Mounjaro vs. Wegovy for Weight Loss: An Overview
The two most common reasons for prescribing Mounjaro and Wegovy are weight loss and glucose regulation. The GLP-1 receptor agonist Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is now commonly used for weight loss, typically in those with type 2 diabetes. In contrast, adults who are severely overweight or obese can use Wegovy (Semaglutide) as prescribed by the FDA to aid in their weight loss journey.
Regarding regulating weight and blood sugar, Mounjaro may outperform Wegovy at higher dosages. The absence of direct comparisons in double-blind, randomized controlled trials, the medical research gold standard, makes it challenging to draw definitive conclusions.
So, discussing your responses and requirements with a doctor is important to determine the best medication. This blog will address some of the most common user queries that our doctors receive regarding these medications.
Weight loss effectiveness: A comparison
“Managing your weight is a personal and intricate process. The effectiveness and safety of Mounjaro are currently under investigation, although Wegovy has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in specific studies. Patients should talk to their doctor to know what is best for their health. The key to long-term success in losing weight healthily through medications is an individualized strategy based on scientific evidence.”
Dr. Mandy Liedeman of Your Doctors Online.
Although they are both weight loss drugs, Mounjaro and Wegovy are distinct due to their unique active ingredients and other features. The following is a breakdown of how well they work:
People who used Mounjaro lost between 5.5 and 11 kilograms (25 and 25 pounds) in clinical trials. Compared to Wegovy, the higher doses of Mounjaro (10 mg and 15 mg) are superior for controlling blood sugar and weight loss. Although Mounjaro’s weight loss effect is regarded as an off-label use, it is approved by the FDA to improve blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.
Compared to 12% in the placebo group, 83% of adults who used Wegovy lost 5% or more of their body weight, 66% lost 10% or more, and 48% lost 15% or more in a 68-week trial. These two medications are typically prescribed to people who are suffering from weight-related health issues and have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or 27 or higher, respectively.
Dosages, Forms, and Administration: A Practical Guide
Wegovy and Mounjaro are medicines with proven records to help with weight management.
Here is a simple comparison of dosage and how they are taken:
| Aspect | Wegovy | Mounjaro |
| Dosing | Recommended to take 0.5, 1.0, 1.7, or 2.4 milligrams of Wegovy weekly. | Mounjaro starts at 2.5 milligrams per week, increasing to 5mg, 7.5mg, and 15mg over 12 weeks. After three months, users lost more weight than those on Ozempic. |
| Administration | Inject Wegovy under your skin once every week. | Inject Mounjaro under your skin once a week, similar to Wegovy. |
| Dosage Adjustment: | Your doctor might change the dose based on how your body responds and how well you tolerate it. | Mounjaro’s dose is increased more slowly to minimize stomach-related side effects. |
In short, both drugs are injected once a week, but Mounjaro starts with a lower dose that is increased more gradually, reaching a maximum of 15 mg.
In contrast, Wegovy has a maximum dose of 2.4 mg. The choice between the two might depend on how a person responds to the medication and if they have any other health issues. Your healthcare professional can determine this while keeping these factors in view.
Wegovy vs Mounjaro dosage chart
Here is a dosage comparison chart for Wegovy and Mounjaro based on the information from the sources:
| Medication | Dosage Strengths | Starting Dose | Maximum Dose |
| Wegovy | 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg | 0.25 mg once weekly | 2.4 mg once weekly |
| Mounjaro | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 15 mg | 2.5 mg once weekly | 15 mg once weekly |
It is crucial to remember that the dosage might need adjustment based on how an individual responds to the medication and tolerates it.
Wegovy vs Mounjaro side effects and safety comparison
Wegovy and Mounjaro, both prescribed for weight management, exhibit similar side effects, whether mild or severe. Common mild side effects reported for both medications include indigestion, injection site reactions, fatigue, and dizziness. Individuals may experience these typical reactions as their bodies adjust to the medication.
There are comparable safety concerns, warnings, and risks associated with the weight management medications Mounjaro and Wegovy, both of which contain Semaglutide. Serious side effects, such as thyroid cancer, gallstones, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), acute kidney failure, rapid heartbeat, extreme nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe allergic reactions, are all risks associated with these two medications.
In addition, there is a boxed warning regarding the possibility of thyroid cancer on both the Wegovy and Mounjaro labels. To make educated decisions about using these medications for weight management, it is crucial to communicate openly with healthcare providers.
Eligibility and switching: Who can take what?
To understand whether you are eligible to take Wegovy or Mounjaro for weight loss, you need to delve into the details provided below:
Who can take Mounjaro?
Mounjaro, also called Tirzepatide, is a medicine approved by the FDA to help adults with obesity or overweight lose weight. It’s meant for those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more (considered obese) and those with a BMI between 27-30 kg/m² (considered overweight), who also have health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart problems.
Mounjaro is not for people with type 1 diabetes, and it is not proven safe and effective for those under 18 years old or people who have pancreas inflammation. Before using Mounjaro for weight loss, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider about Mounjaro’s prescription and its potentially serious side effects.
Who can take Wegovy?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a medicine given the thumbs up by the FDA to help adults with obesity or overweight lose weight and manage it. It is suggested for those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more (which is considered obese) and those with a BMI between 27-30 kg/m² (considered overweight) who also have health problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart issues.
Wegovy is not recommended for people wanting to lose just a bit of weight or those with type 1 diabetes. It’s safe for those with moderate kidney problems. But, before using Wegovy for weight loss, it’s crucial to consult with the healthcare provider about Wegovy’s prescription and discuss its potentially serious side effects.
The difference in mechanism of action: Wegovy vs. Mounjaro
Wegovy and Mounjaro are medications designed to manage weight but work slightly differently. Wegovy contains semaglutide as its active ingredient and operates by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, an incretin hormone.
This hormone stimulates insulin secretion in the pancreas, slows digestion, and curbs appetite. Keeping GLP-1 receptors active for an extended period, Wegovy helps lower blood sugar levels, delays digestion and reduces appetite.
Mounjaro, on the other hand, contains Tirzepatide as its active ingredient and works as a dual agonist of both GLP-1 and GIP. GIP, or glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, is a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels and supports fat cell storage. Mounjaro’s unique dual function mimics the effects of GLP-1 and GIP, contributing to its ability to support blood glucose levels and aid in weight control. Although both medications activate GLP-1 receptors, Mounjaro’s additional mechanism involving GIP sets it apart, potentially enhancing its effectiveness in blood sugar and weight management.
Cost Comparison: Wegovy vs. Mounjaro
Wegovy and Mounjaro can vary in price depending on quantity and source. An estimated monthly cost of £160 to £295 (or 268 to 500 USD or 200 to 375 CAD). The medicine and its strength determine the price.
Remember that these figures can be impacted by several factors, such as the medication’s availability, your insurance coverage, and the location of purchase, such as from a doctor’s office or a pharmacy. Therefore, these factors might affect the final price.
Can you take Wegovy and Mounjaro together?
No, you should not take Mounjaro and Wegovy at the same time. Some shared features and mechanisms of action exist, but the active ingredients are different. When these two drugs are taken together, the risk of adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may increase.
Are Wegovy and Mounjaro the same?
No, Wegovy and Mounjaro are two medicines used for weight management. Even though they share similarities and help similarly, they have different active ingredients. Wegovy has semaglutide, and Mounjaro has tirzepatide. Both diet and exercise aid weight loss, but only Wegovy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose.
Generic Availability: Are There Alternatives?
After analyzing the research on weight loss pills, many researchers concluded that tailored programs might be more successful than a one-size-fits-all solution. Individualized online programs resulted in greater weight loss than generic ones. Providing personalized weight loss advice was usually more cost-effective than mass-produced advice. Individualized plans may be more effective and cost-effective compared to weight loss programs.
