Mounjaro or Wegovy: Which weight loss treatment is right for you?
Ed Milner | Last update: 1st May 2025
Navigating weight loss treatments can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are among the most talked-about treatments, but how do you decide which might be suitable for you? Let’s break down their key differences, benefits, and considerations. Remember: your prescriber will ultimately decide which treatment aligns best with your health needs.
What are the different weight loss drugs?
Ozempic
- Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
- Active Ingredient: Semaglutide (same as Wegovy)
- What it does: Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, Ozempic contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist (a type of medication that helps control blood sugar and appetite).
- Dosing: Typically administered as a once-weekly injection.
- Weight Loss: While weight loss is a common side effect, Ozempic is not explicitly marketed for weight loss. However, it has become widely used off-label for this purpose.
- Claims: Helps regulate appetite and can aid in significant weight loss for eligible users.
Wegovy
- Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
- Active Ingredient: Semaglutide (same as Ozempic)
- What it does: Also contains semaglutide but is specifically approved at a higher dose for weight loss.
- Dosing: Also a once-weekly injection but at a higher dose than Ozempic (up to 2.4 mg weekly).
- Key Difference from Ozempic: Wegovy is formulated and dosed specifically for weight loss, whereas Ozempic is focused on diabetes management.
Mounjaro
- Manufacturer: Eli Lilly
- Active Ingredient: Tirzepatide
- Dosing: Once-weekly injection.
- What it does: Contains tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist (designed to improve both blood sugar control and appetite regulation).
- Claims: Studies suggest it may lead to greater weight loss compared to semaglutide-based treatments in some individuals.
Who are the weight loss drugs most suitable for?
Each of these treatments has broad eligibility criteria, and there are some reasons why a particular treatment may or may not be appropriate for you.
General Eligibility Criteria
- BMI (Body Mass Index): Often required to be 30+ or 27+ with a weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes.
- Age: Typically approved for adults over 18 years old.
- Commitment to lifestyle changes: Most prescribers recommend combining these treatments with dietary adjustments and physical activity.
When a treatment might not be suitable
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: None of these medications are recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- History of thyroid cancer or MTC (medullary thyroid carcinoma): GLP-1 receptor agonists are not recommended if you or a family member have had MTC.
- Endocrine condition (MEN2): Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 is a contraindication for these treatments.
- Allergic to ingredients: For example, if you’re allergic to semaglutide or tirzepatide, your prescriber will avoid treatments containing them.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases: Conditions like gastroparesis may make these medications unsuitable.
- Other medications: Taking other GLP-1 receptor agonists or similar treatments could rule out additional prescriptions.
Key differences between Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro
Ozempic
- Active Ingredient: Semaglutide
- Purpose: Diabetes + Weight Loss
- Dosage: Lower (diabetes focus)
- Unique Aspect: Proven diabetes control
- Side Effects: Nausea, GI issues
Wegovy
- Active Ingredient: Semaglutide
- Purpose: Weight Loss
- Dosage: Higher (weight loss)
- Unique Aspect: Higher weight-loss dose
- Side Effects: Similar to Ozempic
Mounjaro
- Active Ingredient: Tirzepatide
- Purpose: Diabetes + Weight Loss
- Dosage: Dual-action
- Unique Aspect: Dual mechanism (GIP + GLP-1)
- Side Effects: Potentially more nausea
What about pricing?
- Ozempic: Generally the most affordable, as it is primarily prescribed for diabetes but also used for weight loss off-label in some cases.
- Wegovy: Often more expensive due to its specific approval for weight loss and higher dosing.
- Mounjaro: Pricing may be higher, but its dual-action mechanism is a unique benefit for some users.
Insurance coverage varies by country and provider, so it’s essential to discuss costs with your healthcare team.
Final thoughts
Each treatment has unique benefits and considerations. The right choice for you depends on your medical history, goals, and lifestyle. Your prescriber will help you navigate these options and determine the safest, most effective path forward. Once you have decided which weight loss drug is best for you, you need to get a prescription – see our article, ‘How Do I get A Prescription?’.
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