Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Comparing the weight loss medications

If you’re on a weight loss journey and exploring medical options, or considering a switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy after the recent Mounjaro price increase, but are unsure how it could affect your progress, you’re in the right place.

The good news is that Mounjaro and Wegovy are very similar and both can deliver comparable weight loss results. So, here’s everything you need to know — from how they work and potential side effects, to how to make the switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy seamlessly.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a brand name for the active ingredient, tirzepatide. The once-weekly injectable medication was originally developed to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, however many patients also noticed it helped greatly with weight reduction.

Mounjaro works similarly to other weight loss medications like Wegovy, in that it mimics gut hormones called incretins, which signal the pancreas to release insulin after eating [1].

However, Mounjaro belongs to a different class of medications called dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists — meaning that it uses 2 digestive hormones, GLP-1 and GIP (instead of just GLP-1), to regulate glucose and register feelings of fullness in the brain [2].

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is an injectable medication that is used for weight loss and weight management for those considered overweight or obese.

It's manufactured by the same company that makes Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, but although both medications are brand names for semaglutide, there are important differences.

Firstly, Wegovy is specifically designed for chronic weight management, while Ozempic is licensed as a diabetes medication [3]. And, unlike Mounjaro, Wegovy is a single-action medication that mimics one hormone in the body, GLP-1, to manage blood sugar levels and achieve weight loss.

Which medication is more effective for weight loss: Wegovy or Mounjaro?

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are considered the gold standard when it comes to aiding weight loss efforts. Thus far, the two medications haven't been directly compared to each other in medical trials.

It's long been thought that Mounjaro leads to more significant weight loss outcomes than Wegovy but with recent research, that is changing.

In clinical trials, patients on the highest possible dose of Wegovy lost up to 20.7% of their body weight, compared to 20.9% with Mounjaro at its highest dose — showing that both can be highly effective when used consistently and with the right support [17][18]. With Juniper, Wegovy is delivered as part of a complete programme that includes expert care, coaching, and tracking tools — to help you get the most from your treatment.

This higher dose of Wegovy isn’t available just yet, but it’s expected to launch in the UK soon.

Is Mounjaro better than Wegovy?

You might look at these results and assume that Mounjaro is the clear winner. It's possible that the slightly favourable results observed in Mounjaro are thanks to 'twincretin' dual-agonist mechanism working more effectively for diabetes management [9].

However, both are once-weekly GLP-1 injections that work by reducing appetite and supporting weight loss. The key difference is: Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 that’s been used by over 8 million people worldwide and studied in more than 39,000 clinical trial participants. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide.

We know that Wegovy can produce similar weight loss results, and is much more cost-effective than Mounjaro, making it a more practical option for weight management. And, under guidance of your prescriber, it's both safe and straightforward to make the switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy.

Wegovy cost with Juniper

Can you switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

As everyone's body is different, it can take a bit of trial and error to find the right weight loss drug for your needs. It is possible to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy, but they're not interchangeable, meaning you can't use them simultaneously.

At Juniper, we make that switch seamless and fully supported — so you can protect your progress without paying more than you need to. Our clinical switching protocol is is simple and safe:

• ‍Review — Your clinician assesses your treatment history and dose tolerance.‍
• Match — If eligible, you start on an equivalent high dose to avoid losing progress.‍
• Transition — Only a 7-day window is required between your last Mounjaro dose and your first Wegovy dose (most providers require 28 days).‍
• Support — Pharmacist check-ins, dose adjustments, and lifestyle guidance keep you on track.

Start your Wegovy switch today →

Can I start on a high dose when switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

Yes — if you switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy with Juniper’s clinical switching protocol, you may be eligible to start on an equivalent high dose immediately. This keeps your weight loss on track by avoiding treatment gaps, side effects from restarting at a low dose, and any loss of momentum.

With Juniper, you get:

• A high dose matched to your progress — tailored to your previous medication, dose tolerance, and results so far.
• Clinician-led safety — pharmacists and prescribers guide your transition for the best outcomes.
• Complete support — pharmacist check-ins, coaching, and plateau-busting guidance.

Switching doesn’t mean starting over — with Juniper, it’s safe, seamless, and designed to protect your results.

What makes Juniper’s programme different?

Clinical research shows that Juniper patients achieve up to 40% more weight loss after 16 weeks compared to average results in Wegovy clinical trials.

This difference comes from how we combine the medication with ongoing expert care:

• Unlimited dose adjustments to match your needs and response.
• Clinical oversight with pharmacist and prescriber check-ins to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Coaching focused on nutrition, exercise, and behaviour change.
• Plateau management strategies to keep results moving if progress slows.

By pairing effective medication with this level of medical and behavioural support, Juniper helps patients get the most from their treatment.

What are the dosing schedules for Mounjaro vs Wegovy?

Mounjaro and Wegovy vary greatly in their dosing amounts and schedules.

For Mounjaro, the starting dose is 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks [11]. Patients usually then increase to 5 mg once weekly for at least 4 weeks. Depending on how your body responds to treatment, your doctor might increase your dose by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks.

For Wegovy, you will likely start on the lowest dosage, which is 0.25 mg once weekly [12]. If your body responds well, your Wegovy dosage will likely increase gradually every 4 weeks until you reach the maintenance dosage of 2.4 mg once per week.

Wegovy vs Mounjaro side effects

Like any medications, both Wegovy and Mounjaro have side effects you should be aware of.

The most common side effects experienced with both medications include [13]:

• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Heartburn
• Fatigue
• Stomach flu
• Heartburn
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Headaches

Another more serious but rare side effect that has been observed with Wegovy is developing thyroid tumours, including cancer. [14]

Before taking either of these weight loss medications, it is important to work with your doctor to rule out underlying health issues that may pose a risk.

Can Mounjaro or Wegovy lead to muscle loss?

We know that both Mounjaro and Wegovy are effective at promoting weight loss, but is that only fat, or does it also include muscle mass?

Well, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, participants on semaglutide (Wegovy) lost a considerable amount of fat but also experienced a reduction in muscle mass [7]. This is likely a result of rapid weight loss.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), however, seems to cause less muscle loss [16]. This could be due to its dual action on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which might help better preserve lean body mass — though more long-term studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Whichever medication you're prescribed, there are steps you can take to minimise muscle mass loss:

• Increase your protein intake
• Make sure your calorie deficit isn't too extreme
• Add strength training to your fitness routine
• Give your body rest days
• Stay hydrated
• Make sure you're sleeping enough

Mounjaro or Wegovy: Which one should you choose?

Both medications are extremely effective for achieving significant weight loss.

At the end of the day, the best option depends on you, your body and your lifestyle. Both medications are extremely effective for achieving significant weight loss, although Wegovy is a smart alternative if you’re looking to reduce your treatment costs. It belongs to the same trusted class of GLP-1 medications as Mounjaro and delivers comparable results.

By taking the Juniper quiz, you can check your eligibility and kickstart your journey towards a healthier and happier you. With the Juniper Programme, we offer tailored treatment plans based on your needs.

If you're unsure where to start, simply begin by answering a few questions in our quiz and our clinicians will support you through this process.

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