Understand the differences between Mounjaro and Wegovy, and how they compare to other treatments.

Obesity remains a major health challenge in the UK, with around 1 in 4 adults facing obesity. 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 they compare to other options, this guide is for you.

The biggest difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy is that they contain different active drugs. Mounjaro contains Tirzepatide, whereas Wegovy contains Semaglutide, and they work 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 tells your body when you've had enough to eat. It targets the areas of your brain that control hunger, reducing cravings, and 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 longer afterwards.

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, participants experienced weight loss of around 20.7% of their starting body weight at 72 weeks. Like 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.

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 medication needs to fully leave your system during a 'washout' period.

Keep in mind that Mounjaro might not be suitable for you, even if you're already using another weight loss medication. We'll assess whether it's right for you during your consultation. Whether you choose Mounjaro or Wegovy will depend on your own weight loss goals and health requirements.

Transitioning from Mounjaro to Wegovy can be safe and manageable with the right guidance. A minimum 10-day washout period is required between your 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 to the treatment that works best for you.

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 in four straightforward steps, all completed online with expert clinical review throughout.

Ozempic is another brand name of Semaglutide, so it works in the same way as Wegovy. The difference is that Wegovy is approved in the UK as a weight loss medication, whereas 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.

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 under 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.

Trulicity (dulaglutide) stimulates the GLP-1 receptor just like Wegovy, whereas Mounjaro stimulates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. 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.

We offer both Mounjaro and Wegovy as part of our weight loss service. You can complete an online consultation to check your eligibility for the medication.

If you have any questions about choosing between treatments, contact us at [email protected].