Saxenda vs Mounjaro - Compare Weight Loss Injections

Comparing Saxenda vs. Mounjaro for Weight Loss

Saxenda and Mounjaro are two prescription injectable medications used for weight management. Both drugs work by mimicking natural hormones that regulate appetite. But there are some key differences between the two. Understanding how these medications work and their similarities and differences can help you determine if one may be right for you.

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is the brand name for the injectable weight loss drug liraglutide. It was approved by the FDA in 2014 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or who are overweight with at least one weight-related medical condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics the hormone GLP-1 which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Saxenda helps users feel fuller faster, stay satisfied longer, and eat less overall which can lead to weight loss.

How Saxenda Works

Saxenda impacts appetite regulation pathways in a few key ways:

• Slows digestion so food stays in stomach longer creating a feeling of fullness.
• Reduces hunger signals and appetite especially for high calorie foods.
• Increases satiety which helps you feel full and satisfied with less food.

In clinical studies, users of Saxenda lost an average of 5-10% of their body weight compared to placebo over 56 weeks when combined with diet and exercise. Greater weight loss is seen with increased doses up to the maximum approved dose of 3 mg daily.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a new injectable prescription medication approved by the FDA in May 2022 for treating type 2 diabetes. It is not currently approved for weight loss, however studies have shown significant weight loss in people taking Mounjaro.

Like Saxenda, Mounjaro is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It activates receptors for GLP-1 and another hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Activating these receptors helps control blood sugar and reduces appetite.

How Mounjaro Works

Mounjaro impacts the body in the following ways to lower blood sugar and potentially aid weight loss:

• Increases insulin secretion from the pancreas when blood sugar is high.
• Lowers glucagon secretion from the pancreas to decrease liver glucose output.
• Slows emptying of food from the stomach.
• Reduces appetite and calorie intake leading to weight loss.

In clinical trials, participants with type 2 diabetes taking Mounjaro lost on average 11% to 22% of their body weight over 20 to 68 weeks compared to placebo.

Similarities Between Saxenda and Mounjaro

While Saxenda and Mounjaro are different medications, they do share some commonalities in how they work and their effects:

• Both are administered via subcutaneous injection once daily.
• Both act on GLP-1 receptors to influence appetite and blood sugar.
• Lead to feelings of fullness and reduction in calorie intake and body weight.
• Require a dose escalation period to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
• Offer greater weight loss benefits at higher doses.
• Require use alongside diet and exercise for best weight loss effects.

Differences Between Saxenda and Mounjaro

There are also some notable differences between these two prescription weight loss medications:

• Approved uses - Saxenda is approved for chronic weight management while Mounjaro is only approved to treat diabetes currently.
• Drug classes - Saxenda is a pure GLP-1 agonist. Mounjaro is a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist.
• Average weight loss - Mounjaro users lost approximately 11-22% of body weight in trials which is greater than Saxenda's 5-10%.
• Usage guidelines - Saxenda can be prescribed for obesity (BMI 30) or being overweight (BMI 27) with an obesity-related condition. Mounjaro does not currently have weight loss prescribing guidelines.
• Cost - Mounjaro is more expensive, though savings programs are available for both medications.

Saxenda vs. Mounjaro Side Effects

Both Saxenda and Mounjaro can cause some similar gastrointestinal side effects including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain

These effects are most common when starting each medication or increasing doses. They typically subside over days to weeks as the body adjusts. Taking the medication with food or starting with lower doses can help minimize these side effects.

Saxenda may also cause dizziness, headache, fatigue, low blood sugar, gallstones, pancreatitis, kidney problems, and increased heart rate. Mounjaro can cause injection site reactions, dizziness, headache, and fatigue as well.

Rare but serious side effects are possible with both medications like thyroid tumors and pancreatitis. However, benefits of significant weight loss may outweigh potential risks for many people.

Who Should Take Saxenda vs. Mounjaro?

Who is Saxenda Recommended For?

Saxenda may be a good option for people who meet the following criteria:

• Adults 18 years or older with obesity (BMI 30) or who are overweight (BMI 27) with at least one weight-related medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
• Have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone
• Do not have a personal or family history of certain endocrine tumors
• Are not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant

Saxenda use alongside diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy can help overweight or obese patients lose weight and improve obesity-related health conditions.

Who Might Benefit from Mounjaro?

While not yet FDA approved for weight loss, Mounjaro may be beneficial for the following groups:

• Adults with type 2 diabetes needing better blood sugar control
• People needing to lose weight with diet and lifestyle changes alone have not been successful
• Individuals with obesity who also have diabetes, NAFLD, high cholesterol or high blood pressure
• Obese patients who have struggled losing weight with other medications like Saxenda

Clinical trials showed greater weight loss with Mounjaro versus other diabetes medications. Ongoing studies are further evaluating its effectiveness for obesity treatment.

Key Considerations in Choosing a Medication

Factors to think about when deciding between Saxenda and Mounjaro for weight loss include:

• Approved use - Saxenda for weight loss, Mounjaro for diabetes
• Insurance coverage and cost
• Average weight loss expected
• Side effect profile
• Need for blood sugar control
• Existing health conditions
• Ease of use with once daily injection

Discuss your weight loss goals, complete medical history, and lifestyle habits with your doctor to determine if Saxenda or Mounjaro may be appropriate options to consider.

The Takeaway

Saxenda and Mounjaro are both effective prescription medications

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.