Mounjaro® vs Saxenda for Weight Loss

Comparing Saxenda and Mounjaro

Effectiveness

When comparing the results of the SURMOUNT-1 trial for Mounjaro® and the SCALE trial for Saxenda that were mentioned above, there appear to be some differences. Mounjaro® seemed to have a more significant effect on weight loss when compared to Saxenda. In addition a larger portion of the participants experienced a %5 or greater change in body weight when taking Mounjaro® compared to Saxenda.

Administration

Saxenda is injected once a day, whereas Mounjaro® is administered once a week. This makes Mounjaro® a more convenient option for those who don't want to take daily injections.

Mechanism of action

Saxenda only targets the GLP-1 receptor, whereas Mounjaro® targets multiple hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. This makes Mounjaro® potentially more effective than Saxenda in promoting weight loss; however, this is mostly speculation.

Side effects

Both medications can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Saxenda may also cause headaches, dizziness, and tiredness. These side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity and subside over time.

Cost and Coverage

Unfortunately, both of the medications can be very expensive, with Mounjaro® costing around $1000 per month and Saxenda costing $1500. Saxenda has been approved for weight loss by the FDA, which may make finding coverage by insurance plans easier. They may also provide coverage if you have a BMI over 27 as well as obesity-related comorbidities such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Therefore, making the medication more affordable.

Mounjaro® is currently not approved for weight loss in non-diabetics, which makes finding coverage difficult.