Introduction

If you’ve heard about both Zepbound and Mounjaro, you might be wondering:

“Aren’t they the same medication?”

The short answer: Yes and no.

Zepbound and Mounjaro contain the same active ingredient (tirzepatide), but they’re FDA-approved for different uses, prescribed under different guidelines, and billed differently through insurance.

This blog explains the key similarities and differences between Zepbound and Mounjaro—so you know which one is right for you.

Quick Overview: Zepbound vs Mounjaro

Feature	Zepbound	Mounjaro
Active Ingredient	Tirzepatide	Tirzepatide
FDA Approval	Obesity / Overweight (2023)	Type 2 Diabetes (2022)
Intended Use	Weight loss	Blood sugar control
Weekly Injection	Yes	Yes
Insurance Coverage	Growing for weight loss	Strong for diabetes
On-Label for Weight Loss	Yes	No (off-label only)

What They Have in Common

Same active ingredient: tirzepatide
Same dosing pens and titration schedule
Same mechanism of action:

• GLP-1 + GIP receptor agonist
• Reduces appetite
• Improves insulin sensitivity
• Slows gastric emptying
• Helps burn visceral fat

Both medications can help you lose 15–22.5% of your body weight, even if you don’t have diabetes.

Key Differences

Category	Zepbound	Mounjaro
FDA-approved for weight loss	Yes	No (for diabetes only)
Covered by insurance for obesity?	Often, with PA	Rarely, unless you have diabetes
Diagnostic code used	ICD-10: E66 (obesity)	ICD-10: E11 (Type 2 diabetes)
Prescription purpose	Chronic weight management	Blood sugar management

See: Is Zepbound Covered by Insurance in 2025?

Why This Matters

Zepbound is the preferred option if you’re looking for FDA-approved weight loss treatment.

Mounjaro may still be prescribed off-label for weight loss, but:

• It may not be covered by your insurance
• It can be harder to get approved without a diabetes diagnosis
• Some pharmacies are no longer filling off-label Mounjaro prescriptions for weight loss

Related: Zepbound vs Mounjaro – Are They the Same?

Can You Switch from Mounjaro to Zepbound?

Yes. In fact, many patients who started Mounjaro off-label have switched to Zepbound for:

• Insurance coverage under weight loss diagnosis
• Access to the Zepbound Savings Card
• Continued care from a provider focused on obesity treatment

Learn how to make the switch: How to Get a Zepbound Prescription Online

Dosing Schedule (Identical for Both)

Week(s)	Weekly Dose
1–4	2.5 mg
5–8	5 mg
9–12	7.5 mg
13+	10–15 mg

Titration is based on tolerance and results, with weight loss typically accelerating between months 2 and 6.

Which Should You Ask Your Doctor About?

Choose Zepbound if:

You do not have diabetes
You meet criteria for obesity treatment (BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥27 with a condition)
You want a medication that’s approved specifically for weight loss

Choose Mounjaro if:

You have Type 2 diabetes and need blood sugar control
Your insurance won’t cover Zepbound but does cover Mounjaro
You were already prescribed Mounjaro and are seeing results

Final Thoughts

Zepbound and Mounjaro are chemically identical, but they serve different roles in healthcare. Choosing the right one depends on why you’re taking tirzepatide—for weight loss or diabetes management—and how your insurance covers each option.

Zepbound = FDA-approved for weight loss
Mounjaro = FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes
Both = Powerful, effective, and life-changing when used correctly

Still unsure? Visit our Zepbound vs Mounjaro Tool to compare coverage, cost, and eligibility based on your unique situation.