Until recently, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) held the crown as the most effective weight loss medication available in the UK. But with the approval of Wegovy 7.2 mg, that gap is almost closed.
This change to the Wegovy dosage might mean you’re reconsidering if the medication is right for you. If you’re choosing between these two medications for your weight loss journey – or considering switching – here’s what you need to know about how they compare.
Wegovy 7.2 mg vs Mounjaro Weight Loss Results: What The Trials Show
Both weight loss treatments have been tested in rigorous clinical trials. The results are incredibly close. The maximum dose of Mounjaro (15 mg) produces slightly more weight loss on average than Wegovy 7.2 mg. But the difference is less than 2 percentage points.
In the STEP UP trial, adults with obesity took Wegovy 7.2 mg for 72 weeks and achieved 20.7% average weight loss. A third of people lost 25% or more of their body weight.
In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults with obesity took Mounjaro 15 mg for 72 weeks and achieved 22.5% average weight loss. Just over half of people lost 20% or more.
It’s worth noting these are results from separate trials with different populations. So we can’t make a direct comparison on Mounjaro vs Wegovy. But the takeaway is clear: Wegovy 7.2 mg now delivers results comparable to Mounjaro.
So, is there a difference between side effects?
Side Effects
Both medications are GLP-1 receptor agonists (although Mounjaro also targets the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor). So they share similar side effect profiles.
The most common side effects for both are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain. These are typically mild to moderate, happen mainly during dose escalation, and improve over time.
How your body might respond varies significantly. Some people tolerate one medication better than the other.
Which One is ‘Better’?
The simple answer is that one isn’t necessarily better than the other. It depends on your individual circumstances.
Wegovy 7.2 mg might be “better” if you’re already on Wegovy 2.4 mg and want to increase your dose. If you’ve tried Mounjaro and didn’t tolerate it, you might want to think about switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy. Price might also be a factor. At Simple Online Pharmacy, Wegovy costs from £99.00 per month, while Mounjaro starts at £169.00.
Mounjaro 15 mg might be “better” if you want to try the medication with slightly better trial results. Or if you’ve tried Wegovy without success.
Both are excellent options. Both deliver sustainable weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. Both require weekly injections and have similar side effects.
If you’re already on Wegovy 2.4 mg and tolerating it well, the Wegovy 7.2 mg dose gives you a way to boost results without switching. If you’re starting fresh, trying either (at the recommended starting dose) is your choice.
Talk to your provider about your situation. They’ll give you the best advice on whether to switch or stay on your current medication, based on your medical history.
Key Takeaways
- Wegovy 7.2 mg (20.7% weight loss) now delivers results similar to Mounjaro 15 mg (22.5% weight loss).
- The difference between the highest Mounjaro and Wegovy doses is less than 2 percentage points – both are highly effective.
- Side effects are similar for both weight loss injections: mainly mild to moderate stomach-related issues.
- Choice depends on individual factors, such as current medication, how well you tolerate it, cost, and personal response, rather than which one might be “better”.
References
Semaglutide 7.2 mg s.c. achieved 20.7% weight loss in the STEP UP obesity trial, and 18.7% regardless of treatment adherence, Novo Nordisk [Accessed: 10 February 2026]
Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity, New England Journal of Medicine [Accessed: 10 February 2026]
Authorship
Authored by Kate Breen
Content Writer
Kate Breen is a content writer at Simple Online Pharmacy. With 4.5 years of experience across various industries, she specialises in healthcare writing. She holds a BSc in Biology and has worked with healthtech companies, pharmaceutical brands and private clinics. As a chronic illness patient herself, Kate is passionate about making healthcare information accessible by removing jargon and easing patient concerns.
Medically Reviewed by Richard Wood
Pharmacist / Clinical Specialist
GPhC reg:
2078802
Richard is a pharmacist and content reviewer at Simple Online Pharmacy. He officially joined the team in 2024 after several years of working with the company as a contractor. Prior to that, he spent over 11 years as a community pharmacist, building a strong foundation in patient care.
