Scott Weaver
Updated at: November 26, 2024 · 8 min read
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Comparing the Weight Loss Injections
In the United Kingdom, obesity is a common health concern affecting individuals of all ages. In this article, we will provide a comparison of two weight loss medications: Mounjaro and Wegovy. Both treatments offer promising results for people struggling with excess weight, but understanding their differences in terms of active ingredients, how they work, dosing schedules, effectiveness, side effects, potential costs, and more is essential for making informed decisions about weight management. These factors are what this article will answer.
How prevalent is obesity in the UK in 2024?
As of February the 2nd 2024, obesity remains a significant health concern in the United Kingdom. According to updated government statistics, over one in four (26%) adults and 23.4% of children aged 10-11 years in England are obese. This prevalence not only poses health risks for these individuals (obesity is the second largest cause of cancer) but also places pressure on the health and care system. In terms of finances, obesity costs the NHS approximately £6.5 billion annually.
Which weight loss injections are available to treat weight loss in the UK?
Weight loss medications are relatively new in the world of healthcare. In recent years, the popularity of weight loss medications has skyrocketed when celebrities and social media influences have shared their experiences with them. In the UK, the three most common weight loss medications are:
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
These medications all have similarities but also have differences. There are other medications, such as Ozempic, that are registered for weight loss in some countries, however, Ozempic is only used for type 2 diabetes in the UK.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a prescription medication used primarily for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight management in adults. Mounjaro has been authorised for use in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for weight management in adults with obesity or adults who are overweight and have weight-related health problems.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription medication used for weight management in adults. Wegovy has been approved for use in the UK as a treatment option for individuals with obesity or excess weight, particularly those with weight-related health conditions and is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company.
Active Ingredients
What is the active ingredient in Mounjaro?
The active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is a licensed medication for treating type 2 diabetes as well as helping to aid weight loss, according to the European Medicines Agency.
What is the active ingredient in Wegovy?
The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, according to the European Medicines Agency. Semaglutide is a well-known medication that is licensed to treat type 2 diabetes and in certain medications like Wegovy, weight loss.
How do they work?
How does Mounjaro work?
Mounjaro takes a multifaceted approach to helping people to lose weight. The active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide. According to Lilly, the three ways the medication works are:
Enhancing insulin secretion: Mounjaro enhances insulin secretion, facilitating the uptake of glucose by cells for energy production. This helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevents spikes after meals.
Improving insulin sensitivity: By improving insulin sensitivity, Mounjaro enables cells to respond more effectively to insulin, allowing for better glucose uptake and utilisation throughout the body.
Decreasing food intake: Mounjaro has the additional benefit of decreasing food intake. By reducing appetite and food cravings, it helps individuals consume fewer calories, leading to weight loss over time.
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy, containing the active substance semaglutide, operates as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in the body. Semaglutide regulates appetite by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing food intake, hunger, and cravings (EMA, 2023).
Dosing Schedule
What is the typical dosing schedule for Mounjaro?
The typical dosing schedule for Mounjaro for weight management usually starts with a dosage of 2.5 milligrams (mg) once a week for the initial 4 weeks. Following this initial period, your doctor may adjust the dosage, typically by increasing it by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks, according to Healthline.
What is the typical dosing schedule for Wegovy?
The typical dosing schedule for Wegovy involves a gradual process to reach the optimal maintenance dose. According to the Wegovy website, the starting dose is usually 0.25 milligrams (mg) once a week. Over the course of treatment, typically every four weeks, your healthcare provider will gradually increase your dose.
Effectiveness
Do you lose more weight on Wegovy or Mounjaro?
It is important to note that both Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have demonstrated effectiveness in promoting weight loss in clinical trials (Brewer & Marshall, 2023).
In clinical trials, participants who received semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) were more likely to lose weight compared to those who received a placebo.
Participants treated with semaglutide were more likely to lose 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, and 20% or more of their baseline body weight by week 68 of the study (Wilding et al, 2021). Mounjaro has also provided positive results for participants in similar trials of Mounjaro. In one trial, participants using tirzepatide saw at least a 25% reduction in body weight over an 88 week period of use (Aronne et al, 2023).
Weight loss results from clinical studies
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): A clinical trial showed participants lost an average of 21% of their body weight over 72 weeks.
Wegovy (Semaglutide): A separate study found an average weight loss of 15% over 68 weeks.
While these figures suggest that Mounjaro may offer more significant results, direct comparisons between the two drugs are limited.
What’s next?
The SURMOUNT-5 Trial, involving 700 participants globally, is currently underway. This study will directly compare the effectiveness of Mounjaro and Wegovy, providing clearer insights when the results are released.
Why this matters to UK patients
For those in the UK exploring weight loss treatments, understanding the potential of each drug can help in discussions with healthcare providers. Always consult your GP or specialist to determine which option is best for your needs.
How effective is Mounjaro for weight loss?
Based on research, Mounjaro has demonstrated effectiveness in promoting weight loss when used in combination with a healthy lifestyle. On average, individuals can expect to achieve a total body weight loss of approximately 20% over a period of a little over a year while taking Mounjaro, according to Amanda Velazquez, MD.
How effective is Wegovy for weight loss?
Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy, when used alongside dietary modifications, increased physical activity, and behavioural support, can lead to significant weight loss outcomes. On average, individuals using Wegovy have achieved up to a 15% reduction in body weight after one year of treatment according to the Department of Health and Social Care.
Side Effects
What side effects can Mounjaro have?
As with all other medications, some people may experience side effects when they are using Mounjaro. Some side effects are more common than others. The most common side effects of Mounjaro include (Sutherby & Brewer, 2023):
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Constipation
What side effects can Wegovy have?
Like Mounjaro, Wegovy can also cause some people to experience side effects. The most common side effects of Wegovy usage are (Bruce & Seabright, 2023):
Headache
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
With both medications, it is important to keep an eye on any side effects you experience. If you have any concerns when using either medication it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider for further advice.
Cost
How much does Mounjaro cost?
As Mounjaro is a relatively new medication in the United Kingdom, the price will vary. When looking at different outlets, you will be spending between £200 and £250 for one pen, with the price varying on the strength you purchase. This does not include prescription fees and delivery fees.
How much does Wegovy cost?
Wegovy is easier to access as it has been around on the market for longer, although still not very long. You can purchase Wegovy from UK Meds. At UK Meds, our Wegovy prices for 1 pen are*:
0.25mg - £188.59
0.5mg - £209.09
1mg - £219.34
1.7mg - £271.62
2.4mg - £355.67
*Please note that prices mentioned are subject to change and were correct at the time of writing.
Key Takeaways
The main things that you can take away from this article are:
Obesity is very common in the United Kingdom.
Mounjaro and Wegovy are weight loss medications.
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide as its active ingredient, whereas Wegovy contains semaglutide.
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro have dosing schedules that gradually increase.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that both medications are effective when used alongside a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise.
Both Wegoy and Mounjaro can cause side effects.
Here is a handy table that outlines Mounjaro vs Wegovy:
Factor | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
| Active Ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Most Common Side Effects |
|
|
| Cost* | £200+ | £183.99+ |
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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