How These Revolutionary Weight Loss Medications Work, Who Qualifies, Side Effects, and Expert Tips for Success

Introduction

Weight loss injections have become increasingly popular as a treatment option for those struggling with obesity. Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy are three well-known drugs used to support weight loss by mimicking hormones in your body that send signals to the part of your brain responsible for appetite and hunger.

Despite the hype, it's important to remember there is no such thing as a magic bullet for weight loss - injections won't be suitable for everyone and all treatments have their pros and cons. The weight-loss effects will only last as long as you're taking the drugs. Once you stop, your appetite will return to normal, and you'll regain at least some of the weight lost. Hence, it’s important to work on nutrition and lifestyle changes to keep the weight off.

What Are Weight Loss Injections?

Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy are prescription medications that aid weight loss by affecting the hormones that control hunger and fullness. These drugs belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of medications, which were initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes. Their ability to reduce appetite and promote weight loss has made them valuable tools for people seeking to lose weight.

The Difference Between Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy

While Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy all help with weight loss, they work in slightly different ways, targeting different hormones and belonging to different generations of weight loss medications.

• Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): This is a dual-acting drug that targets two hormones: GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). It belongs to the next generation of weight loss medications, offering more comprehensive metabolic benefits. This dual action not only helps regulate appetite but also improves blood sugar control, making it especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.

• Ozempic (Semaglutide): Ozempic is a second-generation GLP-1 agonist that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help lower blood sugar levels, slow stomach emptying and reduce hunger. It is primarily developed for diabetes management.

• Wegovy (Semaglutide): Like Ozempic, Wegovy contains Semaglutide, but at a higher dose, designed specifically for weight management. As a second-generation GLP-1 agonist, it works similarly to Ozempic, but the increased dosage makes it more effective for weight loss in people with a higher BMI.

These differences in hormone targeting and dosing offer patients more options depending on their medical needs and weight loss goals.

NB: Ozempic is licensed for Diabetes management in Type 2 Diabetics.

How Do Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy Work?

These medications are once weekly injections that work by mimicking hormones in your body that affect appetite and fullness. They all slow down the emptying of your stomach, which helps you feel full longer. Additionally, they act on the brain to reduce hunger signals, making it easier to eat less and lose weight over time.

Mounjaro’s dual action provides an additional benefit for regulating blood sugar and controlling appetite, while Ozempic and Wegovy, focus on mimicking GLP-1 to suppress hunger and slow digestion.

Who Qualifies for Weight Loss Injections?

To qualify for weight loss injections like Mounjaro, Ozempic, or Wegovy, you generally need to meet these criteria:

• Body Mass Index (BMI): A BMI of 30 or higher classifies as obesity, which qualifies you for these medications.
• Health Conditions: If your BMI is 27 or higher, you may qualify if you also have a weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea.

A healthcare provider will assess your medical history and determine if you are eligible based on your individual needs.

Dosing and Administration

• Starting Doses: Ozempic and Wegovy both start at 0.25 mg weekly, while Mounjaro also begins at a low dose. The dosage is gradually increased over several weeks to avoid side effects and give your body time to adjust.
• Maximum Doses: Ozempic has a maximum dose of 1 mg weekly, while Wegovy can go up to 2.4 mg weekly. Mounjaro’s maximum dose varies based on individual tolerance and progress.
• How and Where to Inject: The injections are done subcutaneously (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. All three medications are administered once weekly for ease and consistency.
  

Availability and Cost of Weight Loss Injections

In the UK, the cost of weight loss injections varies depending on the provider and the specific medication. Here's a very general breakdown:

• Wegovy (Semaglutide): Costs for Wegovy typically start at around £169 per month for the lowest dose, increasing to about £269 for the highest dose​

• Ozempic (Semaglutide): While primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes, it’s often prescribed off-label for weight loss. Costs generally range from £170 to £299 per month​

• Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): Mounjaro is currently more expensive, with costs from £150 - £200 plus per month.

These weight loss injections are prescribed privately from specialist medical clinics, pharmacies such as Boots, Superdrug, and other online services. The exact price may also vary slightly between providers, especially for higher doses. They are not typically available on the NHS for weight loss purposes, except in cases where they are prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes.

Potential Side Effects:

As with any medication, these weight loss injections come with potential side effects. Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Low blood sugar (for those with diabetes)

These side effects are generally mild and improve over time, but more serious issues like pancreatitis are possible, so it’s important to work with your doctor and dietitian  to monitor your health.

Do You Regain Weight After Stopping Injections?

It’s possible to regain weight once you stop taking Mounjaro, Ozempic, or Wegovy. This is because the medications’ appetite suppressing effects wear off, leading to an increase in hunger and potentially overeating. However, this doesn’t mean your weight loss is temporary. By working with The Dietologist, you’ll learn to adopt sustainable lifestyle changes—such as a healthier diet, regular exercise, and emotional habit management—you can maintain your weight loss over the long term.

Supporting Your Weight Loss Journey with a Dietitian

While weight loss injections can be effective, they are not a standalone solution. To achieve long-term success, a comprehensive approach that includes proper nutrition, emotional eating support, lifestyle changes and exercise is essential. Here’s how The Dietologist can help:

• Diet and Nutrition: A personalised plan with a focus on high-protein, nutrient-dense foods will enhance the effectiveness of the injections. Proper nutrition is key to maximising fat loss and maintaining muscle mass.
• Emotional Eating Support: Addressing emotional eating habits is crucial for long-term weight management, and my program includes dedicated support for this.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity is important to improve your metabolism and support sustained weight loss. Knowing which types of exercise promote fat loss and improve your metabolic health is essential.
• Protein Intake: Ensuring sufficient protein intake helps fullness, preserve lean muscle and supports metabolism.

With expert support from The Dietologist, including personalised plans, regular check-ins, and emotional eating coaching, you’ll have the tools you need for long-term weight loss success.

The Best Diet to Follow While Using Weight Loss Injections

When using weight loss injections, it’s important to follow a balanced diet that supports your weight loss goals:

• Protein: Focus on lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, and plant-based sources to help maintain muscle mass.
• Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil to keep you feeling satisfied.
• Fibre: Add fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to support digestion and satiety.
• Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential, especially if you experience nausea or digestive side effects from the injections.

With the right diet and mindset, you can enhance the benefits of your weight loss injections and achieve long-lasting results.

Conclusion

Weight loss injections like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy offer powerful tools to support your weight loss journey, but they work best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. As a Weight Loss/Bariatric dietitian and emotional eating coach, I can provide the personalised guidance and support you need to succeed. With a combination of fuelling your body for weight loss, emotional eating habit management, and ongoing accountability, we can work together to achieve your long-term weight loss goals.

Book a discovery call with The Dietologist today to find out more and get started on your path to lasting weight loss success.