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How Do Mounjaro And Wegovy Compare For Weight Loss?
Scott McDougall
MPharm GPhC 2079324
Director & Registered Manager
Over the past few years, prescription-only weight loss injections, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, have become incredibly popular. In the US, around one in eight adults have tried a weight loss injection, while in the UK, around 500,000 people are now taking either Wegovy or Mounjaro.
The main reason that these types of medications have grown so much in popularity is that they’re effective, especially when used alongside lifestyle changes such as improved diet and increased levels of exercise. While weight loss injections may not work for everyone, a lot of people who use Wegovy or Mounjaro will see a reduction in their weight within a few months of starting treatment.
If you’re considering using weight loss medication, looking at Mounjaro vs Wegovy could help. Take a look at our weight loss injections comparison to learn about the key differences between Wegovy and Mounjaro and decide which option may be right for you.
Key Takeaway 1
Mounjaro and Wegovy work differently but both help manage weight
Key Takeaway 2
Both medications require lifestyle changes and ongoing medical supervision
Key Takeaway 3
Cost and availability vary between the two options
Mounjaro Weight Loss Injections
Mounjaro is a prescription-only weight loss medication that’s designed to reduce your appetite and help you to feel fuller for longer.
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Includes free delivery & prescription
What Are Mounjaro And Wegovy?
Mounjaro and Wegovy are both weight loss medications that work by making you feel less hungry. This may help you to eat less food and could mean you eat fewer calories - something that’s essential for weight loss. Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are taken as a weekly injection.
While Mounjaro and Wegovy weight loss injections work in broadly the same way, they have different active ingredients. The active ingredient in Mounjaro is Tirzepatide, while the active ingredient in Wegovy is Semaglutide.
Mounjaro was first approved in the UK to treat type II diabetes. In December 2024, it was also approved for treating obesity. Wegovy is approved to treat obesity and to help those with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes to manage their weight.
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are only available on prescription.
Wegovy Weight Loss Injections
Wegovy is a specially formulated medication that’s clinically proven to aid weight loss. Taken as a weekly injection, it could help to control your appetite and prevent you eating more than you need to.
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Includes free delivery & prescription
How Do These Weight Loss Injections Work?
Mounjaro and Wegovy work by triggering receptors in your brain that tell you you’re full. This should mean that you eat less, and may also make foods that are high in fat and sugar less tempting.
Essentially, Wegovy and Mounjaro help you to lose weight by shrinking your appetite. They may also make you feel fuller for longer by slowing the passage of food through your digestive system.
Mounjaro triggers two receptors in your brain. These are known as the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Wegovy only works on the GLP-1 receptor. Since Mounjaro triggers two key receptors, it may be slightly more effective at controlling your appetite and therefore could help you to lose more weight.
You can learn more about these medications by taking a look at our weight loss guides.
Comparing Weight Loss Results
If you’re thinking about starting treatment with Wegovy or Mounjaro, you’ll probably be curious to learn how much weight loss you can expect to see with either medication as this may be a factor in which you choose.
Studies indicate that Mounjaro may be slightly more effective than Wegovy. Those using Mounjaro lost an average of 22.5% of their starting body weight after 72 weeks. While those using Wegovy lost an average of 15% of their starting weight after 68 weeks.
However, Wegovy may get to work slightly faster. People who use Wegovy could lose up to 5% of their body weight within the first four weeks. This compares to around 4% for those using Mounjaro.
Both medications require long term use to maintain weight loss results. If you use Wegovy, you’ll need to take a maintenance dose of 1.7mg or 2.4mg every week. If you use Mounjaro, your doctor will decide on the most appropriate maintenance dose for you. It’s normal to start at the lowest dose and gradually increase until you find the dose that works best for you.
| Mounjaro | Wegovy | |
|---|---|---|
| Average weight loss | Up to 22.5% of starting weight after 72 weeks | Up to 15% of starting weight after 68 weeks |
| Average time to see results | Could lose up to 4% within the first month | Could lose up to 5% within the first month |
| Maximum reported weight loss | 25% of starting body weight after 52 weeks | 20% of starting body weight after 68 weeks |
| Maintenance requirements | 5mg, 10mg or 15mg weekly dose | 1.7mg or 2.4mg weekly dose |
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NHS Availability And Private Prescriptions
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy have been approved by the NHS to treat obesity. However, availability is very limited and, in order to get either medication, you need to meet strict eligibility criteria.
For Mounjaro, priority is given to people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more (classed as obese) and who have type II diabetes. There are plans in place to increase the availability of Mounjaro, though the roll-out could take up to 12 years.
To get Wegovy on the NHS, you’ll need to have a BMI of 27 or more (classed as overweight or obese). Priority is given to people who have weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or high cholesterol.
In both cases, your GP will need to refer you to specialist weight management services before you can get a prescription.
Wegovy and Mounjaro are also available through private prescriptions from licensed pharmacies. Going private may allow you to access the medication you need quickly.
You’ll still need to complete a consultation with a doctor before you can access the treatment. This assessment can be completed online and is quick and easy.
Make sure you choose a trusted pharmacy that’s licensed and regulated in the UK.
To find out more about private prescriptions, click here.
Cost Comparison Between Mounjaro And Wegovy
Cost is an important consideration for anyone starting private treatment with Wegovy or Mounjaro. The cost of Wegovy is currently around £149 to £249 per month depending on the strength of the dose you require. The cost of Mounjaro is slightly lower at £148.99 to £199 per month.
The price of Mounjaro and Wegovy could change over time. The cost of your treatment will also increase as the strength of your weekly dose goes up.
| Wegovy | Mounjaro |
|---|---|
| £149 to £249 per month | £148.99 to £199 per month |
Side Effects And Safety Information
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy may cause some side effects. In most cases, these will be mild and may ease as your body adjusts to the medication.
When starting on Mounjaro or Wegovy, you may experience nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation or abdominal pain. You may also notice some heartburn, dizziness and bloating.
Choosing Between Mounjaro And Wegovy
During your consultation, your doctor will take a number of factors into account when deciding which is the best option for you. These include your:
- personal health
- lifestyle
- medical history
- previous weight loss attempts
It’s also important to consider the cost of Mounjaro and Wegovy. There’s a chance you’ll be on your chosen medication long-term, so it’s important you factor in your budget when comparing your options.
As both Mounjaro and Wegovy are prescription-only medications, you’ll need to have a consultation with a doctor before you can access them. This will give you the opportunity to discuss your options and find the weight loss treatment that’s right for you.
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Making The Transition Between Medications
Although Mounjaro and Wegovy are similar, they’re not exactly the same, and it’s possible that one medication may work better for you than the other.
If you’ve started on Mounjaro or Wegovy and want to switch, you’ll need to speak to a clinician first. It’s essential that you have medical supervision during your transition to ensure the process is safe.
In most cases, your clinician will ask you to leave five to six weeks between your final dose of one medication and your first dose of the other. This is known as the ‘washout period’. The washout period may not always be necessary, though it could help to minimise side effects.
Always speak to a doctor before changing between Wegovy, Mounjaro or any other weight loss medication.
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.
Real Patient Experience
Hearing the real-life experiences of other people could help you get a better idea of what to expect during your treatment and may make it easier to decide which weight loss injection is right for you.
According to the reviews on our website, the majority of people are happy with their use of either Mounjaro or Wegovy. Overall, Mounjaro gets a score of 4.7 out of 5, while Wegovy is given a slightly lower score of 4.48.
Most people leaving reviews say that they experience very mild side effects, and some haven’t had any adverse symptoms at all. Most people seem to find the self-injection process easy, and quickly get used to administering the medication themselves.
On the whole, people using Mounjaro and Wegovy feel like they see satisfactory weight loss results and aren’t put off by any side effects they experience.
Mounjaro and Wegovy are both effective weight loss medications. When used alongside an improved diet and increased levels of exercise, they have been shown to help people lose weight and improve overall health.
If you’re ready to take the next step on your weight loss journey, and feel Mounjaro or Wegovy may be right for you, we’re here to help. A free consultation takes only three minutes and will give our medical team the information they need to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Sources:
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/wegovy
https://www.webmd.com/obesity/mounjaro-ozempic-wegovy-zepbound-difference
https://news.gallup.com/poll/644861/injectable-weight-loss-drugs-uses-work.aspx
https://www.wegovy.com/about-wegovy/managing-weight-with-wegovy.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-mounjaro-peak-time#dosage-for-weight-loss
https://www.numan.com/weight-loss/medication/switching-between-mounjaro-and-wegovy-how-it-works
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Written by Daniel Hurley
MPharm
2079324
Director & Registered Manager
Scott is one of the two founders of The Independent Pharmacy. He is a registered pharmacist and the registered manager of our service with the CQC.
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.