Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Which One Works Better for Weight Loss?

Based on the latest direct comparison, Mounjaro produced greater average weight loss than Wegovy in the SURMOUNT-5 trial, but this does not mean Mounjaro is automatically the best choice for every person.

The SURMOUNT 5 trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, directly compared tirzepatide with semaglutide in 751 adults with obesity who did not have type 2 diabetes.

After 72 weeks:

• Tirzepatide produced an average weight change of −20.2%
• Semaglutide produced an average weight change of −13.7%
• The difference between the treatments was approximately 6.5 percentage points
• Waist circumference also decreased more with tirzepatide
• Gastrointestinal side effects were the most common adverse events in both groups and were generally mild to moderate.

The trial therefore provides useful evidence when people ask, “Is Mounjaro better than Wegovy for weight loss?” However, it is important to remember that clinical trial averages do not predict exactly how much weight an individual will lose.

Your response to treatment can be influenced by factors such as your starting weight, health conditions, lifestyle, adherence to treatment, the dose you can tolerate, and how your body responds to the medicine. Therefore, it is critical to speak to your clinician before making any decision. 

Understanding Mounjaro and Wegovy

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is a relatively new weight loss injection that works by mimicking two key hormones- GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones help regulate appetite, blood sugar levels, and metabolism. This dual action can lead to reduced hunger and improved weight loss outcomes.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy (Semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection that helps with weight loss by targeting the GLP-1 receptor. This helps reduce appetite, increase fullness, and slow digestion, making it easier to manage calorie intake and support sustained weight loss.

Here’s a well-structured table comparing Mounjaro vs. Wegovy:

Feature	Mounjaro	Wegovy
Active Ingredient	Tirzepatide	Semaglutide
Hormones Targeted	GLP-1 & GIP	GLP-1 only
Dosing	Weekly	Weekly
Effectiveness	Shown to help patients lose up to 22% of their body weight	Shown to help patients lose up to 15% of their body weight
Side Effects	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation
Availability in the UK	Expected soon	Available now

Both injections have been clinically proven to aid weight loss, but Mounjaro may offer greater weight reduction due to its dual hormone mechanism. However, Wegovy is currently more widely available in the UK.

At Hollowood Chemists Our qualified pharmacists provide private consultations to discuss which weight loss injection is right for you – Whether that’s Mounjaro or Wegovy. We offer competitive pricing and a confidential, supportive environment where you can ask questions without feeling rushed.

 Book a Weight Loss Consultation here

Mounjaro vs Wegovy Weight Loss Results: What Does the Evidence Really Show?

The strongest current head-to-head evidence shows greater average weight reduction with tirzepatide than with semaglutide, but these percentages should be interpreted as trial results rather than a promise of individual weight loss. 

In SURMOUNT-5, approximately:

Weight-loss target	Tirzepatide	Semaglutide
At least 10%	81.6%	60.5%
At least 15%	64.6%	40.1%
At least 20%	48.4%	27.3%
At least 25%	31.6%	16.1%

These figures come from a specific 72-week clinical trial and should not be presented as guaranteed outcomes for people receiving treatment privately or through the NHS.

Weight Loss Injections Across North West UK

Is Mounjaro Stronger Than Wegovy?

Mounjaro produced greater average weight loss than Wegovy in the direct 72-week SURMOUNT-5 comparison, but “stronger” does not necessarily mean “more suitable” for every patient.

Mounjaro acts through both the GIP and GLP-1 pathways, whereas Wegovy acts through the GLP-1 pathway. Both medicines can reduce appetite and food intake, but their mechanisms are not identical.

A healthcare professional should consider the wider picture rather than choosing a medicine solely because it produced a higher average weight-loss figure in one trial.

Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Which Is Safer?

Neither Mounjaro nor Wegovy can be described as universally safer because safety depends on the individual, their medical history, other medicines and how they respond to treatment. Both can cause gastrointestinal side effects and both require appropriate clinical assessment.

Common Mounjaro side effects

Common or frequently reported effects can include:

• nausea
• diarrhoea
• vomiting
• constipation
• abdominal discomfort
• reduced appetite
• other gastrointestinal symptoms

With tirzepatide, gastrointestinal effects are particularly common during dose escalation and may reduce as treatment continues.

Mounjaro Side Effects: Common Symptoms, Timeline, Warning Signs and How to Manage Them

Common Wegovy side effects

Wegovy can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• abdominal discomfort

Dose escalation is gradual partly to improve tolerability. If significant gastrointestinal symptoms occur, the Wegovy product information advises considering delaying dose escalation or returning to the previous dose until symptoms improve, under appropriate clinical guidance.

 Book a Weight Loss Consultation here

Who Can Take Mounjaro or Wegovy for Weight Loss in the UK?

Mounjaro and Wegovy are licensed for weight management in adults who meet specific clinical criteria, but licensing criteria, NHS eligibility and private prescribing are not the same thing. A clinical assessment is needed before treatment is started.

For weight management, the UK product information for Mounjaro states that it can be used in adults with:

• a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or
• a BMI of 27 kg/m² to below 30 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy’s UK marketing authorisation similarly covers adults with:

• a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or
• a BMI of 27 kg/m² to below 30 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity.

However, meeting the licensed BMI criteria does not automatically mean that you will receive treatment. Your healthcare professional must assess whether the medicine is clinically appropriate for you. Also, if you are outside the weight range, then a healthcare professional may still be able to supply the treatment if the benefits of doing so outweigh the risks. 

At Hollowood Chemists, the private weight-loss service includes a clinical consultation, BMI and eligibility assessment, treatment reviews and pharmacist-led support. The pharmacy states that treatment is selected according to clinical appropriateness rather than price.

How to Store Mounjaro ( Weight loss Injection ) Correctly ? Complete Guide

Mounjaro vs Wegovy: What Has Changed in the UK in 2026?

One of the most important recent UK updates is that a 7.2 mg Wegovy injection was authorised by the MHRA in April 2026 for adults with obesity, providing an additional semaglutide dose option for weight management.

The current UK Wegovy 7.2 mg product information states that the 2.4 mg weekly dose is reached through gradual dose escalation. For adults with obesity, the dose can be increased to 7.2 mg once weekly after at least four weeks on 2.4 mg, when clinically appropriate.

The 7.2 mg dose is not a starting dose. It is intended for appropriate patients following dose escalation and should only be used exactly as prescribed.

This update is particularly relevant if you are searching for Wegovy 7.2 mg UK, new Wegovy dose 2026, or Wegovy maximum dose in the UK.

Treatment	Type	Weight Loss	Your Advantage
Mounjaro	Injection	21-22%	STRONGEST results
Wegovy Inject	Injection	15%	PROVEN option
Wegovy Pill	TABLET	16.6%	First to offer
Foundayo	TABLET	12.4%	Anytime convenience

 Medication weight loss service

Foundayo Tablets:

Foundayo is a prescription-only weight loss tablet containing orforglipron, a once-daily GLP-1 medicine developed by Eli Lilly. Unlike injectable weight loss treatments, Foundayo is taken as a tablet and can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, making it a convenient option for eligible patients. At Hollowood Chemists, Foundayo is offered as part of a pharmacist-led Weight Management Service, where your suitability is assessed through a private consultation before any treatment is recommended. As with all prescription weight loss medicines, Foundayo should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for the best long-term results.

Wegovy Tablets

Wegovy is a prescription-only GLP-1 medicine used to support long-term weight management in eligible adults. It works by helping regulate appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, and should always be used alongside healthier eating habits and regular physical activity. At Hollowood Chemists, our pharmacists carry out a comprehensive consultation to determine whether Wegovy is appropriate for your individual health needs before recommending treatment. Throughout your treatment journey, you’ll receive professional guidance, ongoing monitoring and personalised support to help you manage your weight safely and confidently.

Weight Loss Injections vs Tablets: Which Treatment Is Right for You?

 Wegovy (Tablets) appointment

Mounjaro vs Wegovy Dose Schedule

Mounjaro dose schedule

Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg once weekly. The dose may then be increased in 2.5 mg steps at intervals of at least four weeks, depending on treatment response and tolerability. The maximum dose is 15 mg once weekly.

Wegovy dose schedule

Wegovy is normally started at 0.25 mg once weekly, with gradual increases

For adults with obesity, 7.2 mg once weekly is now an authorised option after at least four weeks at 2.4 mg when clinically appropriate.

The purpose of gradual dose escalation is to help the body adjust and reduce the likelihood or severity of gastrointestinal symptoms.

 

*The 7.2 mg Wegovy dose is an authorised option for eligible adults after at least four weeks on 2.4 mg, where clinically appropriate and prescribed by a healthcare professional.

 Weight Loss Consultation

 

Is Mounjaro or Wegovy Better for You?

For average weight loss, current head-to-head evidence favours Mounjaro, but the most appropriate treatment for you can only be determined after considering your individual health and clinical circumstances.

If you are deciding between Mounjaro or Wegovy for weight loss, consider the following:

Factor	Mounjaro	Wegovy
Active ingredient	Tirzepatide	Semaglutide
Main hormone pathways	GIP + GLP-1	GLP-1
Administration	Once-weekly injection	Once-weekly injection
Standard starting dose	2.5 mg weekly	0.25 mg weekly
Maximum authorised dose	15 mg weekly	7.2 mg weekly for appropriate adults with obesity
Direct head-to-head evidence	Greater average weight loss in SURMOUNT-5	Lower average weight loss than tirzepatide in SURMOUNT-5
Common side effects	Mainly gastrointestinal	Mainly gastrointestinal
Suitable for everyone?	No	No
Requires clinical assessment?	Yes	Yes

Can You Switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro?

Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro may be possible for some patients, but the decision should be made by a healthcare professional after reviewing your treatment history, current dose, side effects and health conditions.

Do not stop Wegovy and immediately start Mounjaro using a dose you have chosen yourself. The appropriate switching plan depends on your circumstances.

The same principle applies if you are considering switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy.

Who Should Not Take Mounjaro or Wegovy?

Mounjaro and Wegovy are not suitable for everyone, and pregnancy, breastfeeding, existing medical conditions and other medicines should be discussed with a healthcare professional before treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Mounjaro should not be used during pregnancy. The current UK product information advises stopping tirzepatide at least one month before a planned pregnancy.

NHS England also advises that Mounjaro is not recommended during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy, and it should not be used while breastfeeding according to its patient guidance.

For Wegovy, the current UK product information also states that it should not be used during pregnancy and provides specific guidance around stopping treatment before a planned pregnancy.

Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding should discuss weight management with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Other medical conditions and medicines

Your prescriber should know about your full medical history and all medicines you take before treatment begins.

This is particularly important if you have diabetes, gastrointestinal conditions, previous pancreatitis, gallbladder problems or other significant health conditions.

 Weight Loss Consultation

 

Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Which One May Be Right for You?

The right choice between Mounjaro and Wegovy depends on your individual health, eligibility, treatment goals, previous medicines, potential side effects and clinical circumstances rather than one medicine being universally “better”.

A healthcare professional may consider:

• your BMI and weight-related health conditions
• previous attempts to lose weight
• your current medicines
• your medical history
• your treatment goals
• how you tolerate gastrointestinal side effects
• pregnancy or contraception considerations
• whether you are receiving NHS or private treatment
• your response to the medicine over time

What Happens When You Stop Mounjaro or Wegovy?

Weight regain can occur after stopping weight-loss medicines, so maintaining healthy eating habits, physical activity and ongoing weight-management support is important.

This is one reason weight-loss injections should not be viewed as a replacement for lifestyle changes. NICE and NHS England recommend using these medicines alongside dietary and physical activity support.

If you are considering stopping Mounjaro or Wegovy, speak to your healthcare professional first so that you can discuss the most appropriate approach for your circumstances.

What Happens When You Stop Taking Mounjaro? The Truth About Weight Regain

How Much Do Mounjaro and Wegovy Cost in the UK?

Private Mounjaro and Wegovy prices vary according to the provider, dose and support included, while NHS treatment is available only to eligible patients through the relevant NHS pathway.

At Hollowood Chemists, current private treatment prices are published on the Medication Weight Loss Service page and vary by dose. The service states that the price includes a consultation fee and, for Mounjaro, a sharps bin and needles. Patients should check the current price before ordering because private pricing can change.

If you are comparing Mounjaro weight loss prices UK or Wegovy cost UK, do not compare price alone. Check whether the cost includes clinical assessment, prescription, medication, follow-up reviews, support and safe disposal of sharps.

Book consultation

What Happens During a Hollowood Chemists Weight Loss Consultation?

A weight-loss consultation is designed to determine whether prescription treatment is appropriate for you rather than simply selecting an injection based on popularity or price.

Hollowood Chemists states that its weight-loss service includes:

1. A private consultation
2. BMI and eligibility assessment
3. Review of relevant health information
4. Discussion of Mounjaro and Wegovy
5. Advice about possible side effects
6. Ongoing treatment reviews
7. Dose adjustments where clinically appropriate
8. Support healthy lifestyle changes.

The aim is to provide a personalised approach rather than treating every patient in exactly the same way.

The figures in this table describe licensed medicines and clinical evidence; they do not mean that one treatment will produce the same result for every individual.

Consult with a pharmacist today to explore your options: Book a Weight Loss Consultation here

Where to Get Mounjaro or Wegovy in the UK?

Hollowood Chemists offers expert guidance on weight loss medications. Whether you’re searching for weight- loss injections near me, need advice on choosing between Wegovy and Mounjaro, or want to compare treatments and  mounjaro weight loss prices our pharmacies across the North West England including  including Trafford (Sale, Village), Bolton (Market), St Helens (Garswood, Heatons, Millfields, Haydock, Bradlegh), Wigan (Moorside, Mesnes, Ince, Blackhorse (Blackrod), Northwich (Barnton), Crewe, and Clayton in Staffordshire. , offer fast, reliable, and confidential weight-loss services. You can explore safe and effective treatment options through our services:

Medication Weight Loss Service – Get professional advice on prescription weight loss solutions.
Health Marketplace – Browse trusted healthcare products tailored to your needs.

Safe and Effective Weight-Loss injections across the North West UK

Understanding Your Dose Schedule and Dose Increases

Wegovy Dosing (Starting Low, Increasing Gradually): Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg once weekly, increasing every four weeks to 0.5 mg, then 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and finally 2.4 mg (standard highest dose). A newer 7.2 mg dose is now available in the UK for people with obesity without diabetes. Starting low helps your body adjust and reduces side effects like nausea.

Mounjaro Dosing (More Dose Steps): Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg weekly, then increases to 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg. The difference is that Mounjaro has three possible maintenance doses (10, 12.5, or 15 mg), whereas Wegovy has one standard dose. Your doctor chooses which maintenance dose works best for your weight loss and side effect tolerance.

 Book Weight Loss Injection

What Happens When You Want To Lose Weight For A Long Time.

Who Can Get It In The UK How To Stay Safe And What The Doctor Will Tell You

In the United Kingdom you need a prescription to get Mounjaro and Wegovy. The doctor will look at your body mass index what illnesses you have had what medicines you are taking, what you eat. If you have any problems because of being overweight. They do this to make sure the injection is safe for you and that you are doing it as part of a plan to manage your weight not to lose weight fast. It is very important to buy Mounjaro and Wegovy from pharmacies, in the UK that are allowed to sell them or from people you can trust so you can stay safe.

How to maintain your weight loss long term

Final Thoughts

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy can be effective for weight loss, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your individual health, goals, and how your body responds to treatment. If you’re not sure which is best for you, book a consultation with our pharmacists. We’ll take the time to understand your situation and help you make an informed decision that’s right for you.

Common Questions About Weight Loss

1. Is Mounjaro better than Wegovy for weight loss?

Clinical trials suggest Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may lead to slightly greater weight loss than Wegovy (semaglutide), largely because it works on two hormone pathways rather than one. However, everyone responds differently, and what matters most is finding the treatment that works for your body and fits your lifestyle. Both are approved by the MHRA for weight management in the UK. Your pharmacist can help you weigh up the options during your consultation.

2. What are the side effects of Mounjaro vs Wegovy?

Both medications can cause nausea, especially when you first start or increase your dose. Diarrhoea, constipation, and fatigue are also fairly common. Some people find Mounjaro causes a bit more stomach upset initially, though this usually settles down. The NHS advises that most side effects are mild and improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Your pharmacist will give you tips on managing these eating smaller meals and staying hydrated can really help.

3. Can you switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro?

Yes, but don’t just stop one and start the other on your own. You’ll need medical supervision to switch safely, as the dosing schedules are different and there may be a transition period. Book a consultation with your pharmacist or prescriber if you’re thinking about changing – they’ll create a proper plan for you.

4. How long does it take to see results with Mounjaro or Wegovy?

Most patients start noticing weight loss within 4-8 weeks, with maximum results achieved over several months. The target is to lose at least 5% of your initial body weight within 12 weeks. 

Weight Loss Treatment FAQs

5. How much do weight loss injections cost in the UK?

Weight loss injections prices vary depending on the medication and dosage. Many patients ask how much does weight loss injections cost before starting. Costs are typically discussed during a private consultation at a pharmacy or clinic.

6. Can I switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro?

Yes, in some cases a clinician may recommend switching treatment safely.

 

Reference:
england.nhs.uk
nice.org.uk
nice.org.uk
NHS England – Weight Management Injections
NICE – Tirzepatide for Managing Overweight and Obesity (TA1026)
NICE – Semaglutide for Managing Overweight and Obesity (TA875)