Ozempic

What is it?

Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide, a type of GLP-1 agonist used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It comes in the form of an injection typically taken at a dose of 0.25-2mg once per week, gradually increasing over weeks, higher doses and wegovy is usually prescribed, which contains a greater amount of semaglutide.

Who can use it?

Ozempic is typically prescribed to those over 18, with type 2 diabetes and have a high body mass index if other medication is ruled out or ineffective, however, it can also be described to those with other obesity related health issues.

How does it work?

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is naturally produced in the L cells of the intestine and in the neurons of the medulla oblongata when food enters the gut. GLP-1 stimulates the release of insulin, while inhibiting the release of glucagon from the pancreas, this helps to decrease blood glucose levels, suppress appetite and slow gastric emptying, through neural pathways. However, GLP-1 has only a half life of 1-2 hours while semaglutide has a much longer half life of about a week, this is why ozempic has been shown to reduce appetite so significantly that it can reduce body weight by about 15%. Ozempic has shown to not only host significant health benefits to those with type 2 diabetes but also to those who are suffering from cardiovascular disease, likely due to the associated fat loss and reduced blood glucose from taking the medication. Some evidence even suggests that ozempic may help to reduce inflammation within the cardiovascular system.

What are its side effects?

Ozempic does not have many significant side effects, most are related to gastrointestinal distress, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and abdominal pain. Pancreatitis and stones are other rare side effects. One side effect that is almost certain is muscle loss, due to the associated lower calorie intake from taking the medication, this occurs almost all the time for those experiencing fast weight loss unless they begin a well structured weight lifting programme, but still a certain amount of muscle loss will occur, this is expected and not usually a problem but for elderly individuals the muscle loss may not be worth it.

Mounjaro

What is it?

Mounjaro has similar properties to ozempic and wegovy. It is the brand name for trizepaptide, a type of GLP-1 agonist, and a glucose-dependant insulinotropic peptide (GIP) agonist used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It comes in the form of an injection typically taken at a dose of 2.5-5mg once per week, gradually increasing over weeks.

Who can use it?

Similar to ozempic, Mounjaro is most often prescribed to those with obesity, and some form of obesity related health condition, most commonly type 2 diabetes, when other forms of medication have not been effective. 

How does it work?

Mounjaro is not only a GLP-1 agonist but also a GIP agonist. GIP is naturally produced in the K cells of the intestine when food enters the gut. GIP stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon secretion and may even change how fat is stored and metabolised, as GIP receptors are found in adipose tissue. The limited research on Monjaro suggests that it is about as effective as ozempic, but with perhaps slightly better effects on weight loss.

What are its side effects?

Due to the slowed digestion from taking Mounjaro its side effects are very similar to Ozempic, with the most common side effects being nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and abdominal pain.