Prescription medications for weight loss have become increasingly popular as part of medically supervised plans. When lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, these medications can provide additional help to individuals seeking to achieve their weight loss goals. Among the most widely discussed are Wegovy and Mounjaro, two injectable medications that have shown promising results for weight management.
In this article, we’ll compare Wegovy vs. Mounjaro, focusing on their active ingredients, side effects, costs, and overall effectiveness to help readers make an informed choice. Remember, weight loss medications are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before deciding on any treatment.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a licensed prescription medication in the UK, initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes but now also approved for weight loss. The active ingredient, tirzepatide, regulates blood sugar levels and reduces appetite, aiding users in controlling food intake.
What makes tirzepatide for weight loss unique is its dual action: it is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it impacts multiple hormonal pathways to improve insulin sensitivity and suppresses appetite.
Mounjaro is typically administered once a week via subcutaneous injection. The dose is adjusted based on individual needs and the patient’s response to the medication, starting at 2.5mg and increasing over time. This drug was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but recent trials have shown that it can also significantly aid weight loss in people who are overweight or obese, even without diabetes.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is an approved prescription medication in the UK for weight loss, especially for adults who are obese or overweight with additional health risks such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. This approval aligns with guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural hormone responsible for regulating appetite. This hormone signals to the brain that the stomach is full, reducing food intake and supporting weight loss over time.
Wegovy is recommended by NICE for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or for those with a BMI of 28 and above if they have at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. It is prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Wegovy is administered weekly via injection and has gained popularity for its long-term effectiveness in weight management, especially in individuals with obesity-related conditions. It is a higher-dose version of the diabetes drug Ozempic, specifically tailored for chronic weight management.
Active Ingredients
The key difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro lies in their active ingredients. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This difference in mechanisms has a notable impact on how each medication helps with weight loss.
Mounjaro’s tirzepatide impacts both the GIP and GLP-1 pathways, improving insulin sensitivity and significantly reducing appetite. This dual-action mechanism makes Mounjaro effective for both type 2 diabetes and weight management, as it is licensed for these uses in the UK.
In contrast, Wegovy’s semaglutide for weight loss primarily focuses on appetite suppression through the GLP-1 receptor, signalling the brain to reduce food intake. This has also been shown to lead to substantial weight loss but through a more specific hormonal pathway.
Side Effects
Both medications have similar common side effects, particularly gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation, especially during the early stages of treatment. In most cases, these symptoms lessen over time as the body adjusts to the medication. However, there are more serious risks associated with both drugs, including pancreatitis and potential gallbladder issues. Users need to consult a healthcare provider regularly and monitor any severe symptoms.
Cost Comparison
The cost of both Mounjaro and Wegovy can be significant, particularly without any financial assistance programs. In the UK, our Mounjaro pricing generally ranges between £128.99 and £209.99 per month. As with many prescription medications, actual costs may vary across the country depending on dosage and provider.
On the other hand, Wegovy through ourselves here at WePrescribe is typically priced between £114.99 and £259.99 per month, although prices may vary depending on the provider when purchased privately. Both medications are available through private prescriptions in the UK, but there have been availability shortages for Wegovy due to high demand. Individuals considering these medications should factor in the ongoing costs, as they are typically intended for long-term use rather than short-term weight loss solutions.
Effectiveness in Weight Loss
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy have shown remarkable effectiveness in clinical trials for helping patients lose weight.
In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, patients taking Mounjaro experienced an average weight loss of 16% to 22.5% over 72 weeks, depending on the dosage. These impressive results make it a compelling option for both weight management and diabetes control. In comparison, the STEP trials for Wegovy demonstrated that patients lost up to 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.
While both medications are effective, Mounjaro’s dual action on both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors may provide an edge in terms of overall weight reduction for those with type 2 diabetes or more complex weight management needs. However, Wegovy, with its targeted action on GLP-1 receptors, remains a robust option for long-term weight loss management, particularly in individuals who are primarily focused on addressing obesity.
Uses
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are approved for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with additional health risks.
Designed for long-term use, each medication has shown effectiveness when combined with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Wegovy is subject to NICE guidelines, which recommend treatment for up to two years and requires regular patient monitoring. Treatment with Wegovy should be reassessed if the patient does not lose at least 5% of their initial body weight within the first six months.
Similarly, Mounjaro provides an option licensed for weight management, with its unique dual-action also supporting patients with type 2 diabetes.
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are accessible via private prescription in the UK, though some availability issues may still arise due to high demand. Individuals considering these medications should discuss availability with their healthcare provider.
In comparing Wegovy and Mounjaro for weight loss, both medications offer valuable options for supporting individuals in managing their weight. Mounjaro’s dual action on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors is particularly beneficial for individuals managing both weight and type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy focuses on long-term weight loss through GLP-1 receptor action. Both are effective, licensed weight loss treatments, with differences in active ingredients and mechanisms that may suit individual needs. Before beginning any weight loss medication, consulting a healthcare provider can help determine the most suitable option based on personal health goals.
Before starting any prescription weight loss medication, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine which option is best suited to your individual needs.
With proper guidance, both Wegovy and Mounjaro can be effective tools for healthier weight management.
