Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Which Is Right for You?

Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Which Is Right for You?

Helping Sevenoaks patients make informed choices about medical weight loss.

What Are Mounjaro and Wegovy?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) belong to a family of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These mimic natural gut hormones that help regulate appetite, digestion and blood sugar.

• Wegovy (semaglutide): Targets GLP-1 receptors.
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, giving it a broader effect on metabolism and weight regulation.

💡 Reassurance: GLP-1 medicines are not “brand new.” Ozempic (semaglutide for diabetes) has been used worldwide for over 20 years with a strong safety record. What’s new is their dedicated use for weight loss.

👉 If you’re curious about the recent price changes, you may want to read my update on the Mounjaro Price Increase – How to Secure Your Medical Weight Loss Treatment in Sevenoaks

Weight Loss Effectiveness

• Wegovy (STEP-1, NEJM 2021): average 14.9% body weight loss over 68 weeks. 
• Mounjaro (SURMOUNT-1, NEJM 2022): average 20.9% loss at highest dose over 72 weeks, with some >30%. 

➡️ In practice: Both are highly effective, but Mounjaro often delivers faster, greater reductions, especially for patients with insulin resistance or higher starting weights.

👉 For more detail on whether Mounjaro still represents good value after September’s price changes, see: Mounjaro Value After Price Rise - Sevenoaks GP explains

Cardiovascular & Metabolic Benefits

• Wegovy: SELECT trial (2023) – reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and CV death by 20% in adults with obesity (even without diabetes).
• Mounjaro: SURPASS-CVOT is ongoing; early signals suggest equal or greater protection, especially in type 2 diabetes.

Both also improve blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and reduce systemic inflammation.

Beyond Weight Loss: Everyday Health Benefits

Clinical studies and real-world patient feedback show that GLP-1 medications can help with more than weight loss:

• Joint relief and mobility improvement
• Fertility and PCOS improvements
• Sleep apnoea (up to 60% reduction in severity in studies)
• Mood & focus, calmer, more in control, fewer ADHD-like symptoms
• Cost neutrality, savings on food, alcohol and snacks often offset much of the cost

👉 I’ve written more about these “ripple effects” in my blog: Mounjaro, Wegovy & ADHD: Beyond Weight Loss, Mood and Longevity

Cancer, Inflammation and Longevity Medicine

Obesity is now recognised as the leading preventable cause of cancer in the UK, after smoking. Fat cells are highly pro-inflammatory, raising the risk of:

• Breast, bowel, pancreatic and liver cancers
• Heart disease, stroke, and dementia
• Osteoarthritis and other degenerative conditions

By reducing weight and inflammation (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α), Wegovy and Mounjaro don’t just change body shape — they may shift long-term cancer and disease risk.

Why Rapid Weight Loss Carries Risks

Any rapid weight loss, from medication, dieting, or surgery, can trigger risks:

• Gallbladder issues (gallstones): Rapid fat breakdown alters bile composition. Adults with obesity already face a 1–3% yearly risk; normal weight adults ~0.3–0.5%.
• Pancreatitis: Rare but serious inflammation of the pancreas. Risks were similar to placebo in trials.

⚠️ These risks are linked more to the speed of weight loss than the medicine itself. That’s why I use a slow-and-steady approach with bespoke titration and micro-dosing if needed.

Safety & Side Effects: What the Studies Show

Side Effect Area	Wegovy	Mounjaro	Placebo (dummy injection)	Background Risk	What This Means for You
Gallbladder / Gallstones	~2.6%	~1.1–1.5%	~0.2–1.2%	1–3% per year (obesity); 0.3–0.5% (normal weight)	Risk comes mainly from rapid weight loss, not just the medicine. Slower titration reduces risk.
Pancreatitis	~0.2%	~0.2–0.3%	~0.1–0.2%	0.2–0.3% per year (obesity); ~0.04% (normal weight)	Very rare but serious. Supervision ensures early detection if symptoms occur.
Gastrointestinal	Nausea 44%; Vomiting 24%; Diarrhoea 30%	Nausea 20–32%;    Vomiting 12-17%;  Diarrhoea 18–23%	Nausea 6–17%; Vomiting 5–6%; Diarrhoea  9-16%	10–20% of adults report GI upset annually without treatment	Most common side effects. Usually improve with time or slower dose increases.

Cost & Practicalities

• Wegovy: £250–350/month depending on dose
• Mounjaro: £350–450/month (from September 2025)

At my Sevenoaks clinic:

• Direct dispensing (no middlemen, reliable stock)
• Unlimited GP consultations
• Bespoke dosing & micro-dosing available
• Free support prescriptions (e.g. anti-sickness) included if side effects occur

Which Is Right for You?

• Wegovy: best for patients seeking steady results, proven cardiovascular protection.
• Mounjaro: best for those needing more powerful results such as weight loss, especially with diabetes, fatty liver, or insulin resistance.
• Either option: works best within structured, doctor-led care that integrates lifestyle and nutrition.

Licensing, Off-Label Use & Shared Decisions

• Both are licensed for weight management under specific criteria.
• May also be prescribed off-label (e.g. micro-dosing or bespoke maintenance) after an individual risk–benefit discussion.

FAQ

Are these new medications?
Not entirely. Ozempic (semaglutide for diabetes) has been used safely for over 20 years.

Do they cause cancer?
No. By reducing obesity and inflammation, they may lower long-term cancer risk.

Can they replace diet and exercise?
No. They work best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.

Are all benefits licensed?
No. Some benefits (e.g. ADHD-like calm, reduced alcohol or smoking, longevity focus) are off-label observations.

Final Thoughts

Wegovy and Mounjaro are extraordinary tools in modern weight loss medicine. They don’t just reduce weight — they can improve heart health, lower inflammation, reduce cancer risk, and support healthier habits for the long term.

⚠️ Off-label use warning: Some benefits described are outside current UK licensing. At my clinic, we always have an open discussion of pros, cons, and alternatives before making a joint decision.

📍 Dr Paulina Charlesworth – Medical Weight Loss & Aesthetic Medicine Clinic, Sevenoaks
📩 hello@drcharlesworth.co.uk
📞 07960 777 456
💻 Book a consultation