Choosing the right weight loss medication can be overwhelming, especially with new options like Zepbound entering the market alongside established names like Wegovy and Mounjaro.

This blog aims to clarify the differences between these injectable medications and offer insights into their potential effectiveness, but it is crucial to remember that consulting a licensed healthcare professional remains the best approach to determine the most suitable option for your specific needs and medical history.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medication approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of:

• 30 or greater (obesity)
• 27 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related co-morbidity such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea

How is Wegovy administered?

Wegovy comes in a pre-filled pen and is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once per week. The initial dose is 0.25 milligrams (mg), and it can be gradually increased based on your individual response and tolerability, with the maximum recommended dose being 2.4 mg.

Understanding Mounjaro and Zepbound

While Mounjaro also contains tirzepatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it is currently only approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. However, Zepbound utilises the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, and it recently received FDA approval specifically for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of:

• 30 or greater (obesity)
• 27 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related co-morbidity

Choosing the Right Option for Weight Loss

It's important to understand that both Wegovy and Zepbound have shown promising results in clinical trials, with Zepbound potentially leading to slightly greater average weight loss in some studies. However, other factors, such as individual side effects and cost should be considered alongside potential weight loss benefits.

Here are some questions to explore with your doctor

• Which medication aligns best with my individual medical history and weight loss goals?
• What are the potential side effects of each medication, and how do they compare to my individual risk tolerance?
• What are the estimated costs associated with each medication, and will my insurance cover them?