Mounjaro vs Wegovy
Weight loss injections are a form of medication that have recently gained significant popularity, with the two most commonly used being Wegovy and Mounjaro. Although they serve the same function and have similar properties, Wegovy and Mounjaro contain different active ingredients: semaglutide for Wegovy and tirzepatide for Mounjaro, which leads to some key differences.
Similarities:
Both injections are suitable for people with BMIs of ≥30 (or ≥27 with weight-related conditions) and that are trying to lose weight, are administered weekly, and work by reducing appetite and slowing stomach emptying (the process of moving the stomach contents into the first part of the small intestine).
Differences:
To help you find the right medication, I have worked with our pharmacy team and researched these treatments to create a comparison table based on patient experiences.
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight loss effectiveness | Up to 15% over 68 weeks | Up to 22.5% over 72 weeks |
| Patients losing ≥5% body weight | Up to 85% | More than 89% |
| Hormone receptors targeted | GLP-1 | GLP-1 and GIP |
| Maximum dose | 2.4 mg | 15 mg |
| Also approved for type 2 diabetes | No | Yes |
| Common side effects | nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and runny nose or sore throat | Nausea, Diarrhea, Decreased appetite, Vomiting, Constipation, Indigestion, Stomach Pain |
Although both injections contain GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide 1) which is a mimic of a hormone the body produces to regulate blood sugar and appetite, Mounjaro also contains GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide). This is a hormone that is produced in the upper gut and released after eating to help stimulate insulin secretion thus making it more effective.
There is quite a large difference in the maximum dosage but this is because it refers to a different main active ingredient with the increments in strength shown in the table below:
| Step | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | 2.5mg | 0.25mg |
| Step 2 | 5mg | 0.5mg |
| Step 3 | 7.5mg | 1mg |
| Step 4 | 10mg | 1.7mg |
| Step 5 | 12.5mg | 2.4mg |
| Step 6 | 15mg |
The journey starts with step 1 regardless of the brand you choose and dosage is only increased after consultation with a prescribing medical professional if you do not feel the affects.
Is Mounjaro or Wegovy cheaper?
Prices typically vary heavily on strength and pharmacy but typically Mounjaro is the more expensive option due to it's slightly higher effectiveness and success rate as well as being safer for those with type 2 diabetes.
You can find Mounjaro Price Comparison and Wegovy Price Comparison tables by clicking the links.