Wegovy Or Mounjaro: Which One Is Right For Me?

There are two drugs making waves in the news due to their ability to help with weightloss: Wegovy and Mounjaro. Both are designed to help people shed pounds, but how do you know which one is right for you? In this article we will compare both of the medications so we can see if there are any differences and if so what the differences are.

What Are Wegovy and Mounjaro?

Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both injectable medications used to help with weight loss. Both target specific hormones that regulate appetite and food intake, but they act in slightly different ways.

• Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, slows down digestion, and reduces appetite, leading to fewer calories consumed.
• Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it targets two hormones involved in blood sugar control and appetite. This dual action gives Mounjaro a unique edge in potentially boosting weight loss.

How Effective Are They?

Both medications have shown impressive results in clinical trials, but they differ slightly in how much weight you can expect to lose.

• Wegovy: On average, people taking Wegovy can lose about 15% of their body weight over a 68-week period. It’s been widely praised for its effectiveness in helping those with obesity or weight-related health problems.
• Mounjaro: Mounjaro tends to lead to even greater weight loss—up to 20% of body weight in some studies. Its dual action seems to enhance its ability to help people lose more weight over a similar timeframe.

As you can see from the results Mounjaro is expected to give better results than Wegovy, although Wegovy is still a very effective option for weight loss.

Wegovy Clinical Trials

In clinical trials, Wegovy (semaglutide) demonstrated significant weight loss benefits for adults with obesity or overweight individuals with weight-related health conditions. Participants lost, on average, 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. The STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) trials highlighted Wegovy's ability to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. Most participants reported mild to moderate side effects such as nausea and diarrhea, with serious side effects, like pancreatitis, being rare.

Mounjaro Clinical Trials

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) outperformed many other weight loss medications in clinical trials, with participants losing up to 20% of their body weight over a similar 68-week period. The SURPASS trials examined its dual-action mechanism, targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which resulted in greater appetite suppression and improved glucose regulation. Side effects were similar to those of other GLP-1 medications, including nausea and digestive issues, though some experienced them more intensely due to the dual-action nature of the drug.

Side Effects to Consider

No medication is without side effects, and both Wegovy and Mounjaro can also cause side effects. The good news is that most side effects are mild and manageable.

Wegovy: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These are more likely to occur when you first start the medication, as your body adjusts to the changes in appetite and digestion. Mounjaro: The side effects for Mounjaro are similar—nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. However, because it affects two hormones, some people may experience more intense symptoms.

Both medications can also cause more serious side effects like pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, or low blood sugar, especially if combined with other medications for diabetes. If you experience any of these, contact your doctor immediately.

How Are They Taken?

Wegovy and Mounjaro are both injected once weekly subcutaneously (into the fatty tissue beneath the skin). You will start with the lower doses of the medication and titrate up assuming you experience no side effects.

For most people, both options are easy to use and fit well into a weekly routine. But, as always, make sure you’re comfortable with the injection process, and ask your healthcare provider for help if needed.

Who Should Consider Wegovy or Mounjaro?

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are intended for adults who are either:

• Obese (with a BMI of 30 or higher)
• Overweight (with a BMI of 27 or higher) and have at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes

However, there are some groups who should avoid these medications:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Weight loss during pregnancy can harm the baby.
• People with a history of medullary thyroid cancer: Both medications carry a warning for those with a family history of certain types of thyroid cancer.
• Individuals with pancreatitis: Since these drugs can affect the pancreas, those with a history of pancreatitis should avoid them.

Your healthcare provider can help you determine if you’re a good candidate based on your health history.

Wegovy vs. Mounjaro: Cost

They both have very similar costs with Wegovy starting at £159.99 a pen and Mounjaro being the same. However as you titrate up Mounjaro will likely become cheaper than Wegovy, depending on your provider.

Alternatives to Wegovy and Mounjaro

If Wegovy or Mounjaro isn’t right for you, there are other weight loss options:

• Other GLP-1 agonists: Medications like Saxenda (liraglutide) work similarly to Wegovy but are taken daily instead of weekly.
• Oral medications: Orlistat (Alli, Xenical) is a pill that blocks fat absorption but can cause gastrointestinal side effects.
• Lifestyle changes: Always the foundation of weight loss—regular exercise, a balanced diet, and behavior changes are essential, whether you’re on medication or not.

Conclusion: Which One Is Right for You?

Wegovy and Mounjaro are both effective weight loss treatments, and the choice largely comes down to how well you tolerate the medication. As Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist we would usually suggest people start with it and they cannot tolerate the side effects, they can then try Wegovy.
If you decide to proceed with your weight loss goals we can help you to see which option aligns best with your weight loss journey, just book an appointment with us. Both medications can provide real results, but remember—sustainable weight loss always includes healthy lifestyle changes alongside any medication.

Sources

Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management
Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it safe to use Mounjaro or wegovy-pen long-term?
The long-term effects of these medications are still being studied, but some known risks include:
Gastrointestinal issues: Prolonged nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur, especially in those sensitive to GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Pancreatitis: Although rare, there is a potential risk of developing inflammation of the pancreas.
Thyroid tumors: Animal studies showed a potential link between semaglutide and thyroid tumors, though this hasn’t been proven in humans. Caution is advised for those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Kidney function: In rare cases, dehydration from persistent vomiting or diarrhea may lead to kidney issues.

2. Can I swap from Wegovy to Mounjaro?
Yes, you can swap from Wegovy to Mounjaro or vice versa, stop taking Wegovy when your last pen is finished. You may stop straight away if you’re switching due to side effects and don’t want to finish your medication. You’ll then need to wait at least 5 weeks before starting Mounjaro. Book with us to discuss any other questions you have about swapping from Wegovy to Mounjaro.