What's The Difference Between Wegovy and Mounjaro?

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.

It can be a little confusing knowing which one might be right for your weight management journey. Both GLP-1 medications offer groundbreaking support that can help you lose weight when combined with lifestyle changes, but how do they compare? And more importantly, which one might be more suitable for you and your goals? Both feature on the new Weight Management Programme via HANX, so over to our in-house women’s health experts to breakdown how each treatment differs and one may be better suited to you than the other…

What are Wegovy and Mounjaro?

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are prescription medications designed to help your weight loss journey. They come as injections you give yourself once a week at home, and work to suppress your appetite, reduce cravings, and keep you fuller for longer. 

For many of us, we approach weight loss with the best of intentions but find that we’re thrown off course by the hard-to-beat urge to consume treats or snacks. These medications are proven* to diminish cravings or ‘food noise’ - making it easier for you to stick to your weight loss plan. 

How does Mounjaro Work?

Mounjaro is the brand name for the drug Tirzepatide, which works on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Mounjaro’s secret weapon is its active ingredient, Tirzepatide, which works on two key hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) that help control your appetite and blood sugar levels. Studies show that people using Mounjaro can lose up to 20% of their body weight* over about 17 months. 

How does Wegovy Work?

Wegovy is the brand name for the drug Semaglutide. Wegovy’s active ingredient, Semaglutide, focuses on just one appetite-controlling hormone (GLP-1). It’s super effective at reducing hunger and helping you eat less. On average, people lose up to 15% of their body weight after a year on Wegovy. 

Mounjaro VS Wegovy: Side by Side Comparison 

1. How much weight do you want to lose?

• If you’re aiming for more substantial weight loss, Mounjaro might be the better option. However it’s important to take all of your goals, and medical history into consideration when choosing either medication. Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are proven to be effective in resulting in weight loss.

2. Do you have any hormonal disorders that affect your weight?

• Studies have shown that patients with any insulin resistant disorders e.g. Diabetes, PCOS etc. have better outcomes with Mounjaro. Mounjaro could help with both weight loss and blood sugar control which are affected by certain hormonal disorders.

3. Are you looking for quick results?

• Unlike highly restrictive (and pseudoscientific) fad diets, GLP-1 medication is not a quick fix. Whichever medication you may be prescribed (if suitable), it should form part of a holistic focus on your weight, which centres around slow and steady, consistent, longterm progress. 

4. What will my prescribing pharmacist recommend?

• When you explore GLP-1 medication as part of a programme with a registered pharmacy, they will be able to assess your medical history to decide which medication is safest and most effective for you.

5. Are you at risk of cardiovascular issues (such as heart disease and stroke)?

• Both GLP-1 medications Mounjaro and Wegovy have been found to protect against cardiovascular risk factors. However, Wegovy is the only one licensed by the MHRA as a treatment for these problems. Recent studies show Wegovy patients have a 20% lower risk of death from heart and circulatory disease, heart attack or stroke.

6. Are you at risk of pregnancy?

• If you're currently taking an oral contraceptive such as the progesterone only or combined contraceptive pill, be aware that Mounjaro affects absorption of medications such as the pill. This  can reduce the effectiveness of your hormonal contraception, meaning you’ll have to use a barrier method, such as a condom, too. Conversely, Wegovy does not affect the effectiveness of the pill. 
  

As part of the consultation process on the Weight Management Programme at HANX, a prescribing pharmacist will always carefully assess your health history to determine if Mounjaro or Wegovy are safe and suitable for you. If you are deemed eligible, they will take into account your personal goals and health needs. 

How do you take GLP-1 medication? 

Both medications are pretty simple to use. They come as straight-forward, painless self-injections you give yourself once a week at home.  give you a step by step guide on how to inject the medication - it’s as easy as clicking a pen! 

You’ll start with a low dose and slowly work your way up over a few months (read more about titration, aka why your dose gradually increases, here). 

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 Do Mounjaro and Wegovy Cost?

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy vary in cost, depending on the dosage you’re at. Currently, the first month on the Weight Management Programme via HANX costs £140 (this may change in the future in line with rising medication costs). We’ve outlined the pricing here. Our transparent pricing structure ensures you know exactly what you're paying for each month, with no hidden fees or surprises.

The Bottom Line

Weight management journey is not a one-size-fits-all. Everyone’s journey looks different and whilst Mounjaro might be working great for your best mate, Wegovy may be more suited to you. It’s important to figure out what your goals are and work with a prescribing pharmacist, or your GP, to make sure that you start, and continue with, the best-suited GLP-1 medication for you.

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.