same manufacturer
FDA-approved uses
Identical titration schedule
Pricing parity maintained
LillyDirect vial program for Zepbound only
Mounjaro easier to cover for diabetes
Zepbound targeted for weight loss
Data from the SURMOUNT vs SURPASS (Tirzepatide) (Eli Lilly / FDA Approval)
Zepbound and Mounjaro are the same molecule (tirzepatide) manufactured by Eli Lilly. The only difference is the FDA-approved indication on the box. Mounjaro is approved for Type 2 Diabetes, while Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management. Dosing and clinical efficacy are identical.
| Comparison Metric | Zepbound | Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Tirzepatide | Tirzepatide |
| Max Weight Loss (%) | Up to 22.5%* | Up to 22.5%* |
| Lost >20% Body Weight | 52.5% (SURMOUNT-5) | 52.5% (SURMOUNT-5) |
| Dosing Schedule | Weekly (2.5 - 15mg) | Weekly (2.5 - 15mg) |
| Self-Pay Program | LillyDirect Vials | N/A (Pens only) |
"Clinically, there is zero difference between Zepbound and Mounjaro. They are identical drugs with identical results. The choice is administrative: Mounjaro is for those with diabetes (better insurance coverage), and Zepbound is for weight loss. Note: Zepbound is currently the only one with a $399 self-pay vial program for uninsured patients."
Results were statistically significant (p < 0.001) across all primary endpoints.
Latest verification performed January 2026.
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