Considering the Differences Between Mounjaro® and Wegovy®
At Haus of Ästhetik, we know that many people are curious about the differences between Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)and Wegovy® (semaglutide). Recent changes in pricing, NHS availability, and supply have created more discussion in the UK about whether one medicine may be chosen over another.
This blog is for information and awareness only. If you are thinking about starting, stopping, or switching between them, you must speak with a qualified prescriber or your GP.
1. How do Mounjaro® and Wegovy® differ?
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Wegovy® (semaglutide): A GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, slowing digestion, reducing appetite, and helping regulate blood sugar.
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Mounjaro® (tirzepatide): A dual-action medicine targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Studies suggest this may produce greater average weight loss in some patients compared to semaglutide.
In simple terms, Wegovy® acts on one pathway, while Mounjaro® acts on two. Both are prescription medicines and both have demonstrated effectiveness in clinical studies.
2. Why might people be thinking about switching?
There are several factors currently shaping decisions in the UK:
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NHS pathways: Wegovy® is available on the NHS for certain individuals who meet eligibility criteria, but Mounjaro® is not yet commissioned for obesity care.
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Costs in private care: Mounjaro® is generally more expensive than Wegovy®, leading some individuals to consider affordability.
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Supply and demand: Availability can vary. Wegovy® has been gradually stabilising in the UK, while global demand for Mounjaro® continues to grow.
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Future planning: Some who started privately on Mounjaro® may look at Wegovy® to align with NHS pathways.
3. Is there official switching guidance?
Currently, there is no official UK guidance on switching between these medicines. Manufacturers have not published protocols for safe transitions. This means decisions must be made by a qualified prescriber, considering the individual’s medical history, treatment goals, and tolerance.
4. What do emerging studies show?
Some US data has looked at switching patterns. For example:
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People moving from Mounjaro® to Wegovy® often restart at a lower Wegovy® dose.
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Side-effect profiles remained similar, with no major increase in nausea or vomiting.
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Because semaglutide remains in the body for weeks, prescribers need to consider overlapping effects.
It’s important to stress that this evidence is descriptive, not guidance. It shows what is happening in practice but does not provide a roadmap for safe switching.
5. Key considerations raised in research
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Dose adjustments are common when moving from one medicine to another.
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Monitoring is important to ensure tolerability and safety.
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Personal goals (e.g., affordability, NHS access, effectiveness) often guide decisions.
Key Takeaways
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Both Mounjaro® and Wegovy® are prescription medicines with proven effectiveness in weight management.
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Mounjaro® has shown higher average weight loss in studies, but Wegovy® is now more widely accessible in the UK.
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Switching between the two requires medical oversight.
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There is no official guidance, so any change must be discussed with a prescriber.
Final Word
At Haus of Ästhetik, our role is to share reliable, evidence-based information so that people can better understand developments in the aesthetics and wellness space. We do not provide or prescribe these medicines. If you are considering Mounjaro®, Wegovy®, or any similar treatment, please seek advice from a qualified UK healthcare professional.
References
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NICE – Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity (TA1026)
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Wilding JPH et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021
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Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022
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Hvisdas CM et al. Characterisation of Interchanging Incretin Analogues. Endocr Pract. 2025
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MHRA – Counterfeit medicine alerts
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified prescriber or healthcare professional before making decisions about prescription medicines.