Obesity remains a major health challenge in the UK with around 1 in 4 adults facing obesity. Innovative weight management solutions are in high demand, but it can be difficult to know where to start. If you’re interested in taking GLP-1/GIP treatments but are wondering how it compares to other options on the market, this is the guide for you.
What are the main differences between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
The biggest difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy is that they contain different active drugs. Mounjaro contains Tirzepatide whereas Wegovy contains Semaglutide, which works in different ways.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) works by stimulating receptors for two hormones: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). GLP-1 helps to regulate blood glucose levels, suppressing your appetite and slowing down the emptying of the stomach to keep hunger at bay. GIP enhances the effects of GLP-1 by regulating the energy balance in your brain and fat cells.
Wegovy (Semaglutide) acts like a natural hormone your body already makes called GLP-1. This hormone is responsible for telling your body when you’ve had enough to eat. It targets the areas of your brain that control hunger reducing cravings and hunger levels and it keeps you full longer by slowing down how fast food leaves your stomach. Because food stays there a bit longer, you feel physically full sooner during a meal and stay satisfied for a longer time afterward.
GLP-1 also keeps your blood sugar steady. By managing these energy levels, it prevents the "sugar crashes" that often lead to overeating or reaching for high-calorie snacks.
In the latest STEP UP Trial conducted, participants experienced weight loss around 20.7% of the starting body weight at 72 weeks. Similarly to Mounjaro, Wegovy is taken as an injection once a week. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight and have related health conditions. It helps you feel satisfied after smaller meals, making it easier to maintain long-term weight loss.
Can I switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro?
If you’re using another weight loss medication, such as Wegovy, you’ll need to wait a minimum of 10 days before switching to Mounjaro. Your previous weight loss medication needs to fully leave your system during a 'washout' period. You can read about it more in our article about how to switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro.
Keep in mind, Mounjaro might not be suitable for you (even if you're using another weight loss medication). We’ll assess if it’s right for you during your consultation. Whether you choose Mounjaro or Wegovy will be dependent on your own weight loss goals and health requirements.
Can I switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?
Transitioning from Mounjaro to Wegovy can be safe and manageable with the right guidance. A minimum 10-day washout period is required between the last dose of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and your first dose of Wegovy (semaglutide). This helps decrease the likelihood of some side effects - including but not limited to - nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, or abdominal pain, and it helps your body adjust naturally. During this period, no medication should be taken.
Different weight loss medications are not interchangeable and we recommend sticking on treatment that works best for you.
How do I switch treatments?
If you’re thinking about switching your weight loss treatment, we’ve made the process simple, safe, and fully supported. You can switch treatment with Phlo Clinic in just four straightforward steps, all completed online with expert clinical review throughout.
- Quick online consultation: Check your eligibility and fill out our consultation form. It takes a few minutes to answer some questions about your condition and health. At the end of the consultation, you select the treatment you desire.
- Clinician review: Once submitted, one of our fully GPhC registered prescribing pharmacists will review your consultation for approval of safe transition of medications.
- Get your prescription: We deliver discreetly to your door via the Royal Mail Tracked 24 option.
- Ongoing support: As a Phlo Clinic patient, you’ll have access to follow-up care including maintenance support, our Dietitian’s GLP-1 nutrition guide, onboarding nutrition & lifestyle support programme, as well as advice emails.
Mounjaro and Wegovy vs Ozempic
Ozempic is undoubtedly one of the most well-known brand names on the market, but how does it compare to Mounjaro and Wegovy? Ozempic is another brand name of Semaglutide and therefore works in the same way as Wegovy.
The difference between Wegovy and Ozempic is that Wegovy is approved in the UK as a weight loss medication. In contrast, Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss and is only approved for managing type 2 Diabetes. You therefore need to have a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes in order to obtain an Ozempic prescription in the UK.
Mounjaro and Wegovy vs Metformin
Metformin is not licensed for weight loss and is not a recommended weight loss treatment. It is prescribed for those with type 2 diabetes.
Metformin is taken orally in tablet form twice a day, whereas Mounjaro and Wegovy are injected into the skin (subcutaneously) once a week. Some people might be prescribed metformin alongside a GLP-1 treatment as part of treating type 2 diabetes. This should only be done in conjunction with the team responsible for looking after your type 2 diabetes if that applies to you.
Mounjaro and Wegovy vs. Trulicity
Trulicity (dulaglutide) stimulates the GLP-1 receptor just like Wegovy, whereas Mounjaro stimulates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Therefore, when considering if Mounjaro is better than Trulicity for weight loss, according to data from randomised control trials, Mounjaro resulted in greater weight loss.
However, Trulicity is not licensed for weight loss and is not a recommended weight loss treatment. It is prescribed for those with type 2 diabetes.
At Phlo Clinic, we offer both Mounjaro and Wegovy as part of our weight loss service. You can complete this online consultation to check your eligibility for the medication.
