Can I change from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

Due to the dosage and scheduling pattern, this needs to be discussed with us first before making any changes betwee Mounjaro and Wegovy

What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are safe and effective weight loss medications that help to reduce appetite, curb cravings, and, when used alongside diet and lifestyle factors, help you to lose weight.

Mounjaro

• Mounjaro contains the active ingredient Tirzepatide
• It is a revolutionary weight-loss injection that offers a clinically proven approach to managing obesity.
• It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly.
• It is a single use, once-weekly injectable treatment designed to regulate appetite and metabolism, providing a targeted solution for sustainable weight loss.
• Mounjaro is indicated for chronic weight management as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults with an initial BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (obesity) or ≥27 kg/m2 (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
• Mounjaro is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is a first in a new class of treatments for weight loss and works by suppressing appetite, making you feel less hungry, resulting in weight loss.

Wegovy

• Wegovy contains the active ingredient  Semaglutide.
• It is a revolutionary weight-loss injection that offers a clinically proven approach to managing obesity.
• It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.
• It is a once-weekly injectable treatment designed to regulate appetite and metabolism, providing a targeted solution for sustainable weight loss.
• Until recently, healthcare professionals would prescribe semaglutide under the brand name Ozempic (which is licensed to treat type 2 diabetes) ‘off-label’ to treat obesity.
• However, Semaglutide now has an additional product license under the brand name Wegovy, which is specifically licensed for the management of overweight and obesity, so off-label use of ozempic is no longer required.
• Wegovy is indicated for chronic weight management as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults with an initial BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (obesity) or ≥27 kg/m2 (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition.

Who can have treatment in the UK?

These medications have to be prescribed by a medical professional who will be able to assess whether or not it is a safe treatment for you.

Treatment is generally suitable for adults between the ages of 18 and 75 who have a

1. Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher (27.5 for certain ethnicities)
2. BMI of 27 or higher (24.5 for certain ethnicities) accompanied by a weight-related medical condition

Exclusions:

• Pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant
• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Personal or family history multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
• History of liver or kidney failure
• History of pancreatitis
• Taking insulin
• Known hypersensitivity to Tirzepatide or any of the excipients in Mounjaro

What are some of the side effects I may experience?

Like all medications, weight loss injections can give some people side effects when they first start to take it. However, not everyone will experience side effects, and those who do often find that they go away on their own within a few weeks or months as their body gets used to the medication.

Most side effects that are reported with these treatments tend to involve the gut, and include;

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Stomach Pain
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Burping

Other common side effects listed include;

• Indigestion
• Inflamed Stomach (gastritis)
• Acid reflux or heartburn
• Gallstones
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Tiredness

For the full list of side effects, please see the patient information leaflet

If you do experience side effects whilst taking Semaglutide, we can provide any supporting treatments which might help you to deal with them.

How much weight are people losing taking this medication?

After six months, the average weight loss on Mounjaro was 10%, compared with 6% on Ozempic. At 12 months, people had dropped an average of 15% of their body weight on Mounjaro, compared with about 8% on Ozempic.

Overweight or obese adults lost more weight and shed pounds faster using Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro than those taking Novo Nordisk’s popular rival weight loss drug, according to an analysis of health records and other data.

Within one year of starting treatment, 42.3% of those taking Tirzepatide – the active ingredient in Mounjaro, had lost at least 15% of their weight, compared with 19.3% among patients taking semaglutide – the main ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic

Can I buy this online?

These medications are prescription-only, and you must be properly assessed for suitability to use it.  Glamazon Aesthetics will provide you with a full service including consultation, prescription, ordering of medication, guidance and ongoing to support to make sure you have the best chance of success!

How much does this cost?

Prices vary for each medication and dose prescribed.  Our prices for Mounjaro start at £165 for a monthly pen, and this includes all you need to get going as well as ongoing support and reviews.

As a comparison, Boots prices start from £219 for this medication.

There are a number of non-clinical companies, such as tanning salons, hair salons, promotion self-mixed, no-label medication at much cheaper prices.  This is highly risky, and you should never take these types of medication without:

• a prescription
• the supervision of a qualified practitioner
• approved medication with all appropriate labelling and information

Why should I use RH Medical Group for this service?

Other online websites and pharmacies can sometimes provide this medication, however we have found that often whilst the initial price is low, the policies put in place by these providers require patients to increase their doses (and therefore costs) each month.  RH Medical Group believe that if a dose if working for the results you are looking for, then you should not be forced to increase your dosage.

Other online websites and pharmacies operate very much in bulk - you will not receive the same level of ongoing support, care and personal touch, as you will receive from RH Medical Group.  Our service is run by a registered Nurse and Prescriber, so you can rest assured that you are in safe hands!

We are also accreddited by the National Medical Weight Loss Programme, and we are insured.

How soon can I expect to lose weight?

Results vary from patient to patient, however most people report being able to feel the benefits of the medication within days, and often see results within the first few weeks.  You should remember that consistency is key, and weight loss should be a gradual process coupled with lifestyle changes to acheive the best long-term results.

What should I eat whilst taking this medication?

Making sure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs for optimal functioning while taking this medication can be achieved by eating a balanced diet. It may also reduce the risk of undesirable side effects while supporting the drug’s effects on blood sugar regulation and weight loss.

A balanced diet typically includes eating a variety of foods from all the major food groups. These include:

• Fruits and vegetables.
• Whole grains.
• Lean proteins.
• Healthy fats or dairy.

Protein

It is key to consume foods high in protein when taking this medicationn. Your body requires protein as a necessary nutrient for tissue growth, repair, and maintenance. Consuming foods high in protein, such as fish, poultry, legumes, lean meats, and tofu, can help you keep your lean muscle mass even as you lose weight. In addition to being low in sugar and carbs, these foods support blood sugar regulation and aid in weight loss.

VLCD Diet - 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan

There has been reportable success from people taking this medication and following a VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet) such as the 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan.  The Cambridge Weight Plan have recently adjusted their programme to support customers on GLP-1 treatments, and as such we have partnered with Karen Tulloch and her team of 1:1 Diet Consultants to support you with a VLCD diet should you wish!

Many people opt to go for the VLCD diet because it creates simplicity, routine, and takes away some of the decision makinng around food choices, whilst ensuring you are receiving all of the nutrition you need to succeed in your weight loss journey, combined with medication.

Can I drink alcohol whilst taking this medication?

It is advisable to stop or limit alcohol consumption while using Mounjaro.

Alcoholic beverages can be high in calories and counterproductive to weight-loss efforts.  Most people find that their desire to drink alcohol is altered when taking the medication.

So, how does this work, how do I get started?

Its so simple to get started with RH Medical Group!  

1. Complete our Consultation Form, which will be passed onto our team to review.
2. Complete an initial Consultation with us, to make sure you're questions are answered and we have agreed which medication you will use.
3. Capture your starting position! Take pictures, measurements, whatever you need to be able to review your progress as we move through your journey together!
4. Receive your medication through the post, and we'll support you with how to administer it.
5. Administer your medication once-weekly, over 4 weeks.
6. Have a follow up consultation when you need it, but at least monthly.  We'll chat through your progress,  we'll agree on which dose you will continue on and we'll preescribe it and order it for you.  In order to ensure we can continue safely, we will need to discuss together before any additional prescriptions can be issued.

Can I take this medication if I am taking Oral Contraception?

Current guidance is that this medication may impact the efficacy of oral contraceptives.  Whilst there is limited research and evidence around this at the moment, our reccomendation is to switch to an alternative, non-oral contraceptive to reduce the risk of impacting its effectiveness.

Can i change my mind?

This is your journey and you are in control.  There is no minimum commitment, and you are free to choose to stop taking this medication if you choose to.  We would hope that you would discuss this with us first, as we may be able to help address your concerns or provide alternative medications to help you.  Once a prescription has been created unfortunately we will not be able to provide a refund for your order.  Your prescription will not be created without a consultation with us, so you can reest assured nothing will be ordered without both our agreement.