Weight loss and weight management can be difficult, and sometimes, diet and exercise alone are not enough to lose weight. This is why more and more people are opting for weight loss medications to aid weight loss.
Two notable weight loss drugs are Wegovy and Mounjaro. They are both prescription medications that mimic the GLP-1 hormone. You take these weight loss drugs as a once-weekly injection.
Both are popular options - but what are the key differences between the two? And which is the most effective for weight loss? That’s what we’ll be exploring today. Read on for an in-depth comparison of Wegovy and Mounjaro for weight loss.
One of the key differences between the two weight loss injections is the active ingredient. The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide. This is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics GLP-1 - a naturally occurring hormone.
Semaglutide is also the active ingredient in other weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic. It works to regulate the appetite by making you feel fuller for longer. This reduces your hunger and food cravings, which can lead to you eating less food and maintaining a low-calorie diet. Ultimately, this is what leads to weight loss.
The active ingredient in Mounjaro treatment, however, is tirzepatide. This molecule activates your body’s GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Much like semaglutide, tirzepatide can regulate your appetite so you feel fuller quicker, and for longer. Unlike semaglutide, tirzepatide is a dual agonist.
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are administered through a weekly injection. If you opt for other weight loss medications such as Saxenda, you will need to inject yourself every day. This makes Wegovy and Mounjaro a convenient option if you prefer a less frequent commitment.
This dose frequency is also ideal if you find it difficult to stick to daily routines. Likewise, both weight loss drugs are injected under the skin - either in your stomach, thigh or upper arm. Avoid injecting these medications into veins or muscles as this could lead to bruising.
Before you begin taking any weight loss medication, it’s important that you liaise with a healthcare professional. When taking Wegovy, you should let your doctor or prescriber know if you have any health conditions - this could affect your eligibility or your dosage. That being said, Wegovy is considered a safe option.
Likewise, you must speak to doctors or medical experts before taking Mounjaro. When you opt for weight loss medication with Dr Frank’s weight loss clinic, you will be required to complete an initial assessment to determine your eligibility. This helps to mitigate potential risks, and increase the overall success of your weight loss journey.
Safety is key when taking any medication. As both Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescription medication, they have been studied extensively in clinical trials, and have been determined safe for medical use.
It is not known whether Mounjaro or Wegovy increase the risk of thyroid cancer. However, you should avoid taking both medications if you or your family have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) - or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Wegovy could also increase the risk of intestinal blockage and pancreatitis. This is why it’s so important to consult a doctor beforehand - and only get weight loss medication from a medical professional.
Like with most prescription medications, both Wegovy and Mounjaro can cause potential side effects. Some common side effects of Wegovy include nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation. Severe adverse reactions are rare, but individual responses may vary.
The side effects of Mounjaro are similar to Wegovy’s side effects - nausea, diarrhoea, lowered appetite, vomiting, constipation and stomach pain.
Both medications require a prescription in order to access them. If you wish to take Wegovy through the NHS, you will need to meet the eligibility criteria. This includes having a weight-related health issue such as cardiovascular disease or hypertension - and either a BMI of 30 or higher.
Mounjaro is approved in the UK to treat type 2 diabetes due to its ability to lower blood sugarlevels - and has recently been approved for weight loss too. More and more people are opting for private online doctors instead of going through their GP. This is because online prescribers give you access to medication more quickly.
Both drugs appear to be effective in weight loss and weight management. If you have a BMI of over 30, you have weight-related health conditions, or you’re looking to manage weight regain following bariatric surgery, these medications could be beneficial.
Mounjaro users on the highest dose lost up to 21% of their body weight, making it an effective weight loss aid. Combined with physical activity, it can help you to lose pounds/ lbs more quickly in comparison to traditional weight loss methods.
A 2023 study compared the effectiveness of the active ingredient in Wegovy (semaglutide) and the active ingredient in Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in patients with type 2 diabetes. It found that tirzepatide resulted in more weight loss than semaglutide - and found it to be better value for money. Another study from 2021 also found that tirzepatide was a more effective ingredient.
Another study looked at tirzepatide vs semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes. It assigned 1879 patients doses of tirzepatide in 5mg, 10mg or 15mg, and doses of semaglutide in just 1 mg - in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. It found that tirzepatide was the superior choice due to the changes in glycated haemoglobin across 40 weeks.
Although Mounjaro appears to be more effective in aiding weight loss, it’s important to note that individual responses can vary.
Drugs such as Saxenda, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic have one thing in common - they are GLP-1 medications. They can help to aid weight loss in combination with diet and exercise.
At Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, we offer GLP-1 medications to those who need them - for example, people with a body mass index/ BMI of 27 or higher, or those with obesity-related health conditions.
With a new approach to weight loss and a science-backed approach, our UK-registered clinicians can support you along your weight-loss journey. Utilise our one-to-one support to maximise your results and achieve your weight loss goals.
Within just six months, we can help you to lose up to 10% of your body weight. We can help to change your life and improve your energy levels, mood, and your confidence. Lose weight with Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic today - simply complete our initial assessment and get started.
Susan lost 5 Stone in just 12 months
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Dimitra lost 4 Stone in just 8 months
“I cannot recommend this programme enough; it truly works! It's the sole solution that has been effective after my long struggle.”
Lauren lost 5 Stone in just 8 months
“I would advise anyone considering this programme that it's a transformative experience. It has allowed me to embrace life and fully enjoy my twenties.”
Susan lost 5 Stone in just 12 months
“For the first time, losing weight has been both easy and successful in my life.”
Cadi lost 3 Stone in just 12 months
“If you're aiming to lose weight or manage polycystic ovaries, go for this program. It's undoubtedly the best decision.”
Ethan lost 5 Stone in just 5 months
“I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own skin. It's a newfound sense of confidence and well-being that has positively impacted every aspect of my life.”
Dimitra lost 4 Stone in just 8 months
“I cannot recommend this programme enough; it truly works! It's the sole solution that has been effective after my long struggle.”
Lauren lost 5 Stone in just 8 months
“I would advise anyone considering this programme that it's a transformative experience. It has allowed me to embrace life and fully enjoy my twenties.”
Susan lost 5 Stone in just 12 months
“For the first time, losing weight has been both easy and successful in my life.”
Cadi lost 3 Stone in just 12 months
“If you're aiming to lose weight or manage polycystic ovaries, go for this program. It's undoubtedly the best decision.”
Ethan lost 5 Stone in just 5 months
“I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own skin. It's a newfound sense of confidence and well-being that has positively impacted every aspect of my life.”
Dimitra lost 4 Stone in just 8 months
“I cannot recommend this programme enough; it truly works! It's the sole solution that has been effective after my long struggle.”
Lauren lost 5 Stone in just 8 months
“I would advise anyone considering this programme that it's a transformative experience. It has allowed me to embrace life and fully enjoy my twenties.”
