Most people talking about "GLP-1 medications" are using three brand names interchangeably when the drugs are actually quite different from each other. Here's what you need to know.
| Drug | Active Ingredient | FDA Approval | Max Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Type 2 diabetes | 2mg/week |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Chronic weight management | 2.4mg/week |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Type 2 diabetes (Zepbound for weight) | 15mg/week |
Ozempic and Wegovy: The Same Molecule, Different Doses
Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutide — the same active ingredient made by Novo Nordisk. The difference is the approved indication and the maximum dose. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes management, with a maximum dose of 2mg per week. Wegovy is approved specifically for chronic weight management (alongside diet and exercise) with a higher maximum dose of 2.4mg per week.
In practice, many doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss. Most telehealth providers offering "compounded semaglutide" are using the same molecule at Wegovy-equivalent doses. The compound versus branded distinction is about regulatory status and price, not molecular difference.
Mounjaro: A Different Drug Entirely
Mounjaro (tirzepatide, also sold as Zepbound for weight loss) is a different drug from a different company (Eli Lilly). While semaglutide activates only the GLP-1 receptor, tirzepatide activates two receptors: GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). This dual mechanism produces meaningfully different results.
Cost: The Real Difference
Without insurance, branded GLP-1 medications cost $800-$1,400 per month. Most insurance plans do not cover them for weight loss specifically (they may cover for diabetes). This is why the telehealth + compounded semaglutide market exists: it provides the same active molecule at a fraction of the cost, typically $99-$400/month depending on the provider.
Compounded tirzepatide is less widely available and costs more than compounded semaglutide, but still significantly less than branded Mounjaro or Zepbound.
Which Should You Choose?
For most people starting GLP-1 therapy: semaglutide (Wegovy or compounded semaglutide) is the right starting point. It has a longer safety track record, is more widely available through telehealth providers, and costs less. If you try semaglutide, achieve good results on GI tolerability, but want greater weight loss, tirzepatide is worth discussing with your provider as a step-up option.