In recent years, two injectable medications have become quite prominent in the field of weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide). If you’re considering options to support your weight-loss journey, this guide will walk you through how they compare in terms of mechanism, effectiveness, side-effects, and suitability.
Before we dive in, please note: this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.
How They Work
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy belong to the class of drugs that act on incretin hormones — essentially, they help regulate appetite, fullness and metabolic processes in the body.
Wegovy contains semaglutide and is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist.
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide) and GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it acts on two hormonal pathways instead of one.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | Wegovy (semaglutide) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Tirzepatide — dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | Semaglutide — GLP-1 agonist only |
| Approved Use | Type 2 diabetes (and off-label weight loss in some regions) | Chronic weight management in adults/teens with obesity or overweight plus weight-related condition |
| Weekly Injection | Yes — once weekly | Yes — once weekly |
| Weight-Loss Potential (Clinical Trials) | Up to ~21–22% average weight loss in 72 weeks | Around ~15–17% average weight loss in ~68 weeks at maintenance dose |
| FDA/EMA Approval for Weight Loss | Not yet universally approved for weight loss in all jurisdictions | Approved for weight loss in suitable patients |
| Typical Side-Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, injection-site reactions | Similar gastrointestinal side effects: nausea, constipation, stomach pain, diarrhoea |
| Key Differences to Note | Dual-hormone mechanism may offer stronger weight loss; may be off-label for weight in some regions | Approved label for weight loss; long-term cardiovascular benefits in certain populations |
Which One Should You Consider?
The answer depends on your individual circumstances — including your health profile (diabetes, cardiovascular risk, BMI), tolerance to medications, and access/cost considerations in your country.
- If you have type 2 diabetes and are interested in weight loss, Mounjaro might be discussed with your clinician because it is primarily approved for diabetes but also shows strong weight-loss results.
- If your primary goal is weight management and you meet the criteria for weight-loss medications (e.g., BMI threshold, weight-related health condition), Wegovy might be the more “on-label” choice.
- Cost and insurance coverage may differ: while some sources show Mounjaro may deliver higher weight loss, it may not be approved for weight loss in all regions or reimbursed accordingly.
- Both treatments require a commitment: weekly injections, diet & lifestyle changes, and medical monitoring.
Important Safety Notes
As with any prescription medication, both Mounjaro and Wegovy carry potential risks and require medical supervision:
- Gastrointestinal side-effects are common, especially during dose escalation.
- Both medications have warnings about thyroid C-cell tumour risk (based on animal studies) and are not suitable for individuals with certain thyroid cancers or endocrine conditions.
- Switching between treatments, or moving from one dose to another, should only be done under careful clinical guidance.
- These medications are not standalone fixes. Diet, exercise and behavioural support remain foundational to success.
Practical Steps If You’re Interested
1. Book a medical consultation to assess suitability.
2. Discuss with your clinician which medication fits your profile — Mounjaro or Wegovy.
3. Ensure regular follow-up: weight tracking, side-effect monitoring, lifestyle support.
4. Understand cost, dose escalation schedule, and realistic expectations for weight loss over time.
At Our Clinic, we specialise in medically supervised weight-loss support, combining medication (where appropriate), lifestyle modification and long-term follow-up to maximise results and keep you safe. If you’d like to explore whether Mounjaro or Wegovy might be right for you, we invite you to begin with a tailored consultation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Mounjaro and Wegovy is not a “one-size fits all” decision. Both medications have impressive clinical data behind them, but your best choice depends on your individual health context, goals, tolerability and cost/availability.
If you’d like to explore this further — including an assessment of your suitability and full personalised plan — then please click below to Start Consultation and let’s take the next step together.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or adjusting any medication.
