Injectable weight loss medications are gaining attention as effective options for the treatment of obesity. Mounjaro and Saxenda are two examples of these medications, which work in different ways. If you’re thinking about starting your weight loss journey, it’s important to understand how each medication functions, its benefits, and any potential side effects to find the right fit for you.
Weight loss medications are a class of drugs designed to help you lose weight alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Administered via injection, they work by influencing hormones that regulate appetite, hunger, and glucose metabolism. Unlike traditional oral weight loss pills, injectables have a more direct approach to managing hunger and food intake, often leading to more significant weight loss results.
| Feature | Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | Saxenda (liraglutide) |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Liraglutide |
| Drug class | GLP-1 / GIP agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| UK approval status | Approved for weight management | Approved for weight management |
| Eligibility | Approved for adults who are obese or overweight and who also have at least one weight-related health issue, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. | Approved for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese) or 27 or greater (overweight) who have at least one weight-related health condition. |
| Dosing schedule | Once weekly injection | Once daily injection |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg weekly | 0.6 mg daily |
| Maintenance dose | Up to 15 mg weekly | Up to 3 mg daily |
| Needles included | Yes | No (purchased separately) |
| Manufacturer | Lilly | Novo Nordisk |
Mounjaro and Saxenda are both effective medications for weight loss, but they operate through different mechanisms.
Mounjaro acts as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimicking two hormones that help regulate appetite and metabolism. By reducing hunger and extending feelings of fullness, Mounjaro makes it easier to consume fewer calories. It also slows gastric emptying, which helps maintain that sense of satiety after meals.
Saxenda functions solely as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics one hormone that reduces appetite and food intake while also slowing down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, contributing to a feeling of fullness.
Both medications target the brain’s appetite control centres, influence digestion and help improve blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for those managing diabetes.
Mounjaro is approved for use in adults who are:
Saxenda can be prescribed to:
Both medications are not recommended for those who:
The key difference between Mounjaro and Saxenda is their ingredients, which influence how they work in the body.
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which acts as both a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. This dual-action mechanism allows Mounjaro to effectively target multiple pathways related to appetite control and metabolism. Saxenda contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Liraglutide was primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes before being approved for weight management at a higher dosage.
Mounjaro and Saxenda share similar common side effects. Users of both medications may experience nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, and decreased appetite. These effects often improve as the body adjusts to the medication. While generally well-tolerated, both drugs carry risks of more serious complications. Pancreatitis and gallbladder issues have been reported in some cases.
Due to its innovative formulation and dual-action mechanism, Mounjaro is typically priced higher than Saxenda. While the cost of a month’s supply of Mounjaro can be significant, many users find its effectiveness justifies the investment. Saxenda is generally more affordable, making it a practical choice for those looking for effective weight management solutions.
Both Mounjaro and Saxenda have proven to be effective for weight loss, but recent research shows Mounjaro may have an edge. Studies found that patients using Mounjaro were able to lose more weight compared to those using Saxenda.
The study revealed that Mounjaro resulted in about 15% more weight loss than Saxenda over 72 weeks. Participants taking the highest dose of Mounjaro lost an average of 20% of their body weight, while those on Saxenda lost about 6.4%.
Mounjaro’s dual-action mechanism, which targets GLP-1 and GIP receptors, seems to provide better appetite control and metabolic support. Many users report feeling fuller with smaller meals and experiencing fewer cravings throughout the day.
While Saxenda remains an effective option for weight loss, these findings suggest that Mounjaro could be a better choice for those aiming for substantial weight reduction.
Are you ready to explore weight loss options like Mounjaro or Saxenda? At Click2Pharmacy, our online weight loss clinic makes it simple to get started.
Fill out our straightforward online consultation form, and our qualified pharmacists will assess your information to see if Mounjaro or Saxenda is the right fit for you. Once approved, we’ll make sure your prescription is processed swiftly and delivered right to your doorstep.
Take control of your weight loss journey today. Visit Click2Pharmacy’s online clinic to discover how Mounjaro and Saxenda can help you reach your weight loss goals!
Yes, you can transition from taking Saxenda to Mounjaro. However, it should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional who can evaluate your circumstances and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
No, they are not the same. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, and Saxenda contains liraglutide. This difference in active ingredients leads to variations in their mechanisms of action and effectiveness.
Yes, Mounjaro and Saxenda are approved for weight loss in the UK. Saxenda (liraglutide) has been approved for weight management in the UK since 2017, and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) was approved in November 2023.
No, it is not recommended to take Mounjaro and Saxenda together. Both medications work in similar ways to control appetite, and using them at the same time could increase the risk of side effects without providing any additional benefits.
