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Understanding GLP-1 agonists: The science of Mounjaro & Wegovy




Written by:
<br:


James Reynolds
MPharm | SCOPE


Lead Pharmacist</br:

"Mounjaro and Wegovy are revolutionising weight management by leveraging your body's natural hormonal responses. Learn how these groundbreaking medications, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, are delivering unprecedented weight loss results and why they're rewriting the rules of weight loss therapy."
Hormone molecules or simplified molecular structures on a light background

💡Key Takeaways 

 

1️⃣ Revolutionising Weight Loss: GLP-1 agonists like Mounjaro and Wegovy are shifting weight management from fad diets to evidence-based treatments.

2️⃣ Dual Action vs. Single Pathway: Mounjaro activates both GIP and GLP-1 pathways, offering greater weight loss than Wegovy’s GLP-1-only mechanism.

3️⃣ Clinical Effectiveness: Mounjaro can lead to up to 25% body weight loss, outperforming Wegovy’s average of 15–17% in clinical trials.

4️⃣ Managing Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, and digestive discomfort are common but manageable with gradual dose increases and dietary adjustments.

5️⃣ Personalised Choice: Your choice between Mounjaro and Wegovy should consider age, health history, side effect tolerance, and medical guidance.

A medical concept image showing the synergistic effect of GLP-1 and GIP for weight loss.

How GLP-1 Agonists Work

GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy and Mounjaro work by mimicking or enhancing the body’s natural hormonal responses to food. But their mechanisms have nuanced differences that matter when it comes to effectiveness and side effects.

Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it imitates the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone to regulate appetite and insulin response. Here’s what it does:

– Reduces hunger by acting on appetite control centres in the brain.
– Slows gastric emptying, which helps you feel full for longer.
– Improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels.

Wegovy is taken as a once-weekly injection and is currently approved in the UK for both adults and adolescents aged 12 and over.


Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Mounjaro is a newer, more complex medication. It’s a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it activates both the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 pathways.

What this means in practice:

– Greater appetite suppression and fullness signals compared to GLP-1 alone.
– Enhanced insulin response and fat metabolism.
– Potential increase in calorie expenditure, which may explain its superior results in clinical trials.

For now, Mounjaro is licensed only for adults and not yet approved for adolescent use in the UK.

A weighing scale on a light surface, with a notepad and measuring tape nearby.

Which Is More Effective for Weight Loss?

If the goal is weight reduction, both medications are effective—but one stands out.

Wegovy

In the STEP clinical trials, Wegovy led to an average 15–17% body weight loss over 72 weeks.

Mounjaro

Mounjaro outperformed in the SURMOUNT-1 and SURMOUNT-5 trials, achieving up to 22.5–25% weight loss.

In SURMOUNT-5, Mounjaro delivered a 47% greater weight loss compared to Wegovy over the same timeframe.

A comparison of average weight loss with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide over 72 weeks.

Side Effects, Suitability & Practical Tips


Common Side Effects

Both medications share similar side effect profiles due to their impact on the digestive system:

– Very Common (≥10%): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
– Common (1–10%): Fatigue, bloating, stomach discomfort, injection site reactions

Wegovy shows a higher dropout rate in clinical trials—16% vs. 8% on placebo—likely due to gastrointestinal discomfort.


Serious Risks to Monitor

Though rare, these medications may lead to:

– Pancreatitis
– Gallbladder issues
– Kidney function impairment
– Thyroid tumours

Management Tips for Side Effects

– Start low and titrate slowly
– Eat smaller, low-fat meals
– Stay hydrated
– Consult your clinician for persistent or severe symptoms

Weight loss injection pens.

Conclusion: Is Mounjaro Right for You?

GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy and Mounjaro are redefining weight loss therapy by focusing on the why behind overeating and metabolic dysfunction. While Wegovy is a reliable choice—especially for younger patients—Mounjaro’s dual-action approach makes it a frontrunner in clinical outcomes.

Ultimately, the choice between the two should be tailored to individual health goals, age, medical history, and tolerance to side effects. And as always, these medications are most effective when paired with sustainable lifestyle changes and professional medical guidance.

Need support from a medical team that gets it?

👉 Start a consultation today to find out if Mounjaro is right for your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
    Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy only targets GLP-1. Mounjaro tends to result in greater weight loss.

  2. Are Mounjaro and Wegovy available on the NHS?
    Wegovy is available via NHS pathways in some cases; Mounjaro is currently only available privately in the UK.

  3. Who is eligible to take Wegovy or Mounjaro?
    In the UK, Wegovy licensing is approved for adults and adolescents (12+); Mounjaro is approved for adults only.

  4. What are the most common side effects?
    Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are the most frequently reported side effects.

  5. Can I take these medications long-term?
    Yes. Maintenance doses are typically used after initial weight loss to prevent weight regain.
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