Zepbound vs Mounjaro: Are They the Same?

Zepbound vs Mounjaro: Are They the Same?

Introduction

 

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


 “Aren’t these the same drug?”

 

 The short answer is: Yes, they contain the same active ingredient—but they are approved for different conditions and used in different ways.

 

This blog will explain the key similarities and differences between Zepbound and Mounjaro, including their FDA approvals, insurance implications, and how to choose the right one for your goals.

 

Quick Overview: Zepbound vs Mounjaro

 

Feature

Zepbound

Mounjaro

Active Ingredient

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide

FDA Approved For

Obesity / Overweight

Type 2 Diabetes

Weight Loss Use

✅ On-label

⚠️ Off-label

Insurance Coverage

Varies, often harder to get

Strong for diabetes

Average Weight Loss

Up to 22.5%

~15–20% (in diabetes patients)

Dosing Schedule

Weekly injection

Weekly injection

What Do They Have in Common?

 

✅ Same active ingredient: Tirzepatide
 ✅ Same delivery method: Once-weekly injection pen
 ✅ Same mechanism of action:

  • Mimics GLP-1 and GIP hormones
  • Suppresses appetite
  • Improves insulin sensitivity
  • Slows gastric emptying

Both medications offer significant weight loss, especially when paired with diet and exercise.

 

📌 Learn more: Zepbound for Weight Loss – How It Works

 

Key Differences Between Zepbound and Mounjaro

 

Category

Zepbound

Mounjaro

Primary Use

Weight loss

Type 2 diabetes

FDA Approval Date

November 2023

May 2022

Insurance Coverage

Less likely (unless for obesity)

More likely (for diabetes)

Prescription Coding

Weight management codes (ICD-10: E66)

Diabetes codes (ICD-10: E11)

💡 If you’re taking it for weight loss, Zepbound is the better insurance-aligned choice.

 

Dosing Comparison

 

Both medications follow the same titration schedule:

 

Week(s)

Dose

Weeks 1–4

2.5 mg/week

Weeks 5–8

5 mg/week

Weeks 9–12

7.5 mg/week (optional)

Weeks 13+

10–15 mg/week

📌 Your provider will choose the maintenance dose that works best based on tolerance and results.

Which One Is Covered by Insurance?

 

Scenario

Zepbound

Mounjaro

You have Type 2 diabetes

❌ Not for diabetes

✅ Strong coverage

You are obese or overweight

✅ Possibly covered

❌ Often denied

You’re using it for weight loss only

✅ On-label

⚠️ Off-label

📌 See: How to Get Zepbound Covered by Insurance

 

When to Choose Zepbound

 

✅ You meet the FDA criteria for obesity treatment (BMI ≥30 or ≥27 + comorbidity)
 ✅ You want to avoid off-label use for weight loss
 ✅ You’re applying for insurance coverage based on obesity, not diabetes
 ✅ Your provider is focused on weight loss goals

 

When to Choose Mounjaro

 

✅ You have Type 2 diabetes and need blood sugar management
 ✅ Your insurance covers Mounjaro but not Zepbound
 ✅ You were prescribed Mounjaro off-label for weight loss (and it’s working for you)

 

💡 Some patients start on Mounjaro for coverage purposes and switch to Zepbound when appropriate.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Zepbound and Mounjaro are clinically identical in terms of their active ingredient and mechanism—but they’re used and billed differently. Choosing the right one depends on your diagnosis, insurance situation, and treatment goals.

 

✔️ Zepbound is the go-to for weight loss
 ✔️ Mounjaro is the go-to for Type 2 diabetes
 ✔️ Both are backed by strong clinical results and safe for long-term use

 

📌 To compare these medications side-by-side and check your eligibility, visit our Tirzepatide Treatment Guide.