Mounjaro and Saxenda are two different medications used for weight management. But what are the differences? Do they share any similarities? And which is best for weight loss? That’s what we’ll be exploring today.
1 - Eligibility and Approval
Both Mounjaro and Saxenda are used for chronic weight management. To be eligible for Mounjaro and Saxenda, you must:
- Have a BMI of 30 or higher
- Have a BMI of over 27 and a weight-related health issue (for example, high blood pressure or prediabetes)
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends Mounjaro for individuals with a BMI of 35 or higher who also have at least one obesity-related health condition.
Mounjaro, however, is primarily approved for type-2 diabetes, but Saxenda is prescribed solely for weight management. Mounjaro is not FDA-approved for weight management in the US, although the active ingredient (tirzepatide) is approved for weight management.
2 - Side Effects
Mounjaro and Saxenda can both cause side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Decreased appetite
- Upset stomach
- Fatigue
- Low blood sugar
These side effects are usually mild and will subside as your body adjusts to the medication. However, each medication can produce side effects to different extents.
3 - Effectiveness for Weight Loss
When it comes to weight loss, Mounjaro tends to produce better results. The SURMOUNT-1 trial consisted of non-diabetic patients with obesity. It found that the medication is highly effective for weight loss, with patients losing up to 22.5% of their body weight within 72 weeks.
A 56-week study looked at patients with type-2 diabetes and found that patients who took Saxenda lost an average of 8.0% of their body weight (compared to the placebo group who lost 2.6%). In this study, 63% of the patients lost 5% of their initial body weight.
So, while both are effective in aiding weight loss, Mounjaro appears to be more effective.
4 - Dosages
Mounjaro and Saxenda have different dosages and frequencies at which you take them. Let’s explore this further with a helpful table:
| Mounjaro | Saxenda | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Once a week | Once a day |
| Schedule | Dosage increases every 4 weeks until maintenance dose | Dosage increases every week until maintenance dose |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg | 0.6 mg |
| Maximum dose/maintenance dose | 15 mg | 3 mg |
These differences are because Mounjaro’s half-life is longer, which means you have to take it less frequently than Saxenda.
"5 - Popularity
Based on the number of searches on Google for Mounjaro and Saxenda terms from August 2023 to August 2024, Mounjaro has seen a huge increase in popularity, whereas Saxenda has seen a steep decline in interest.
Mounjaro increased in popularity by 299.6% compared to Saxenda over this period. In July and August, more people than ever searched for Mounjaro on Google, with percentage increases exceeding 1000% compared to Saxenda.
Google searches aside, the ratings appear to be more positive for Mounjaro than Saxenda. Here are the average ratings for each medication on Drugs.com:
So, it’s safe to say that Mounjaro is a more popular choice than Saxenda. This could be because it appears to be more effective for weight loss, and you only have to inject it once a week, which is more convenient than having to inject it every day.
How Do I Know Which is Right For Me?
When choosing between Mounjaro and Saxenda, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I need help managing type 2 diabetes? If so, Mounjaro may be the best choice
- Am I looking for significant weight loss? In clinical trials, Mounjaro trumps Saxenda in weight loss results
- Do I want to inject once a week or once a day? If you can keep up with daily injections, Saxenda could be a good choice. However, many people prefer the convenience of weekly injections like Mounjaro.
- How much can I afford to spend? Mounjaro is generally cheaper than Saxenda in the long run, although this can vary depending on the provider. Our medications start at just £149.00 per month.
- Am I prepared for side effects? Both medications can lead to side effects such as nausea and vomiting. These are typically mild, and will ease over time. However, be sure to look at potential contraindications.
Ultimately, the choice between Mounjaro and Saxenda is down to you and your prescriber. At Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, we will discuss your needs, preferences and medical history to determine the most appropriate medication for you.
We provide personalised care tailored to meet your specific needs. After all, one size does not fit all - we will create a plan that works best for you and your goals.
Make the most of guidance and support from our specialist weight loss nurses. We offer monthly reviews and well-being calls to ensure you receive the best treatment possible throughout your weight loss journey.
Book a free consultation with our experts today. You can either complete an online consultation, a video consultation or book an in-clinic appointment via our Digital Hub.
Key Takeaways
- Mounjaro and Saxenda have similar effects, and can both lead to weight loss
- Saxenda is prescribed for weight loss, but Mounjaro is primarily prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes on the NHS
- Mounjaro appears to be more effective in producing weight loss results
- Mounjaro is the more popular option, with more people searching for it online and leaving positive reviews
- You can determine the best option for you with our consultants at Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic
