Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss are FDA-approved medications that offer hope for overweight people. These drugs act as appetite-reducing agents, significantly reducing weight and improving blood sugar levels. They have a unique mechanism of action, targeting the hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar. These medications could positively impact chronic obesity and diabetes, making a difference and bringing hope.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is the brand name for the medication tirzepatide, approved by the FDA in May 2022 for treating type 2 diabetes. Manufactured by Eli Lilly, Mounjaro belongs to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which help regulate blood sugar levels.
Administered as a weekly injection, Mounjaro works by activating the GLP-1 receptor and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor, aiding insulin release and slowing food absorption. While it is not indicated for weight loss, Mounjaro has shown significant effects on body weight as a side effect.
Effects on Blood Sugar and Weight
Mounjaro: Indicated for type 2 diabetes, reduces A1c levels and leads to weight loss as a side effect. Participants experienced A1c reductions and weight loss between 12 lbs. to 25 lbs.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a medication that contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It was FDA-approved in June of 2021, specifically for adults with obesity or those who are overweight with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy is administered via a weekly injection and works by mimicking the incretin hormones, which increases insulin production and lowers blood sugar levels. In clinical trials, many who took Wegovy experienced weight reduction, with 67.4% and 84.8% of participants losing 5% or more of their body weight over 68 weeks.
Effectiveness in Weight Reduction
Wegovy: Indicated for weight loss, Wegovy has demonstrated effectiveness in helping individuals lose 5% or more of their body weight over a specific period. It has been particularly successful when combined with lifestyle changes.
Effectiveness Comparison between Mounjaro and Wegovy
Mounjaro and Wegovy, both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, are effective medications for weight management, but with key differences. Wegovy (semaglutide) is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in obese or overweight adults, while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is currently only FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.
However, studies suggest Mounjaro might be more effective for weight loss. In clinical trials, Mounjaro at higher doses led to a greater average body weight loss compared to Wegovy's maximum approved dose. This difference might be due to Mounjaro's dual mechanism of action, targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, potentially leading to superior appetite control.
While both medications require a pen for once-weekly injection, Mounjaro's higher dosage and broader targeting may offer a more robust approach to weight management in appropriate patients under the close supervision of a physician. It's important to note that individual results may vary, and both drugs can cause side effects like nausea. Consulting a doctor to determine the most suitable medication and dosage for your specific needs is crucial.
Side Effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro
Wegovy and Mounjaro, two brand-name injectable medications, share common and severe side effects, along with contraindications that individuals should be aware of.
Common Side Effects:
Wegovy: Users commonly experience gastrointestinal issues like constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea, and upset stomach. Other common side effects include vomiting, headache, tiredness, dizziness, belching, stomach flu, heartburn, runny nose, and sore throat.
Mounjaro: Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and nausea. Some users may also experience injection site reactions like redness or swelling.
Severe Side Effects:
Wegovy: Severe side effects of Wegovy may include increased heart rate, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), allergic reactions, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, an increased risk of thyroid cancer, and breathing difficulties. These severe effects are uncommon but require immediate medical attention.
Mounjaro: While less common, severe side effects of Mounjaro include allergic reactions, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), an increased risk of thyroid cancer, gallbladder disease, and acute pancreatitis. If users experience ongoing or severe symptoms, it is crucial to contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Contraindications:
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro should be avoided during pregnancy for weight loss. They are also contraindicated if individuals have a personal history of pancreatitis, type 1 diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia.
What is the difference in Wegovy and Mounjaro?
Wegovy and Mounjaro have distinct differences in their approved uses and side effects. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss and management in individuals with obesity or overweight, while Mounjaro is approved to help manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients.
In terms of side effects, both drugs share some serious adverse effects like hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, severe digestive problems, risk of thyroid cancer, and allergic reactions. However, Wegovy and Mounjaro have differences in their specific approved uses and mechanisms of action, making them suitable for different conditions and patient profiles.
How much weight do you lose in a month with Wegovy?
On Wegovy, you may see some weight loss in the first 4 weeks of treatment, with adults losing an average of 15% of their weight after one year. Specifically, adults taking Wegovy lost an average of 35 lbs (15.9 kg) after one year, compared to a 2.5% weight loss (6 lbs/2.7 kg) in those taking an inactive pill. Additionally, after 68 weeks, 83% of adults taking Wegovy lost 5% or more of their weight compared to 31% of adults taking a placebo.
Is Ozempic or Mounjaro better for weight loss?
When comparing Ozempic and Mounjaro for weight loss, studies suggest that Mounjaro is more effective. Research indicates that Mounjaro has shown significant weight loss results, with users achieving a total mean weight loss of 26.6% over 84 weeks, surpassing the effectiveness of Ozempic.
Additionally, a real-world study by Truveta Research found that Mounjaro outperformed Ozempic in helping patients achieve substantial weight loss within a year, with Mounjaro users experiencing higher success rates in achieving weight loss of 5%, 10%, and 15% compared to Ozempic users. At 12 months, patients taking Mounjaro lost 15.2% of their weight compared to 7.9% for those taking Ozempic.
Do you lose more weight with Wegovy or Ozempic?
When comparing weight loss between Wegovy and Ozempic, adults taking Wegovy lost an average of 35 lbs (15.9 kg) or about 15% of their body weight. In comparison, those taking Ozempic lost up to 14 lbs (6.4 kg) on average.
In studies, 83% of adults taking Wegovy lost 5% or more of their weight compared to 31% of people taking a placebo, whereas Ozempic users lost between 8-14 lbs (3.6-6.3 kg) on average. Therefore, individuals tend to lose more weight with Wegovy than with Ozempic.
Is Wegovy or Mounjaro more effective for weight loss?
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are effective for weight loss, but the available data suggests that Mounjaro may be more effective. A real-world study by Truveta Research found that patients taking Mounjaro were significantly more likely to lose weight and saw larger reductions in body weight compared to those on Ozempic, which is similar to Wegovy.
The study found that at three months, patients on Mounjaro lost 5.9% of their weight, while those on Ozempic lost 3.6%. At six months, people taking Mounjaro lost 10.1% of their weight, while patients on Ozempic lost 5.9%. In one year, those on Mounjaro lost 15.2% of their weight, while those on Ozempic lost 7.9%.
Wegovy has also shown significant weight loss results. A 68-week trial found that patients taking Wegovy achieved a mean change in body weight of -12.4% compared to placebo. The study also found that 30.2% of Wegovy patients achieved ≥20% weight loss from baseline to week 68.
What is comparable to Mounjaro for weight loss?
A medication comparable to Mounjaro for weight loss is Ozempic. Both Mounjaro and Ozempic are effective for weight loss, but Mounjaro has been shown to be more effective in some studies. Mounjaro promotes weight loss by improving satiety, breaking down fat, and reducing sugar cravings.
On the other hand, Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable medication that helps control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and also aids in weight loss.
Therefore, if you are looking for a medication similar to Mounjaro for weight loss, Ozempic is a comparable option that has also been proven effective in aiding weight loss.
Will insurance cover Mounjaro for weight loss?
Insurance coverage for weight loss in Mounjaro can vary based on your insurance plan and drug benefits. While some insurance companies may cover Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, coverage for weight loss purposes may not be as common.
It is advisable to contact your insurance company directly to inquire if Mounjaro is covered under your weight loss plan. Additionally, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, offers a savings card program that can help eligible patients with commercial prescription drug insurance pay as little as $25 for up to a 3-month supply of Mounjaro, even if their insurance plan does not cover it.
Is Mounjaro and semaglutide the same?
Mounjaro and Semaglutide are not the same. Mounjaro is a medication containing tirzepatide, used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, while Semaglutide is a separate medication that lowers blood sugar levels by mimicking the effects of GLP-1. They belong to the same drug class known as incretin mimetics, but they are distinct medications with different active ingredients and purposes.
The bottom line
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are FDA-approved medications that have demonstrated significant effectiveness in weight loss and blood sugar control. Wegovy, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, is specifically approved for weight management in obese or overweight adults. On the other hand, Mounjaro, the brand name for the medication tirzepatide, is approved for treating type 2 diabetes. Both medications work by targeting hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar.