Is Mounjaro better for weight loss than Wegovy and Ozempic?

If you’re reading this article, it’s likely that you are thinking about weight-loss options, and you may have heard of the newest product, Mounjaro(tirzepatide). It’s the latest in the blockbuster weight loss injections, but is Mounajro better for weight loss than Wegovy and Ozempic? Studies have shown that Mounjaro can lead to more significant weight loss than popular alternatives like Ozempic and Wegovy. So, could it be your number one choice?

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro contains the active ingredient, tirzepatide which works to reduce appetite, stabilise blood sugar levels and prolong a feeling of fullness by activating areas in the brain and gut.

What is the science behind Mounjaro?

When you eat a meal, hormones called glucagon like peptide (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) are released from the intestine and (in the case of GLP-1) also in smaller amounts from the brain. Very sorry about the long names but we can now talk about GLP-1 and GIP and you will know what we mean!

GLP-1 stimulates the release of insulin, ( which regulates the amount of sugar in the blood),  and prevents the release of  glucagon (a hormone which encourages the release of more sugars into the blood stream from the liver). GLP-1 also works on the gut to slow down movement of food and this leads to a feeling of fullness and helps to reduce appetite.

The main action of GIP on the other hand, is to stimulate insulin release.

Mounjaro basically pretends to be both of these chemicals in the body and thereby reduces appetite, increases insulin to stabilise blood sugars and creates a satisfying feeling of fullness. Very clever!

How does Mounjaro compare to Ozempic and Wegovy?

The active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy is semaglutide. This  pretends to be GLP-1, but not GIP. While these medications still have an impact on weight loss, Mounjaro’s dual action often leads to even better results with research finding that some people taking the higher dose of Mounjaro lost around a fifth of their body weight.

What are the risks of taking Mounjaro?

As with any medication, there are side effects and not everyone can take Mounjaro. The side effects range from common and short-lived symptoms such as nausea or diarrhoea to much more severe and serious problems including pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)  and possibly even some cancers including cancer of the thyroid gland.

Can anyone take Mounjaro?

Before considering Mounjaro or any weight-loss medication, it is vital that you check with your doctor. Not everyone can take Mounjaro and problems such as a family history or personal history of thyroid cancer, for example, would be an absolute contra-indication. There are other contra-indications, and safety is key so be certain that it is the right choice for you.

At Medical Mojo, we can provide guidance on prescription options to help you achieve your health goals.

 If medication is not for you, don’t despair as our health coaches can help you explore other options, so visit our coaching resources section to find out more.

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical advice.

References:

1. Nadkarni, P., Chepurny, O.G. and Holz, G.G., 2014. Regulation of glucose homeostasis by GLP-1. Progress in molecular biology and translational science, 121, pp.23-65.
2. Holst, J.J., 2019. The incretin system in healthy humans: the role of GIP and GLP-1. Metabolism, 96, pp.46-55.
3. Powell, J. and Taylor, J., 2024. Use of Dulaglutide, Semaglutide, and Tirzepatide in Diabetes and Weight Management. Clinical Therapeutics, 46(3), pp.289-292.
4. Bhattacharyya, M., Miller, L.E., Miller, A.L. and Bhattacharyya, R., 2024. Mortality and Serious Adverse Events Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: A Pharmacovigilance Study Using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. Cureus, 16(8).
5. Wojtara, M., Mazumder, A., Syeda, Y. and Mozga?a, N., 2023. Glucagon?Like Peptide?1 Receptor Agonists for Chronic Weight Management. Advances in Medicine, 2023(1), p.9946924.
6. Alfaris, N., Waldrop, S., Johnson, V., Boaventura, B., Kendrick, K. and Stanford, F.C., 2024. GLP-1 single, dual, and triple receptor agonists for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity: a narrative review. EClinicalMedicine, 75.