Wegovy vs Mounjaro: Which Is The Right Weight Management Medication For Me?

If, like Barbara Streisland, you assume everyone you know is using Hollywood’s favourite weight loss drugs, have we got news for you. In the rapidly evolving world of weight management medications, two injectable drugs have taken centre stage in the UK: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide). Both are in the same class of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, but they have some key differences in their makeup and performance.

For those of us looking for a long-term accompaniment to a balanced diet and increased exercise to help reach our wellness goals, manage obesity or health conditions, weight management medication can be a real support along the way… but what’s the difference between the them? Here's a head-to-head comparison of Wegovy and Mounjaro, both of which are part of the weight management programme at HANX.

The Basics

• Wegovy (semaglutide): An analog of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, Wegovy was first launched in the UK in Sep 2023 specifically for chronic weight management. It's administered via once-weekly subcutaneous injection.

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): This dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist was launched in the UK in Feb 2024 to support weight loss. It combines mimicking GLP-1 with another metabolic hormone called GIP and requires once-weekly injection.

Weight Loss Efficacy  

In clinical trials, both medications demonstrated impressive weight loss results compared to placebo when combined with diet and exercise:

• Wegovy: Patients lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
• Mounjaro: Average weight loss was around 15-20% over the same timeframe.

While Mounjaro edges ahead slightly on weight loss percentage, the trials were conducted in different patient populations, so a head-to-head comparison is lacking. 

Side Effect Profiles

Weight management medication, like any medication, can potentially cause side effects which range from uncomfortable to requiring urgent care. Because they work similarly by mimicking GLP-1 hormones, Wegovy and Mounjaro share some common potential side effects like:

- Nausea

- Vomiting  

- Diarrhoea

- Constipation

- Appetite suppression

So, Which One is Right for You?

Both medications work similarly in that they are both a weekly subcutaneous injection with a similar mechanism of function and share many of the same side effects. However, they have different titration schedules as Mounjaro offers 3 maintenance doses (5mg, 10mg, 15mg) as opposed to Wegovy’s 2.4mg giving patients more choice to customise their weight loss rates. Mounjaro has shown to be more effective in clinical trials, but it is a new medicine on the UK market (it’s just the start of studies into the additional potential benefits of these medications!). 

As with any medication, side effects and individual tolerance will vary, and close medical supervision is required regardless of which drug you choose.

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro represent major advancements in long-term weight management when combined with healthy lifestyle efforts. But every patient's circumstances are unique, so have an open discussion with your prescriber about weighing the potential benefits and risks of each option.

Want more?

• Weight management treatments aren’t an ‘easy option’. Learn all about the potential side effects here.
• 50% of women experience menopausal weight gain - here’s why.
• Find out all about HANX’s weight management programme and start your assessment.