Struggling with weight management? Navigating through numerous treatments can seem like a daunting marathon. Our latest article focuses on two innovative weight loss solutions, Mounjaro and Wegovy, specifically designed GLP-1 medications. We'll provide the knowledge you need to decide if one of these could be your long-awaited answer to sustainable weight management. Are you ready to take control of your metabolic health? Read on.
Summary: Mounjaro and Wegovy are both weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist injections for weight loss, but they vary in their actions, with Mounjaro being a dual receptor agonist, and Wegovy also approved for reducing cardiovascular risk.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are two of the most widely discussed prescription medications for weight loss. Both are weekly injections that belong to a class of medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help regulate appetite and digestion. However, they are produced by different pharmaceutical companies and have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Wegovy is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It is licensed in the UK for adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or above), or overweight adults (BMI of 27 or above) who also have a weight-related health condition. Wegovy is notable because, beyond weight loss, it is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in people with established heart disease.
Mounjaro, developed by Eli Lilly, contains tirzepatide. Like Wegovy, it is given once a week as a subcutaneous injection and is used to support weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight who meet eligibility criteria. Unlike Wegovy, Mounjaro is a dual receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the activity of two hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. This dual mechanism is thought to enhance appetite suppression and improve blood sugar regulation, which has made it a strong contender in the field of obesity treatment.
Both treatments are prescribed as part of a broader programme that includes lifestyle support such as nutrition, physical activity, and behavioural changes. They are not stand-alone solutions but tools designed to support patients in achieving meaningful and sustainable weight loss.
Although Mounjaro and Wegovy are often discussed together, their mechanisms of action are not identical. Both medications work by mimicking natural gut hormones that regulate appetite, but the way they interact with the body’s receptors sets them apart.
Wegovy (semaglutide) works solely as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. The GLP-1 hormone is released naturally after meals and sends signals to the brain that promote fullness, slow down gastric emptying, and help regulate blood sugar levels. By amplifying these signals, Wegovy reduces hunger, curbs cravings, and makes it easier for patients to stick to a lower-calorie diet.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide), on the other hand, is a dual receptor agonist. It activates both GLP-1 receptors and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. The addition of GIP action may provide extra benefits in appetite control and metabolic health. GIP is another hormone involved in insulin release and glucose regulation, so targeting both pathways could create a stronger effect on satiety and blood sugar management compared to GLP-1 alone.
In practical terms, this means that while both treatments help patients feel fuller for longer and eat less, Mounjaro’s dual-hormone approach has been linked in clinical trials to slightly higher average weight loss outcomes. However, Wegovy remains highly effective and is currently the only one of the two approved for reducing cardiovascular risk, which makes its mechanism particularly valuable for people with existing heart conditions.
Both medications are injected once a week under the skin, usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. They follow gradual dose escalation schedules to help the body adapt and minimise side effects. The choice between them often depends on an individual’s medical history, treatment goals, and how their body responds to the different hormone pathways targeted by these drugs.
When it comes to effectiveness, both Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) have demonstrated impressive results in clinical trials. The available evidence suggests that both medications can help patients lose a significant proportion of their body weight when combined with lifestyle support such as diet and exercise.
Wegovy (semaglutide): In the STEP UP trial, adults treated with the highest tested dose of Wegovy (7.2 mg) achieved an average weight loss of 20.7% of their body weight over 72 weeks. About one in three participants lost 25% or more, highlighting how powerful Wegovy can be when taken consistently. Earlier studies using the 2.4 mg dose reported slightly lower results, with average weight loss around 17.5%, which shows how newer higher doses are narrowing the gap between Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Beyond weight reduction, Wegovy has an additional advantage: it is the first medication of its kind with proven cardiovascular benefits. In the SELECT trial, semaglutide 2.4 mg reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) – such as heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death – by 20% compared to placebo. This makes Wegovy an especially strong choice for people who have obesity alongside established heart disease.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide): In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults on the highest dose of Mounjaro (15 mg) lost up to 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks. These outcomes made Mounjaro one of the most effective medications ever studied for weight loss. While Mounjaro does not yet have official approval for cardiovascular protection, an ongoing trial (SURPASS-CVOT) is investigating whether tirzepatide offers similar benefits in reducing heart risk.
Comparing results: At face value, Mounjaro’s maximum dose has delivered slightly greater weight loss than Wegovy’s 7.2 mg dose. However, the difference is now much smaller than it was when Wegovy was limited to 2.4 mg. Importantly, both medications deliver double-digit weight loss averages, far beyond what has historically been possible with other treatments. Which option is better depends on more than just the numbers – cardiovascular benefits, side effect profiles, and individual response also play an important role.
When comparing Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), it’s important to look beyond weight loss outcomes and consider tolerability, safety, and affordability. These factors often shape whether a treatment is sustainable in the long term.
Side effects: Both medications share a very similar side effect profile, largely because they influence digestion and appetite. The most common reactions include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, bloating, and indigestion. These effects are usually mild to moderate and most noticeable during the first weeks of treatment or after a dose increase. In clinical trials, about 5.4% of patients discontinued Wegovy at the highest 7.2 mg dose due to side effects, compared with 6.2% of participants on Mounjaro 15 mg. This shows that while gastrointestinal issues are common, most patients are able to continue treatment successfully with dose adjustments or supportive care.
Safety: Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are considered safe when prescribed appropriately and monitored by a healthcare professional. However, neither is suitable for everyone. They are not recommended for people with a history of certain conditions such as pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease, or specific thyroid cancers. They are also not appropriate during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or when planning to conceive. Wegovy currently carries the additional benefit of proven cardiovascular protection, which may make it the preferred choice for individuals with obesity who already face high cardiovascular risk.
Cost: Pricing can vary significantly depending on provider and treatment plans. In the UK, Wegovy is generally available at a lower entry price compared with Mounjaro.
Eligibility: Both medications are approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above if another weight-related condition (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea) is present. A healthcare provider will also review overall medical history, tolerance, and treatment goals before recommending one option over the other.
In summary, while both Mounjaro and Wegovy have similar side effect profiles and are effective, Wegovy is currently more cost-accessible and offers added cardiovascular protection. Mounjaro may provide slightly greater weight loss at the highest dose, but cost and long-term approvals are still evolving.
Deciding between Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) depends on more than just the percentage of weight lost in clinical trials. Both treatments are effective, but the best choice comes down to your health profile, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
When Wegovy may be the better option:
You are looking for a lower-cost entry point, as Wegovy is generally priced below Mounjaro in the UK.
You prefer a treatment with an established long-term safety record, as semaglutide has been available for longer and studied extensively.
When Mounjaro may be the better option:
Factors both medications share: Both are weekly injections, both require gradual dose escalation, and both can cause gastrointestinal side effects that usually improve over time. Neither should be seen as a stand-alone fix — the best outcomes come when these treatments are combined with lifestyle changes such as nutrition improvements, increased physical activity, and long-term behaviour support.
Ultimately, the decision between Mounjaro and Wegovy should be made with a healthcare provider who can take into account your medical history, treatment response, and personal preferences. For some patients, cardiovascular protection makes Wegovy the clear choice, while for others, the possibility of slightly greater weight loss with Mounjaro may be more appealing. The key is to find the option that balances effectiveness, safety, cost, and long-term sustainability for you.
Mounjaro and Wegovy are both types of GLP-1 medications used to aid in weight loss. However, they work slightly differently. Mounjaro slowly builds up in the system, curbing appetite over time, whereas Wegovy imitates the natural GLP-1 hormone in our bodies, providing a more immediate control over appetite.
While both Mounjaro and Wegovy aim to help manage body weight, their approaches and results can differ. Mounjaro works gradually, with users possibly noticing a curb in their appetite after continuous usage. On the other hand, Wegovy's impact is generally more immediate, with users likely observing some control over their appetite shortly after starting the treatment.
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. They are considered safe when used under professional guidance. Mounjaro is generally more affordable while Wegovy may be more costly. However, cost should not be the only deciding factor, and individual health conditions, tolerance for potential side effects, physician's recommendation, and financial capacity should all be considered.
The health-related content published on this site is based on credible scientific sources and is periodically reviewed to ensure accuracy and relevance. Although we aim to reflect the most current medical knowledge, the material is meant for general education and awareness only.
The information on this site is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For any health concerns, please speak with a qualified medical professional. By using this information, you acknowledge responsibility for any decisions made and understand we are not liable for any consequences that may result.
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