Mounjaro and Wegovy are prescription-only, once-weekly injectable medications designed to support weight loss and long-term weight management. Both are part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, though Mounjaro also targets the GIP receptor for dual-action results.

These medicines help with:

• Making you feel full for longer

• Reducing hunger and food cravings

• Supporting healthier blood sugar levels (especially in people with type 2 diabetes)

• Aiding fat metabolism and insulin use in the body

You may be eligible for Mounjaro or Wegovy if you are:

• An adult with a BMI of 30 or above (obesity)

• An adult with a BMI of 27 or above with weight-related health issues such as:

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Sleep apnoea

  • Heart disease or stroke history

Mounjaro is also approved for adults with type 2 diabetes who need additional blood sugar control.

Weight loss injections have been shown to be beneficial in preventing and helping with many other conditions. Discuss with your doctor if it is possible to have a prescription "off label".

BMI (Body Mass Index) helps determine if your weight is healthy based on your height.

• Have type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis

• Have a personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have had a severe allergic reaction to the active ingredient (tirzepatide or semaglutide)

These treatments are generally well tolerated, but like all medicines, they may cause side effects.

Very Common (Affecting more than 1 in 10 people):

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Constipation

• Headache

• Indigestion or bloating

These usually occur when first starting the treatment and often improve over time.

Common (May affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Dizziness or tiredness

• Burping or flatulence

• Low blood sugar (especially when combined with insulin or sulphonylureas)

• Injection site reactions (redness, itching)

• Hair thinning

Uncommon or Rare But Serious:

• Gallbladder problems (e.g., gallstones or cholecystitis)

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) – Seek medical help if you experience severe stomach or back pain that doesn't go away

• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., swelling of lips/tongue, difficulty breathing)

• Potential risk of thyroid cancer – See a doctor if you notice a lump in your neck or hoarseness that doesn’t go away

Speak to your healthcare provider if you:

• Have a history of pancreatitis

• Experience digestive issues (e.g., severe gastroparesis)

• Have kidney or liver problems

• Are taking insulin or sulphonylureas — dosage may need adjusting

• Have eye problems related to diabetes (e.g., diabetic retinopathy)

Tip:

To reduce side effects like nausea or dehydration, drink plenty of fluids, especially during the first few weeks of treatment.

No. Mounjaro and Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Speak to your healthcare provider about safe alternatives.

Yes. It is recommended to use contraception. For those using oral contraceptives, consider additional protection (e.g., condoms) or switching to a non-oral method during dose changes.

These injections are used long-term to maintain weight loss. Your doctor will guide you on treatment duration based on your progress and overall health. However, risks from very long-term use has not been established as these medications are new.