Weight loss medications have become much more effective in recent years. Two of the most talked-about treatments are semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
Wegovy is currently best known as a weekly injection, but researchers have also developed a tablet version of semaglutide, sometimes referred to as the Wegovy pill. At the same time, Mounjaro injections have gained attention for their impressive weight loss results.
If you’re exploring your options, you may be wondering how these treatments compare and which one may work better.
Table of Contents
3. How Do Wegovy Pills and Mounjaro Work?
3.1. Wegovy pill (semaglutide)
4. Which Treatment Leads to More Weight Loss?
5. Convenience: Tablets vs Injections
5.1. Wegovy pill
5.2. Mounjaro injection
What Is the Wegovy Pill?
The Wegovy pill is an oral version of semaglutide, the same active ingredient used in Wegovy injections.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic a hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar.
They work by helping people:
- feel fuller after eating
- reduce hunger between meals
- slow digestion
- reduce food cravings
The tablet version is designed to be taken once a day, instead of the weekly injection used with Wegovy.
Although semaglutide tablets are already available in some countries, they are not yet approved for weight loss in the UK.
What Is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a prescription medication used for weight management that contains tirzepatide.
Unlike semaglutide, which targets one hormone pathway, tirzepatide works on two hormones involved in appetite regulation:
- GLP-1
- GIP
Because of this dual action, Mounjaro may help reduce appetite and food cravings even further.
Mounjaro is taken as a once-weekly injection.
How Do Wegovy Pills and Mounjaro Work?
Both medications help people lose weight by reducing appetite and helping them eat less.
However, they work slightly differently.
Wegovy pill (semaglutide)
- Targets GLP-1 receptors
- Helps control appetite and blood sugar
- Slows digestion and increases feelings of fullness
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors
- Influences appetite signals and energy regulation
- May provide stronger appetite suppression in some people
Both medications are typically used alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity.
Which Treatment Leads to More Weight Loss?
Clinical studies suggest that Mounjaro may currently lead to greater average weight loss than semaglutide tablets.
Research comparing results has shown:
| Treatment |
Average weight loss |
| Wegovy tablets |
Around 14% |
| Mounjaro injections |
Around 14% |
While Mounjaro appears to produce higher results overall, the semaglutide pill still leads to significant weight loss in many people.
Results can vary depending on factors such as starting weight, lifestyle habits, and how the medication is used.
Convenience: Tablets vs Injections
Another key difference is how the medication is taken.
Wegovy pill
- Taken once a day
- Swallowed with water
- Must be taken on an empty stomach
Mounjaro injection
- Taken once a week
- Injected under the skin
- Can be taken at any time of day
Some people prefer the simplicity of a weekly injection, while others may feel more comfortable taking a daily tablet instead of using needles.
Are These Treatments Available in the UK?
Mounjaro injections are already available in the UK with a prescription.
The semaglutide pill is still being studied for weight loss and has not yet been approved in the UK.
Before it becomes available, the medication must be reviewed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to ensure it meets strict safety and effectiveness standards.
If approved in the future, Wegovy tablets may become another option for people looking to manage their weight.
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are part of a new generation of medications designed to help manage weight by targeting appetite and metabolism.
Mounjaro injections currently appear to lead to greater average weight loss in studies, but semaglutide tablets may still be an appealing option for people who prefer a pill over injections.
As research continues, oral semaglutide could provide another convenient way for people to access GLP-1 weight loss treatments in the future.
