Mounjaro vs Wegovy for Weight Loss
Weight loss is never easy, and that’s precisely why we’re continually looking for techniques that produce faster and more long-lasting results.
For that reason, Mounjaro and Wegovy weight loss treatments have become more popular than ever. Both medications target metabolic regulation—including appetite and insulin sensitivity—to help significantly reduce body weight.
But if you’re looking to lose weight, which one should you choose? In this blog post, we’ll take you through the differences between Mounjaro and Wegovy to help you make an informed decision.
Wegovy
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a daily injectable medication designed to help adults with obesity lose weight.
The same company that manufactures Wegovy also manufactures Ozempic, which contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide.
Ozempic is approved for treating type 2 diabetes when prescribed at a lower dose. The FDA has also approved semaglutide for the treatment of overweight and obesity.
For optimal results, it’s recommended to use this medication in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
How Does Wegovy Help with Weight Loss?
It contains semaglutide, a drug that mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite and satiety. This means that even after eating a small amount of food you feel full, with the result that you are less hungry overall.
Wegovy can also slow down the speed at which food moves through your gut, which helps you feel full for longer. It also improves glucose control by increasing insulin sensitivity. This is another key factor for weight management.
Mounjaro
Similar to Wegovy, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is also an injectable medication. The FDA approved Mounjaro in 2022 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It might be approved for weight loss by the end of 2023.
This medication is recommended for patients with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise, in order to improve blood glucose levels in the body.
To achieve the best results, it’s advised to take Mounjaro in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
How Does Mounjaro Help with Weight Loss?
Mounjaro helps with weight loss in several ways.
Firstly, it increases the release of GLP-1, which is a hormone that regulates appetite and satiety. This means that people who take this medication feel fuller after eating smaller amounts of food and are less likely to feel hungry.
Additionally, similar to Wegovy, Mounjaro helps with weight loss by slowing down the speed of digestion.
Lastly, it increases insulin sensitivity.
Expected Weight Loss
Mounjaro
This medication is not yet indicated for weight loss. But during diabetes management studies, researchers found positive results for weight loss.
Studies
- In a large clinical trial conducted in 2020, patients who took Mounjaro lost between 15.4 and 21.2 pounds. The study took place over 40 weeks.
- In 2021, the active ingredients in Mounjaro and Wegovy, tirzepatide and semaglutide, were compared in a study. The semaglutide dose used in the study was only 1.0 mg, which is less than recommended for Wegovy. This study resulted in higher weight loss for those subjects taking Mounjaro. The difference was 4.2-12.2 pounds, depending on the given dose. More research studies that compare these drugs at their respective recommended doses for weight loss will be necessary before a definitive comparison can be made.
- Another study published in 2021 reports a weight loss of 16.5 to 28.4 pounds over 40 weeks.
Wegovy
While Wegovy is a new weight loss medication, studies already support its efficacy.
Studies
- According to a 68-week clinical trial, study participants lost 14.9% of their body weight—an average of 33.7 pounds.
- After two years, 77% of patients taking this weight loss medication sustained at least 5% of the weight loss.
- A 2022 study among 102 patients showed a weight loss of 27 pounds—the equivalent of 10.9% of body weight—after using Wegovy. At the 6-month follow-up, 87.3% of the participants had achieved a weight loss of 5% or more, 54.9% of participants lost 10% or more, 23.5% lost 15% or more, and 7.8% achieved a weight loss of 20% or more.
Side Effects
Mounjaro
The Mounjaro website lists the following side effects:
The most common side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Hypoglycemia
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Indigestion
The more serious side effects
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Hypoglycemia
- Serious allergic reactions
- Kidney problems
- Severe stomach issues
- Gallbladder problems
- Changes in vision
- Tumors in the thyroid, including cancer
Wegovy
The Wegovy website lists side effects similar to Mounjaro.
The most common side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Hypoglycemia
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Indigestion
Other side effects include:
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Hypoglycemia
- Serious allergic reactions
- Kidney problems
- Severe stomach issues
- Gallbladder problems
- Changes in vision
- Tumors in the thyroid, including cancer
Dosage Schedule
These drugs are both available by prescription only, and your physician will manage the dose of your medication. This graph provides an overview of the medication and its typical use.
Mounjaro
| Weeks 1-4 | 2.5 mg |
| Weeks 5-8 | 5 mg (at this point, you and your doctor will decide if the dose needs to be decreased) |
| Weeks 9-12 | 7.5 mg |
| Weeks 13-16 | 10 mg |
| Weeks 17-21 | 12.5 mg |
| Highest dose | 15.0 mg |
Once you reach 5 mg, your doctor may decide to keep you at the same dose for longer than four weeks. You’ll work together to decide if your dose needs to be increased beyond 5 mg.
Wegovy
| Weeks 1-4 | 0.25mg |
| Weeks 5-8 | 0.5mg |
| Weeks 9-12 | 1 mg |
| Weeks 13-16 | 1.7 mg |
| Beyond week 16 | 2.4 mg |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between Mounjaro and Wegovy will depend on your specific needs.
At the time this blog was written, Mounjaro is only approved for patients with type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is also approved for obesity.
The expected weight loss and side effects of both medications should be considered when making a decision.
However, a side-by-side comparison study is not available at this time.
Additionally, speaking to your healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits is important before deciding which medication to choose. A physician or other qualified healthcare professional must prescribe both medications.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, Mounjaro and Wegovy are two effective weight loss solutions.
However, it’s important to note that both medications require a doctor’s prescription and are not recommended for everyone. You will need to discuss the benefits and drawbacks with your physician in order to determine which of these medications is best for you.
Whatever your decision, remember that weight loss is a gradual process that requires lifestyle changes, dedication, and consistency.
With a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper medication, you can achieve your desired weight, boost your self-confidence, and live your life with vitality.
Dr. Su-Nui Escobar, a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist in Miami, FL, is dedicated to empowering women in perimenopause and menopause to live healthier, more satisfying lives.
With a doctorate in clinical nutrition from the University of North Florida, she has expertise in menopause and weight loss, including the unique challenges faced by those on weight loss medications.
Su-Nui’s passion for her field is evident in her previous role as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson.