Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro vs Zepbound: which is right for you? Charlotte guide
In the one head-to-head study, tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) led to more weight loss than semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy): 20.2% vs 13.7% on average over 72 weeks, and results vary. Four names, two medicines. Ozempic and Wegovy are semaglutide. Mounjaro and Zepbound are tirzepatide. Each brand is approved for different uses, which matters for your insurance. Here’s how they compare, and how our Charlotte providers help you choose.
- ✓ Ozempic and Wegovy: semaglutide
- ✓ Mounjaro and Zepbound: tirzepatide
- ✓ Zepbound and Wegovy are the ones approved for weight loss
- ✓ Tirzepatide led to more weight loss in a head-to-head study
- ✓ Your provider helps you choose, in person
- ✓ Two Charlotte clinics, open 7 days
Your provider weighs your health, your other medicines, side effects and what your insurance covers, then helps you pick. Call either clinic to arrange a visit.
What happens next: 1. Call either clinic. 2. Our team helps arrange your visit. 3. See a provider in person at Steele Creek or Plaza Midwood.
Cost: no insurance? Visits and labs are $99 a month. If individually prescribed and permitted, self-pay compounded tirzepatide is $199 or $299 a month, depending on your dose. With insurance, visits and labs are billed to your plan; your cost depends on your coverage. See what you’d pay
Never tried a GLP-1? Call a clinic to book a visit, and ask whether we have a sample you can try at your first appointment, before you sign up for the full program. Call to ask about a sample
- A provider you see in person, not just an online form
- Insurance billed for your visits, with help on prior approval
- No insurance? Visits and labs for $99 a month
- Open 7 days, weekdays until 8pm
- Same-day help if side effects hit, because we’re also an urgent care
- Labs, blood pressure and diabetes care in the same clinic
On this page
At a glanceResultsOzempic vs WegovyMounjaro vs ZepboundTirzepatide vs semaglutideSide effectsChoosingCost and insuranceOur clinics
GLP-1 medicines at a glance
| Brand | Medicine | Form | FDA-approved for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zepbound | tirzepatide | Weekly shot | Weight loss; sleep apnea with obesity |
| Mounjaro | tirzepatide | Weekly shot | Type 2 diabetes; heart risk in type 2 diabetes |
| Wegovy | semaglutide | Weekly shot or daily pill | Weight loss; heart attack and stroke risk; fatty liver disease with scarring (shot) |
| Ozempic | semaglutide | Weekly shot or daily tablet | Type 2 diabetes; certain heart-risk indications; kidney-risk indication for eligible patients using Ozempic injection |
| Foundayo | orforglipron | Daily pill | Weight loss |
Source: Zepbound prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026); Mounjaro prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026); Wegovy prescribing information, FDA (rev. 5/2026); Ozempic important safety information, Novo Nordisk; Eli Lilly: FDA approves Foundayo (orforglipron) (Apr 2026)
Which one leads to the most weight loss?
| Medicine (study) | Average weight loss | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide 15 mg (SURMOUNT-1) | 20.9% (placebo 3.1%) | 72 weeks |
| Semaglutide 2.4 mg shot (STEP 1) | 14.9% (placebo 2.4%) | 68 weeks |
| Semaglutide 25 mg pill (Wegovy pill study) | 16.6% for people who kept taking it (placebo 2.7%) | 64 weeks |
| Orforglipron, highest dose (ATTAIN-1) | 12.4% for people who kept taking it | 72 weeks |
Source: Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-1). NEJM 2022; Wilding JPH, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1). NEJM 2021; Healio: FDA approves Wegovy pill, the first oral GLP-1 to treat obesity; Eli Lilly: FDA approves Foundayo (orforglipron) (Apr 2026)
These were separate studies with different people, so the numbers aren’t a direct match-up. The one head-to-head study, SURMOUNT-5, found an average 20.2% loss on tirzepatide vs 13.7% on semaglutide over 72 weeks. Results vary from person to person.
Ozempic vs Wegovy
Same medicine, semaglutide, from Novo Nordisk. Wegovy is approved for weight loss and goes up to 2.4 mg a week, with a 7.2 mg option. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes and goes up to 2 mg. If you don’t have diabetes, Wegovy is the one your plan is more likely to cover for weight loss. See Ozempic for weight loss.
Source: Wegovy prescribing information, FDA (rev. 5/2026); Ozempic important safety information, Novo Nordisk
Mounjaro vs Zepbound
Same medicine, tirzepatide, from Eli Lilly, in the same doses (2.5 mg to 15 mg). Zepbound is approved for weight loss and sleep apnea. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes. See tirzepatide.
Source: Zepbound prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026); Mounjaro prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026)
Tirzepatide vs semaglutide
| Tirzepatide | Semaglutide | |
|---|---|---|
| Brands | Zepbound, Mounjaro | Wegovy, Ozempic |
| Hormones it acts on | GIP and GLP-1 | GLP-1 |
| Pill form | No | Yes (Wegovy pill, Ozempic tablets) |
| Average loss, head-to-head study | 20.2% | 13.7% |
| Heart attack and stroke indication | In type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) | Yes (Wegovy, Ozempic) |
| Sleep apnea indication | Yes (Zepbound) | No |
Source: Aronne LJ, et al. Tirzepatide as compared with semaglutide for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-5). NEJM 2025; Zepbound prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026); Mounjaro prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026); Wegovy prescribing information, FDA (rev. 5/2026)
Side effects compared
Both cause the same kinds of side effects: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation, mostly early and after dose increases. In their weight loss studies, nausea affected 25% to 29% of people on Zepbound and 44% on Wegovy 2.4 mg, though the studies weren’t designed to compare them. See side effects.
Source: Zepbound prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026); Wegovy prescribing information, FDA (rev. 5/2026)
How our providers help you choose
- Your health: diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, kidney problems, other medicines
- What your insurance covers, and whether it needs prior approval
- Shot or pill, and how you handle side effects
- Your goals and how you’ve done on any medicine before
Switching from one GLP-1 to another? Your provider sets the right starting dose for the new medicine. Don’t switch on your own.
- Severe stomach pain that won’t go away, with or without vomiting. It may spread to your back.
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction: swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a fast heartbeat with dizziness
- Fainting, or chest pain
- Anything that seems life-threatening
- Sudden loss of vision: seek emergency medical care immediately.
Call to start weight loss care
Cost and insurance
What you pay each month
Your visits and your medicine are priced separately, so you only pay for what your insurance doesn’t cover.
| Your situation | Visits and labs | Medicine | Each month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-pay program, individually prescribed compounded dose 2.5–7.5 mg | $99 | $199 | $298 |
| Self-pay program, individually prescribed compounded dose 10–15 mg | $99 | $299 | $398 |
| Insurance covers your medicine | Your plan-dependent cost | Your plan-dependent pharmacy cost | Your plan-dependent cost |
| Insurance does not cover medicine; compounded treatment individually prescribed if appropriate | Your plan-dependent cost | $199 or $299 | Your plan-dependent visit/lab cost plus eligible prescribed medicine |
- $99 a month, no insurance needed: a visit with your provider every month and lab work every 3 months. Self-pay patients can sign up for this program.
- With insurance: we bill your plan for your visits and labs. Your cost depends on your plan, including copay, coinsurance and deductible.
- If your plan covers tirzepatide (Zepbound or Mounjaro): we send your prescription to your pharmacy, and your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan. Many plans need prior approval first, and we help with the paperwork.
- If prescribed for your individual medical need: compounded tirzepatide is $199 a month at 2.5, 5 or 7.5 mg, or $299 a month at 10, 12.5 or 15 mg. Compounded medicine is considered only when an individual medical need cannot be met by an FDA-approved drug and applicable requirements permit it. Cost or lack of insurance coverage alone does not determine eligibility. Your provider determines your dose and follow-up plan.
Compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review compounded medicines for safety, effectiveness or quality. Your provider talks with you about whether it’s right for you. Prices as of November 2026. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. Compounded medicine is considered only when an individual medical need cannot be met by an FDA-approved drug and applicable requirements permit it. Cost or lack of insurance coverage alone does not determine eligibility.
How insurance coverage for GLP-1 medicine works →
Insurance we take: Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and TRICARE East, plus Original Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans. We don’t take HMO plans tied to one doctor or hospital system. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. See all the insurance we accept.
Our weight loss clinics in Charlotte
Injectable prescriptions sent to a pharmacy are self-injected at home as instructed. Oral medicines are taken as prescribed. Patients prescribed compounded medicine through our program receive weekly injections at the clinic. A routine provider evaluation is not required at every weekly injection; follow-up and dose changes remain directed by your provider.
| Clinic | Address and phone |
|---|---|
| Steele Creek | 2114 Freeman Park Dr, Suite 105, Charlotte, NC 28273. (980) 880-5588 |
| Plaza Midwood | 2017 Central Ave, Suite 103, Charlotte, NC 28205. (704) 731-8656 |
| Hours (both) | Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm |
Weight loss visits and in-clinic injections are available at both clinics. Close to Steele Creek, Ballantyne, Rivergate, Lake Wylie, Fort Mill, Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Uptown, Midtown and Elizabeth.
Call either clinic to discuss weight loss care and arrange your first visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?
Both are semaglutide from Novo Nordisk. Wegovy is approved for weight loss and goes up to 2.4 mg a week, with a 7.2 mg option. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes and goes up to 2 mg.
Is Mounjaro the same as Zepbound?
Both are tirzepatide from Eli Lilly, in the same doses. Zepbound is approved for weight loss and sleep apnea with obesity. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes.
Which is better for weight loss, tirzepatide or semaglutide?
In the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head study, people on tirzepatide lost an average of 20.2% of their weight vs 13.7% on semaglutide over 72 weeks. The best choice also depends on your health, side effects and coverage.
Which GLP-1 has the fewest side effects?
They all cause similar stomach side effects, mostly early on. Studies weren’t designed to compare them directly, and people react differently. Your provider adjusts your dose to help.
Can I switch from Ozempic to Wegovy or Zepbound?
Yes, with your provider’s help. They choose the starting dose of the new medicine based on your current dose and how you’re doing. Don’t switch on your own.
Which GLP-1 is approved for weight loss?
Zepbound, Wegovy (shot and pill) and Foundayo are FDA-approved for weight loss. Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved for type 2 diabetes.
Is a GLP-1 pill as good as the shot?
The Wegovy pill led to about 16.6% average weight loss in people who kept taking it, close to the Wegovy shot. Foundayo led to about 12.4%. Shots of tirzepatide led to the most loss in studies.
Where can I compare GLP-1 options with a provider in Charlotte?
At OneSpotMD’s Steele Creek and Plaza Midwood clinics. Call either clinic to arrange a visit, and a provider goes over your options in person.
FDA prescribing information: Ozempic tablets
Sources
Additional safety information: FDA: compounded GLP-1 medicines; FDA: November 2026 vision warning; Wegovy prescribing information.
- Zepbound prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026)
- Mounjaro prescribing information, Eli Lilly (rev. 8/2026)
- Wegovy prescribing information, FDA (rev. 5/2026)
- Ozempic important safety information, Novo Nordisk
- Eli Lilly: FDA approves Foundayo (orforglipron) (Apr 2026)
- Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-1). NEJM 2022
- Wilding JPH, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1). NEJM 2021
- Aronne LJ, et al. Tirzepatide as compared with semaglutide for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-5). NEJM 2025
- Healio: FDA approves Wegovy pill, the first oral GLP-1 to treat obesity
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation. Your provider decides with you whether a medicine is right for you. Results vary from person to person.
Ozempic® and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. OneSpotMD is not affiliated with or endorsed by these companies.
More on medical weight loss
Medicines
GLP-1 medicinesTirzepatideZepboundMounjaroSemaglutideWegovyOzempic
Before you start
Medical weight lossGetting startedInsurance coverage
Once you start
Side effectsDiet, exercise and keeping it off
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