Unless you’ve been living under a particularly remote rock, you’ll know that weight loss injections have taken the healthcare world by storm in the past couple of years.
Two names continue to make headlines: Wegovy and Mounjaro. Both are prescription injectable medications that can support weight loss efforts when used alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity. But what exactly do they do – and how do they differ?
At Well by Vertis, a private nurse-led weight management clinic and part of Vertis Health, clients often ask us whether one is “better” than the other. The answer, as with many aspects of healthcare, it that it depends on the individual. Here’s what you need to know.
What are Wegovy and Mounjaro?
Wegovy, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, is approved for long-term weight management in people with obesity or those who are overweight with related health conditions, such as high blood pressure. It works by mimicking a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Wegovy is injected once weekly under the skin.
Mounjaro, on the other hand, contains tirzepatide, a medication that has long been approved for managing type 2 diabetes. While not officially authorised for weight loss until relatively recently, it’s been known to be prescribed off-label for this purpose, due to its promising effects on weight reduction in clinical studies.
Like Wegovy, it is also administered as a weekly injection and targets multiple hormone receptors to support blood sugar control and appetite regulation.
How are they different?
Though both drugs can aid weight loss, they are designed for slightly different purposes and act on the body in distinct ways. Wegovy acts on one hormone receptor (GLP-1), while Mounjaro acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which may enhance its weight loss potential – but also changes how it’s tolerated and how side effects may present.
Both medications can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea. More serious side effects, including pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and a potential risk of thyroid cancer, have been reported. These risks mean clinical supervision is essential for anyone considering these options.
The only right choice: medical supervision
At Well by Vertis, safety always comes first. Both Wegovy and Mounjaro must be prescribed and monitored by qualified healthcare professionals. While social media trends and black-market sources may tempt some to obtain these medications without proper oversight, this poses serious risks.
“Our patients often come to us after years of trying to lose weight on their own,” says Lead Nurse Stephanie Smith. “They need more than just a prescription to shed pounds: they need tailored care, emotional support, and clinical guidance. These medications can be transformative, but only when used safely and responsibly.”
If you’re curious about whether Wegovy or Mounjaro might be right for you, but aren’t sure which what’s next, get in touch with a member of our team. We’re here to provide impartial, expert advice, always delivered with clinical oversight and your best interests in mind.
