Head-to-head trial shows Mounjaro is more effective than Wegovy for weight loss
The first direct comparison between two leading weight-loss medications has found that Mounjaro (tirzepatide) helps people lose more weight than Wegovy (semaglutide).
In a clinical trial involving 750 adults with obesity, those taking Mounjaro lost an average of 20% of their body weight over 72 weeks, compared with 14% for those on Wegovy. People taking Mounjaro also had better improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Both medicines work by helping people feel full more quickly, so they eat less. However, they act slightly differently in the brain:
Wegovy mimics a natural hormone to reduce appetite.
Mounjaro affects two appetite-regulating pathways, which may explain its stronger results.
Key Takeaways
Mounjaro helps people lose more weight than Wegovy.
In a major trial, people taking Mounjaro lost 20% of their body weight, compared to 14% with Wegovy. Mounjaro also showed better results for waist size, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
Both treatments are available in the UK with a prescription.
Wegovy and Mounjaro can be accessed through specialist weight services after an online consultation and approval from a registered prescriber.
Mounjaro is gaining popularity but heart protection benefits are still under study.
While Wegovy is approved to help prevent heart attacks, Mounjaro is still being tested for this. Despite this, private sales of Mounjaro in the UK are now higher than Wegovy.
Key trial results
32% of people on Mounjaro lost at least 25% of their body weight, compared to 16% on Wegovy.
Average waist reduction was 18cm for Mounjaro and 13cm for Wegovy.
Women generally lost more weight than men on both medications.
Both drugs had similar side effects.
Source: the New England Journal of Medicine [1]
What does this mean for people in the UK?
In the UK, both Wegovy and Mounjaro are available through specialist weight management services. All requests for prescription-only medications in the UK, including these, require an online consultation and the decision to prescribe is made by a registered prescriber.
Professor Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow says both medicines are good options, but Mounjaro might be better for those wanting to lose a larger amount of weight. He also noted that private sales of Mounjaro in the UK are now ahead of Wegovy, and this new data may increase demand.
It’s worth noting that Wegovy has already been approved to help prevent heart attacks, while Mounjaro is still being studied for this use [2].
What’s next for weight-loss treatment?
There is still a lot of ongoing research into obesity medications. This includes testing higher doses, new drug types and easier ways to take them (like tablets instead of injections).
Experts hope we’re moving towards a time where obesity can be prevented, not just treated. But healthier lifestyles [3] [4] [5] [6] and better public health remain crucial in tackling the root causes of obesity.
Sources
[2] MHRA approves GLP –1 receptor agonist semaglutide to reduce risk of serious heart problems in obese or overweight adults - GOV.UK
[3] Mounjaro Diet Plan UK: Foods To Eat & Avoid For Weight Loss Success - UK Meds
[4] Wegovy Diet Plan UK: Foods To Eat & Avoid For Weight Loss Success - UK Meds
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