Weight loss has never been easy. As more clinical trials and studies continue to shed light on the science behind chronic obesity and weight health, we begin to understand why. It’s not just about diet and exercise alone.
That is why the demand for effective weight loss solutions continues to grow exponentially around the world. So many people are using injectable medications for weight loss, more than you think. Injectable medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) or Wegovy (semaglutide) as it is called for weight loss, have become household names in the weight loss revolution with estimated 500,000 people in UK taking weight loss injections. But how do we know which is best for weight loss?
Both medications have shown impressive results in clinical trials, but understanding their differences is crucial for making an informed decision about your weight loss journey. That’s why we’ve put together the basics, everything you need to know about Mounjaro and Ozempic/ Wegovy.
Understanding the Basics: How These Medications Work
Mounjaro and Ozempic, or Wegovy for weight loss, belong to the injectable medication classification that help with weight loss, but they work slightly differently.
Mounjaro is unique because its mechanism of action, tirzepatide, targets two hormones – GLP-1 and GIP – which work together to create a synergistic effect in regulating appetite to promote weight loss. Here’s a bit of science to explain how:
Tirzepatide mimics the effects of hormones called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) in the body. These hormones are usually released after mealtimes, and help regulate blood sugar levels, control appetite, and aid in insulin production. By mimicking both GLP-1 and GIP hormones, Mounjaro helps reduce calorie intake, ensuring you are in a calorie deficit which ultimately promotes weight loss.
Dr Morgan Toerien is a weight, health, and clinical wellness practitioner:
“Think of it a little bit like trying to fill a paddling pool with one hose or trying to fill it with two hoses. If you’ve got two different hoses, your chances of getting it filled quicker are better. With tirzepatide, patients can hedge their bets in terms of whichever one of their hormones is more likely to be deficient or more likely to be resistant to, and one will be in the package.
“However, the two things together also have a synergistic effect. The effect is magnified, and not just a duplication. It isn’t just that you’ve got two hormones, therefore, you’re twice as likely to lose weight. You’re likely to lose much more than twice as much.”
Ozempic, on the other hand, works by mimicking just one hormone (GLP-1) to achieve weight loss. Ozempic is medication used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes whereas Wegovy is the same medication branded for weight loss. Both medicine brands are classified as semaglutide,
Mounjaro and Ozempic are administered through weekly injections and work by helping you feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger, and slowing down digestion.
However, Mounjaro’s dual-action approach often leads to more significant weight loss results in clinical studies.
Who can take Mounjaro or Ozempic?
Mounjaro and Ozempic (Wegovy for weight loss) are only prescribed to individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) that qualifies them as obese (over 30) or overweight (over 27) with weight-related health problems.
These are the strict guidelines from Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for legal prescription.
Comparing Weight Loss Results
Ozempic was the first injectable weight loss therapy to hit the headlines due to its impressive clinical trials. Dubbed the ‘game changer’ of weight loss medications, it certainly lived up to its name.
Clinical trials showed semaglutide helped users lose up to 10% of their original body weight over a 72-week period. This truly was game changing and began a series of chain reactions revolutionising the world of medical weight loss.
However, not long after Mounjaro came onto the scene, and produced results so far never seen before. Users typically experienced far superior weight loss results than with its competitors leading it to be pronounced the ‘King Kong’ of medical weight loss.
Many participants lost 15-20% of their body weight over the same period of 72 weeks.
It’s important to remember, though, that individual results can vary significantly, based on each person, how they react to the medication, and how much work they choose to put into the weight loss journey. Remember, what works best for one person might not be best for another!
Side Effects and Tolerability
Both medications have similar side effects.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. These symptoms typically improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
Mounjaro’s side effects might be more pronounced initially due to its dual-action mechanism, but many patients find them manageable with proper medical supervision.
Which One Works Best?
If we base this decision on results alone, Mounjaro is clinically proven to be the most effective weight loss injection for producing the largest amount of weight loss.
However, the best weight loss injection is not about its results in clinical trials, it’s about what works for you. Everyone is different, and everyone requires a unique approach to losing weight as just with any medical treatment, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.
Some people may not be able to use medical weight loss injections, others may find they have intolerable side effects, and those that do use them may not achieve the same amount of weight loss as others.
We said it at the beginning, weight loss isn’t easy, it never has been. What matters is finding a solution that works for you. That doesn’t happen with online questionnaires and 5-minute meetings with busy pharmacists, but it does happen with supportive and experienced weight health professionals who prioritise your wellbeing, to find the answer to helping you with safe, effective, and sustainable weight loss.
The Importance of Professional Guidance and Clinical Support
Regardless of which medication you are prescribed, professional medical supervision is crucial for success. Without guidance and support from experienced weight health clinicians, there is no guarantee of sustainable success with medical weight loss.
These medications are not magic solutions; they are tools to be used to gain the habits and sustainable life changes to make chronic obesity a thing of the past. Without proper supported medical care, you can only go so far, and are at risk of weight regain when the time comes to come off those injectable weight loss medications.
At Bodyline, we provide comprehensive clinical support throughout your weight loss journey, including regular check-ups, monitoring of side effects, and lifestyle guidance to maximise your results.
If you are considering Mounjaro or Ozempic, contact Bodyline Clinic today to learn more about their medically supervised weight loss programmes and how they can support you on your weight loss journey. Call 0800 995 6036 or complete a contact form for a call back.
Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.
