Understanding How Your Weight Loss Medication Actually Works

The science bit (without the jargon)

If you're on a GLP-1 medication like Wegovy or Mounjaro (Other GLP-1 medications are available - speak to your prescriber if you have questions about which might be right for you), you might be curious about what'sactually happening in your body. Or maybe you're wondering if these medications could help your weight loss journey. Either way, understanding the science can help you feel more confident about your choices.

What's the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro?

Both are brilliant medications, but they work slightly differently. Wegovy targets one type of hormone receptor in your body (GLP-1), while Mounjaro hits two (GLP-1 and GIP). Think of it like having one key versus two keys to unlock your body's appetite control system.

This is why Mounjaro tends to be slightly more effective - studies show it can achieve up to 22.5% weight loss compared to Wegovy's 10-17.5%, depending on the dose and duration.

It's important to note that these figures come from clinical trials (SURMOUNT-1 for Mounjaro and STEP trials for Wegovy), and individual results vary significantly based on many factors including your starting weight, lifestyle, and how your body responds to the medication.

How do they actually help with weight loss?

These medications mimic hormones your body naturally makes after eating. They slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach, so you feel satisfied longer. They also chat to your brain's appetite control centre, reducing those constant food thoughts and cravings.

It's not about willpower anymore - it's about working with your body's natural systems instead of fighting against them. Many people describe it as finally having the "food noise" in their head turn down.

Why weekly injections?

Your body's natural versions of these hormones break down quickly – often within minutes. The injectable versions are designed to hang around for a full week, giving you consistent appetite control without daily medication.

Finding your right dose

Everyone's different. Some people lose significant weight on the lowest doses, others need higher amounts to see results. There's no "right" dose except the one that works for you with manageable side effects.

If you're just starting, you'll begin low and increase gradually. If you're already established on medication, only increase if your weight loss has completely stalled and you're not struggling with side effects. Lower doses are cheaper and often better tolerated, so there's no rush to go higher.

What to expect

Most people can expect to lose 15-20% of their body weight over 1-2 years, but results vary massively. Some achieve amazing results quickly, others see slower but steady progress. A small number don't respond much, but this is rare.

The bigger picture

Whether you're using medication or not, these tools work best alongside healthy habits. They're not magic bullets, but they can make the journey feel much more manageable. Think of them as turning down the volume on hunger and cravings so you can focus on building lasting changes.

Remember, your weight loss journey is uniquely yours. These medications can provide valuable support, but the real work happens in your daily choices and habits.