What Are Wegovy and Mounjaro?

Traditional weight loss advice focuses on making two key lifestyle changes to see results: moving more and eating less. However, many people (especially women in menopause and those navigating conditions including PCOS) find that these efforts alone don't see results. If that sounds familiar to you, managing unwanted weight gain isn't impossible thanks to the latest innovation in healthcare.

In the rapidly evolving world of weight management medication, 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, which are licensed to treat obesity, 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. If you're considering your options, learn more about Wegovy and Mounjaro, both of which are part of the weight management programme at HANX.

What are Wegovy and Mounjaro?

• Wegovy is the brand name for a semaglutide medication. 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 a once-weekly injection in your upper arm, thigh or stomach. 

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is the brand name for a GLP-1/GIP receptor medication 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 helps to reduce blood sugar levels. It is also administerede via a weekly injection in your upper arm, thigh or stomach.
  
  

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are designed to reduce your appetite by mimicking a gut hormone called GLP-1. Usually, this is released when you've eaten a snack or meal, and can slow down how quickly you're digesting your food. When you take GLP-1 medication, you feel full for longer than usual, which can help stop you snacking or overating.

Do Mounjaro and Wegovy Really Help With Weight Loss?  

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. 

What Side Effects Can I Expect with Mounjaro or Wegovy?

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

Most of these side effects are mild, easy to manage at home and are temporary whilst your body gets used to the medication. Find out more about Wegovy and Mounjaro side effects here.

So, Which GLP-1 Medication is Right for You?

Both medications work similarly in that they are both a weekly subcutaneous (beneath the skin) injection and share many of the same side effects. However, they have different titration schedules. Titration is the process of gradually adjusting the dosage of a medication over time to allow your body to adapt to the drug. With GLP-1 medication, this is an important step as it reduced the likelihood and severity of potential side effects, while working towards the most effective dose to support weight loss. For this reason, pricing of Mounjaro and Wegovy increases as you progress along your journey,  until your reach your maintenance dose, due to the stronger dose of medication being taken.

When you submit a digital consultation for the weight management programme at HANX, a prescribing pharmacist will review your health history. If they deem the medication to be safe and effective for you, they will prescribe Wegovy or Mounjaro taking into account your goals and preference of medication. 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 also shown to be more effective in clinical trials to date, but as a groundbreaking medication, this is just the start of studies into the additional potential benefits, such as treating PCOS symptoms.

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.

How Much Does Mounjaro and Wegovy Cost?

Every officially licensed medical provider has its own pricing structure. On the weight management programme at HANX, our transparent pricing structure ensures you know exactly what you're paying each month, with no hidden fees or surprises. To find out the costs for Wegovy or Mounjaro, find our pricing structure here.

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 consultation.