"Seeking Quality Healthcare Treatment: Insights on Weight Loss Injections from a Renowned Physician in Munich"
In the field of weight loss treatments, two medications have gained significant attention: Wegovy and Mounjaro. Dr. Thorsten Siegmund, a metabolism expert based in Munich's Isarklinikum, highlights the importance of understanding these treatments' differences to make informed decisions.
Effectiveness
Both drugs have demonstrated substantial weight loss results in clinical trials. Wegovy users, on average, lost around 15-17% of their starting weight after approximately 68 weeks, while Mounjaro users lost up to 22.5% after about 72 weeks on the highest dose [1][2]. However, direct comparisons are challenging due to differences in study designs and durations.
Side Effects
Gastrointestinal issues are the most common side effects for both injections. Wegovy users have higher rates of nausea (44%), diarrhea (30%), constipation (24%), and vomiting (24%), compared to Mounjaro users, who report much lower GI side effects, such as nausea around 12%, and vomiting 5% [1][5]. Other side effects for both include belching, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and less commonly, serious events like pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or thyroid cancer risk.
Costs
Wegovy tends to be more affordable than Mounjaro. In the UK, for example, Wegovy prices start around £99 per dose, while Mounjaro can start from £139 or higher [2][3]. In the US, assistance programs and coupons can reduce out-of-pocket costs for both drugs. For Wegovy, payments can be as low as $0 with insurance copays; Mounjaro also has copay assistance, but qualification often requires a type 2 diabetes diagnosis [4].
Clinical Considerations
Patients should not take both drugs simultaneously due to similar mechanisms and increased side effect risk [4]. Switching between the two is possible but requires medical guidance to balance effectiveness and side effect tolerance [3]. Side effects usually diminish over a few weeks, and patients can manage mild GI symptoms with dietary adjustments and gradual dose escalation [5].
In summary, Dr. Siegmund's practical assessment suggests both medications effectively reduce weight, but individual side effects profiles and cost considerations are critical in selecting the most suitable therapy. Wegovy is generally better tolerated, while Mounjaro may be more effective at the highest dose. Monitoring and medical supervision remain essential for safety and optimal results.
It's worth noting that more than 80% of patients lose weight with weight loss injections, but the reasons for failure in the remaining patients are not yet clear. Using Wegovy at the maximum dose for a month costs 276 euros, while Mounjaro costs 489 euros. Regular check-ups and a metabolic check are recommended, adding around 1000 euros to the annual cost.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, weight management approaches can include a variety of therapies-and-treatments, with science playing a significant role in the development and understanding of such medications.
- Two recent weight loss medications, Wegovy and Mounjaro, have both demonstrated impressive results in reducing weight, but it's essential to consider their differences in medical-conditions like side effects and costs.
- Cost considerations and individual side effect profiles play crucial roles in determining the most suitable therapy for weight management in the context of health-and-wellness and science, with Wegovy possibly being more affordable compared to Mounjaro.
