Mounjaro vs Wegovy - Compare These New Weight Loss Drugs

Mounjaro vs Wegovy: How These New Weight Loss Drugs Compare

With obesity rates rising, new prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are generating buzz. But how do these innovative drugs work and how do they stack up against one another?

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy represent a new class of weight loss drugs that mimic naturally occurring GLP-1 hormones. This offers a promising new approach for losing weight and keeping it off long-term.

Here we'll provide an in-depth comparison of Mounjaro vs Wegovy and everything you need to know about how these next-gen medications work.

GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss

To understand how Mounjaro and Wegovy promote weight loss, it helps to first understand the science behind GLP-1 receptor agonists.

GLP-1 is a hormone released naturally in the gut that regulates food intake by suppressing appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists are injected medications that mimic this hormone's effects.

By activating GLP-1 receptors, these drugs can:

• Decrease appetite and promote fullness
• Slow stomach emptying
• Improve control over food cravings

This triple-threat makes it easier to reduce calorie intake, allowing for significant weight loss for obese patients.

Mounjaro for Weight Loss

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a new GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA in 2022 for weight management. It's administered via injection once per week.

Clinical trials have shown Mounjaro can lead to substantial weight loss in patients with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity.

In a 72 week study, patients taking the highest dose lost an average of 21.4% of their initial body weight, or around 49 pounds.

Mounjaro works by activating GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors. The additional effects on glucose and insulin metabolism provide benefits beyond just weight reduction.

Wegovy for Weight Loss

Wegovy (semaglutide) is another GLP-1 receptor agonist first approved for weight management in 2021. Like Mounjaro, it's given as a once weekly injection.

In clinical studies, Wegovy has been shown to produce significant weight loss in patients with obesity or overweight. Full results from the 68 week STEP trial:

• Wegovy group lost average of 17% of body weight
• Placebo group lost 2.4% of body weight

Wegovy mimics naturally occurring GLP-1 to suppress appetite. It's very similar to the diabetes drug Ozempic but FDA approved in a higher dose specifically for obesity.

Comparing Mounjaro vs Wegovy

Now let's directly compare some of the key attributes between these two promising new weight loss drugs:

Weight Loss Results

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy have proven effective for significant weight loss in clinical trials, but Mounjaro appears to lead to slightly greater average reduction at the highest doses tested.

In trials, patients taking Mounjaro had approximately 21% body weight loss on average compared to 17% with Wegovy over a similar time period.

Mechanisms

While both activate GLP-1 receptors, Mounjaro also stimulates GIP and glucagon pathways. This provides additional effects on glucose metabolism, insulin levels, and appetite regulation.

Dosing

Mounjaro has a gradual dose escalation up to 15mg. Wegovy is started at a lower 0.25mg dose and increased weekly up to a max of 2.4mg.

This slower ramp up with Wegovy may help reduce side effects.

Side Effects

As injectable GLP-1 drugs, they have a similar side effect profile. GI issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are most common especially when starting treatment.

Wegovy may have a lower GI side effect incidence due to the slower titration schedule. But increased heart rate appears slightly more frequent with Wegovy.

Cost

Both medications are very expensive. Mounjaro costs over $1000 per month without insurance. Wegovy is similarly priced between $1000-$1500 per month cash pay.

With insurance, out-of-pocket costs vary widely based on specific coverage terms.

Off-Label Use for Diabetes

While only FDA approved for weight loss, Mounjaro is increasingly used off-label for type 2 diabetes due to positive effects on blood sugar. Wegovy is not commonly prescribed for diabetes.

Who Should Take Mounjaro or Wegovy?

Mounjaro and Wegovy are only appropriate for certain patients who meet specific criteria. These GLP-1 drugs are intended for overweight or obese adults who have:

• BMI of 30 or higher (or 27+ with weight-related medical problems)
• Failed to lose weight through diet, exercise, and other programs
• No history of medical issues that could be worsened by weight loss

GLP-1 drugs should never be used for cosmetic weight loss or in patients who are not significantly overweight. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen is also critical.

Potential Benefits Beyond Weight

In addition to significant weight reduction, Mounjaro and Wegovy may provide other benefits:

• Cardiometabolic improvements: Lower blood pressure, better cholesterol, reduced heart disease risk
• Diabetes management: Better blood sugar control, reduced medication needs
• Pain relief: Less joint pain, improved mobility
• Mood boost: Reduced symptoms of depression
• Lower cancer risk: Weight loss shown to reduce some cancer rates

However, both drugs have only been directly studied for effects on body weight and cardiometabolic factors. Additional benefits are speculative based on known effects of weight reduction.

Risks and Side Effects

Like any potent medications, Mounjaro and Wegovy also come with potential side effects and adverse reaction risks, including:

• GI issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (most common)
• Gallstones: Rapid weight loss increases risk
• Hypoglycemia: Lower blood sugar, especially in diabetics
• Pancreatitis: Very rare but serious
• Kidney problems: Acute decline in function possible
• Injection site reactions: Pain, redness, itching
• Allergic reaction: Rash, swelling, difficulty breathing

GLP-1 drugs may also interact with certain medications like insulin, warfarin, oral contraceptives, and more. Consult your doctor regarding any interactions.

The Bottom Line

Mounjaro and Wegovy represent promising new prescription medications for weight loss. Both offer substantial proven weight reduction by activating GLP-1 hormone pathways.

Mounjaro appears slightly more effective but Wegovy may have fewer side effects. Out-of-pocket costs can be prohibitive without coverage. They are only appropriate for certain obese patients who have failed other weight loss efforts.

When used under the guidance of obesity medicine experts, these innovative drugs provide new hope to patients with severe obesity. But lifestyle changes, nutrition, and physical activity are still foundational for long-term health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.