The Independent Pharmacy

How is Mounjaro Different to Other Weight Loss Injections?

Andy Boysan
Andy Boysan
BPharm GPhC 2047716
Director & Superintendent Pharmacist

Mounjaro is one of the main weight loss injections currently on the market, and currently the most talked about. The other is called Wegovy. Both are designed to help you lose weight by reducing your appetite and making you feel fuller for longer. However, they both work in slightly different ways, and it’s important to understand these variations before deciding which medication to take.

To help you find the option that’s right for you, we’re taking a closer look at the main differences between Mounjaro and Wegovy.

Key Takeaways

1 | Mounjaro is often slightly cheaper than Wegovy

2 | Mounjaro may be more effective than other weight loss injections

3 | Mounjaro is more readily available (although not on the NHS)

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Is Mounjaro Cheaper Than Wegovy?

Cost is an important consideration when comparing weight loss injections. You’re likely to be on this medication long term, so it’s essential to choose an option that’s within your budget.

As you can see from the table, Mounjaro has a maximum cost of around £240 per month. This makes it slightly cheaper than Wegovy - which can cost up to £270 per month.

When purchasing Mounjaro or Wegovy, it’s essential to buy from a pharmacy that’s registered and licensed in the UK. Choosing a reputable supplier ensures the advice you get is accurate and the medication you receive is safe to use.

Is Mounjaro More Effective Than Other Weight Loss Injections?

Studies have shown that Mounjaro may be more effective at helping you lose weight than Wegovy.

This could be because tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, is able to activate two of the receptors in your brain that tell you you’re full. Semaglutide - the active ingredient in Wegovy on the other hand only activates one receptor, potentially making it less powerful.

In trials, Mounjaro users saw an average weight reduction of 18.4%, over the course of the 84-week study. While research on Wegovy found that by 68 weeks, patients had lost an average of 14.9% of their starting body weight.

You can find out more about Mounjaro and the way it works by taking a look at our Mounjaro guides.

Overweight person measuring stomach

Can Weight Loss Injections Be Used Long Term?

Weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy are designed to be used long term.

When you begin treatment with these medications, you’ll start on a low dose to minimise symptoms and give your body time to adjust. Your doctor will then slowly increase your dose until they find the level that’s right for you. You’ll stick at this dose, known as the maintenance dose, long term.

If you decide to stop Mounjaro or Wegovy, you may find your appetite begins to grow and you start to put on weight. Staying on a maintenance dose should help to control your appetite and make it easier to stick to your weight loss plan.

Mounjaro Weight Loss Injections
Mounjaro Weight Loss Injections
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Can I Swap Weight Loss Injections If One Doesn’t Work?

No weight loss injection produces instant results. It’s important to be patient, stick to your medication schedule and make significant lifestyle changes if you want to lose weight. Most people will only begin to see results after a few months of using weight loss medication.

If you feel your weight loss injections aren’t working for you, you’ll need to take a break before you can switch to another medication. It’s important that you don’t use these medications together. It’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider before switching between weight loss medications.

It is essential that you speak to a licensed medical professional before starting any weight loss medication. They can provide personalised, expert guidance, assess potential risks and ensure that your chosen treatment is safe and suitable for your health needs.

Wegovy and Mounjaro both help to control your appetite and could reduce your calorie intake. Mounjaro contains a different active ingredient to Wegovy. This could make it more powerful and help you achieve better weight loss results. And studies show that it’s better tolerated and generally more successful than Wegovy at helping people to lose and keep off excess weight.

If you want to learn more about weight loss medication, we can help. A quick and free consultation only takes three minutes and will help you take the first steps on your weight loss journey.

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Sources:

https://www.healthprem.com/articles/ozempic-and-weight-loss-alternatives#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20Ozempic%20prescriptions,sought%20after%20in%20the%20UK.

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/03/21/as-obesity-rates-rise-in-the-us-and-worldwide-new-weight-loss-drugs-surge-in-popularity/#:~:text=By%20the%20end%20of%202022,loss%20under%20the%20name%20Zepbound.

https://theconversation.com/mounjaro-is-more-effective-for-weight-loss-than-ozempic-so-how-does-it-work-and-why-does-it-cost-so-much-239185

lillys-zepboundr-tirzepatide-superior-wegovyr-semaglutide-head

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Andy Boysan

Authored by

Andy Boysan
Andy Boysan
BPharm
2047716
Director & Superintendent Pharmacist

Andy is a co-founder and the Superintendent Pharmacist and Director at The Independent Pharmacy.

Daniel Hurley

Reviewed by

Daniel Hurley
Daniel Hurley
MPharm IP
2078790
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.