GLP-1 medications explained: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound
A plain-language guide to the main GLP-1 medications — what they are, how they differ, and what they share.
The names blur together fast: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, semaglutide, tirzepatide. Here’s the plain-language map of what’s what.
Two medications, four brand names
Most of the conversation comes down to two active medications:
- Semaglutide — sold as Ozempic (labeled for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (labeled for weight management). Same drug, different label.
- Tirzepatide — sold as Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (weight management, and obstructive sleep apnea). Again, same drug, two labels.
There are also compounded versions of both semaglutide and tirzepatide.
What they share
All are once-weekly injections. All start at a low dose and step up over months. All reduce appetite and slow how fast your stomach empties, which is why early side effects tend to be digestive.
How they differ
The headline difference is mechanism. Semaglutide acts on one pathway (GLP-1); tirzepatide acts on two (GIP and GLP-1), and in head-to-head trials has generally produced more weight loss. Newer options like retatrutide add a third pathway — but aren’t approved yet.
Whatever you’re on, tracking is the same
Weekly shot, current dose, weight trend, how you feel. With Lirea that record stays encrypted on your device — no account, no server.
Two medications, a handful of brand names, one weekly rhythm.
Once you see that the names mostly map to two drugs, the whole landscape gets a lot less confusing.