Mounjaro Alternatives: What Are Your Other Options for Weight Loss?

Mounjaro has become the most talked-about weight loss treatment in the UK, and the clinical results behind it are impressive. But it is not the right option for every patient, and for a significant number of people it is not currently accessible, whether due to cost, supply, eligibility, or tolerance.

The good news is that Mounjaro is far from the only effective option. A range of clinically proven weight loss medications are available in the UK, and the landscape has changed considerably even in the past few months. This article gives you an honest, up-to-date overview of what the alternatives are, how they compare, and how to work out which might be right for you.

Why are some patients looking for Mounjaro alternatives?

There are several legitimate reasons a patient might be exploring alternatives to Mounjaro, none of which reflect a lack of commitment to treatment.

Cost is a significant factor for many people. Eli Lilly increased UK wholesale prices for Mounjaro by a substantial amount in September 2025, making it noticeably more expensive than it was previously. At higher doses, private monthly costs can exceed £300, and for patients on long-term treatment this adds up. [1]

Supply and access also remain variable. While availability has improved since the shortages of 2023 and 2024, not all doses are consistently in stock at all providers, and some patients have experienced interruptions to their treatment.

Side effect intolerance is another reason. Not everyone responds to tirzepatide in the same way, and for some patients the gastrointestinal side effects of Mounjaro are more pronounced than with semaglutide-based options.

Finally, eligibility. Not all patients meet the clinical criteria for Mounjaro, and a different medication may be equally appropriate for their circumstances.

"When it comes to GLP-1 treatments, there is no single option that is right for everyone. The best choice depends on a patient's medical history, weight loss goals, lifestyle, and how they respond to treatment. Rather than focusing on the most well-known medication, we focus on finding the option that is most appropriate for the individual and supports long-term success."

— Dr Saira Bano, GP with a special interest in metabolic health and obesity at SwiftDoctor

What is the closest alternative to Mounjaro?

The closest clinically comparable alternative to Mounjaro currently available in the UK is Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg). Both are once-weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist treatments licensed for chronic weight management in adults, and both are backed by large-scale Phase 3 clinical trial programmes. [2, 3]

The key mechanistic difference is that Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual agonist, targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors simultaneously, while Wegovy acts on GLP-1 receptors only. In practice, this dual action is associated with somewhat greater average weight loss in clinical trials. However, the gap has narrowed considerably following the January 2026 MHRA approval of Wegovy at a new higher dose of 7.2 mg, which is discussed further below.

How does Wegovy compare to Mounjaro for weight loss?

For much of the past two years, Mounjaro held a clear advantage over Wegovy on headline weight loss outcomes. The SURMOUNT-1 trial demonstrated average weight loss of up to 22.5% of body weight over 72 weeks at the highest tirzepatide dose. [2] The STEP 1 trial for Wegovy at 2.4 mg showed average weight loss of around 14.9% over the same period. [3]

However, the January 2026 MHRA approval of Wegovy at a 7.2 mg dose has significantly changed this picture. The STEP UP trial found that patients on the 7.2 mg dose lost an average of 20.7% of their body weight over 72 weeks, compared to 17.5% with the standard 2.4 mg dose, and a single-dose 7.2 mg pen was approved by the MHRA in April 2026 making administration more convenient. [4]

The gap between the two treatments has therefore narrowed substantially. Wegovy also has a longer prescribing history in the UK and a well-established cardiovascular safety profile, with the SELECT trial demonstrating a meaningful reduction in major cardiovascular events. [5] Following Mounjaro's price increase, it is often the more cost-effective weekly option.

Are there other GLP-1 alternatives to consider?

While Wegovy is the most direct Mounjaro alternative, it is not the only option. Depending on your medical history, treatment goals, and preferences, other GLP-1 medications may be worth considering. Here is a brief overview of what else is available in the UK.

Saxenda (liraglutide)

Saxenda (liraglutide) is a once-daily injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist with a well-established prescribing history in the UK. It produces more modest weight loss outcomes than the newer weekly options, averaging around 8% in clinical trials, but is generally the most affordable injectable choice at around £150 to £200 per month privately. [1] It may suit patients where cost is the primary consideration or where semaglutide and tirzepatide are not appropriate.

Ozempic (semaglutide)

Ozempic contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy but is licensed primarily for type 2 diabetes management rather than weight loss, and is prescribed at lower doses. Patients with type 2 diabetes who are already taking Ozempic may find it supports weight management alongside its primary indication. Suitability is best discussed directly with a clinician.

Rybelsus (oral semaglutide)

Rybelsus is the oral tablet form of semaglutide, taken once daily, and is currently licensed for type 2 diabetes rather than weight management. For patients who prefer tablets over injections, it may be worth discussing with a clinician. A higher-dose oral semaglutide formulation specifically approved for weight management is currently under MHRA review and expected in late 2026.

What if I cannot afford Mounjaro?

Cost is a practical concern and a legitimate one. Since Eli Lilly's September 2025 price increase, Mounjaro has become the premium-priced option in the UK weight loss injection market. At higher doses, private monthly costs can exceed £280, and for a treatment intended to be taken over an extended period, affordability is a real consideration. [1]

Wegovy at the standard 2.4 mg dose is typically available for £99 to £240 per month privately depending on provider and dose, and now that the 7.2 mg dose is available, it offers outcomes closer to Mounjaro than has previously been the case. 

The most important principle is that clinical effectiveness should be weighed alongside affordability. A treatment you can sustain consistently over time is more valuable than the theoretically strongest option that becomes unaffordable after a few months. A consultation can help identify which treatment offers the best balance for your individual circumstances.

How do I choose the right weight loss injection for me?

The right treatment depends on your individual health history, BMI, weight-related health conditions, tolerance to side effects, lifestyle, and practical constraints including cost and dosing preference. Online research provides a useful starting point, but two patients with the same BMI can have very different medical histories, risk profiles, and responses to treatment.

A consultation with a SwiftDoctor clinician is the right starting point for that conversation. Our clinicians are not limited to a single medication and can advise across the full range of available options, including patients who are switching from another provider or treatment.

How SwiftDoctor helps you find the best option

SwiftDoctor is a doctor-led service, and our clinicians are not limited to recommending a single medication. Whether you are considering starting treatment for the first time, looking to switch from another provider, or exploring alternatives after a supply interruption or cost change, we review each patient's individual circumstances and recommend the most appropriate option from the full range available. We stay current with the evolving treatment landscape, including recent developments such as the new Wegovy 7.2 mg approval. If you are unsure which treatment is right for you, our clinicians can help you navigate your weight loss options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the new Wegovy 7.2 mg dose change my options? 

It meaningfully closes the gap with Mounjaro. With average weight loss of 20.7% over 72 weeks in the STEP UP trial versus Mounjaro's 22.5%, the two treatments are now more comparable in outcome terms than they have ever been. Combined with Wegovy's longer prescribing history and generally lower cost following Mounjaro's price increase, the 7.2 mg dose makes Wegovy a stronger alternative than it was previously.

Can I switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy mid-treatment? 

Yes, switching is clinically possible and relatively common, particularly following supply interruptions or cost changes. It requires clinical oversight to manage the transition in dosing appropriately. A SwiftDoctor clinician can advise on how to manage the switch safely and what to expect during the changeover period.

Are Ozempic and Wegovy the same medication? 

They contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but are different products prescribed at different doses for different indications. Wegovy is approved specifically for weight management at higher doses. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes at lower doses. They are not interchangeable without clinical guidance.

What should I do if my preferred medication is out of stock? 

Contact your prescribing clinician before making any changes. Switching medications without guidance can affect your progress and tolerability. A SwiftDoctor clinician can advise on the most appropriate alternative given your current dose, treatment history, and individual circumstances.

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Sources

1. Weight Loss Jab Prices (2026). Is Saxenda still worth it in 2026? Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda compared. https://weightlossjabprices.co.uk/is-saxenda-still-worth-it-mounjaro-wegovy-comparison/

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-1). New England Journal of Medicine, 387, 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

3. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1). New England Journal of Medicine, 384, 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

4. MHRA (2026). Single-dose 7.2 mg semaglutide (Wegovy) pen approved to treat adult patients with obesity. GOV.UK, 14 April 2026. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/single-dose-72mg-semaglutide-wegovy-pen-approved-to-treat-adult-patients-with-obesity

5. Lincoff, A.M. et al. (2023). Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in obesity without diabetes (SELECT). New England Journal of Medicine, 389, 2221–2232. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2307563