Science in Weight loss.

It’s all about the chemistry…

Mova provide professional weight loss plans using prescribed self-administered injectables. The industry standards are Wegovy and Mounjaro. They work in different ways so here we discuss each medication. We’re as committed to weight loss as we are to responsible prescribing!

An elderly couple sitting on a gray exercise mat in a park, smiling at the camera. The man has gray hair, a beard, and is wearing a white shirt and gray sweatpants. The woman has blonde hair tied back and is wearing a white shirt and pink sweatpants. There is a plastic water bottle on the grass next to them, and trees with green leaves in the background.

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro belong to a group known as GLP-1 Drugs…

GLP-1 also known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), are a class of drugs used to regulate blood sugar and obesity. They can also help with weight loss. You self-administer with a small subcutaneous injection with a 4mm single use needle each week.

GLP-1RAs help the body produce more insulin, they reduce the amount of sugar the liver produces, they slow down digestion, and thereby reduce appetite. Say goodbye to cravings!

Are you eligible? You must be over 18 or below 75 years of age. If you have a BMI of ≥27 - <30 you require at least one weight related co-morbid condition e.g. prediabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or obstructive sleep apnoea or high blood pressure to qualify. If your BMI is ≥30 a weight-related co-morbid condition is not a requirement.

With Mova we will firstly assess your suitability for the treatment by looking at your current health and your medical history, then choose the optimum treatment plan to give the the safe controlled weight loss you need.

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Useful information

  • Your clinician will ask questions about your current health and health history obtained from your on-line consultation submission. Time will be taken to explore goals and strategies to support you with success and discuss questions you may have about any aspect of our service or weight loss medicines.

  • At Mova Medical we can prescribe weight loss medicines only after a comprehensive health history has been obtained through your on-line consultation submission and during the remote video consultation providing the appropriate criteria are met.

    Please note not everyone is eligible to take weight loss medication and it will only be prescribed in accordance with the regulatory framework for its UK license.

  • Mounjaro, is also a once-weekly injectable medication, licensed for weight loss that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. Similar to Wegovy, Mounjaro achieves weight loss through its novel mechanism of action to suppress appetite, so you eat less. It mimics the action of a 2 hormones GIP and GLP-1, Wegovy only mimics the GLP-1 receptor. GIP and GLP-1 are released after eating and slows down the movement of food in your gut so you remain full for longer. Both GIP and GLP-1 receptors are also found in areas of the human brain important for appetite regulation.

    The amount of weight you lose on Mounjaro will depend on your personal circumstances, your motivation to lose weight, your diet and lifestyle and how long you take the medication.

  • Similar to Wegovy the dose is gradually titrated at no less frequently than monthly.

    The titration steps are:

    • Weeks 1-4: 2.5mg once-weekly

    • Weeks 5-8: 5mg once-weekly

    • Weeks 9-12: 10mg once-weekly

    • Weeks 13-16: 12.5mg once-weekly

    • Weeks 17 onwards: 15mg once-weekly

  • Mounjaro in two pivotal clinical trials have demonstrated significant and superior weight loss compared to placebo.

    Surmount-31 evaluated the safety and efficacy of Mounjaro compared to placebo for 72 weeks after a 12-week low-calorie, diet, exercise and weekly counselling sessions intervention lead-in period, in adults with a BMI ≥30 or 27 and at least one weight -related co-morbidity, excluding Type 2 diabetes. At the end of the 12-week lead-in period participants achieved a mean weight loss of 6.9%. During the ensuing 72-week treatment period those taking Mounjaro lost an additional mean weight loss of 21.1% , corresponding to mean weight loss of 26.6% over the 84-week study period. Those taking placebo regained a mean weight of 3.3% over the same period.

    Surmount-42 evaluated the efficacy and safety of Mounjaro compared to placebo for 52 weeks after a 36-week open-label Mounjaro in adults with similar baseline characteristics to SURMOUNT-3. During the lead-in period all participants took Mounjaro and by the end of 36 weeks achieved a mean weight loss of 21.1%. For the next 52 weeks participants were randomised to Mounjaro or placebo. After a total of 88 weeks those taking Mounjaro demonstrated a mean total weight loss of 25.3%.

    The results of these 2 pivotal clinical trials correspond to a mean weight loss of 26kg and a mean reduction in waist circumference of 14.6cm in those taking Mounjaro.

  • As a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist side effects are broadly similar to Wegovy but with added considerations due to its dual action side effects, notably gastrointestinal, that may potentially be more pronounced. A gradual dose titration can help to alleviate these gastrointestinal side effects.

    If you are prescribed Mounjaro more detailed information can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet included with each prescription you receive. It is advised you familiarise yourself with its content and retain a copy for future reference, renewing periodically as it can change as more information about its safety becomes known.

  • For all our pricing please see here.

  • Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable medication that contains the active ingredient semaglutide. Wegovy can achieve weight loss through its mechanism of action to suppress appetite, so you eat less. It mimics the action of a gut hormone called GLP-1 which is released after eating and slows down the movement of food in you gut so you remain full for longer.

    The amount of weight you lose on Wegovy will depend on your personal circumstances, your motivation to lose weight, your diet and lifestyle and how long you take the medication.

  • Wegovy injections are available in 5 strengths. A dose is taken once weekly. The dose prescribed will depend on where you are with your weight loss journey and agreed with your clinician at your remote video consultation.

    The dose is gradually increased no less frequently than monthly until you achieve a maintenance dose you are comfortable with. This is called titration and is done gradually to make sure you are able to manage potential side effects are for your safety.

    The titration steps are as follows:

    • Weeks 1-4: 0.25mg once-weekly

    • Weeks 5-8: 0.5mg once-weekly

    • Weeks 9-12: 1mg once-weekly

    • Weeks 13-16: 1.7mg once-weekly

    • Weeks 17 onwards: 2.4mg once-weekly

  • When Wegovy is combined with a reduced calorie diet and increased exercise a 68-week clinical trial1 demonstrated that the mean change in body weight at 68 weeks was 15% with 2.4mg Wegovy, corresponding to a mean weight loss of 15kg and a mean reduction in waist circumference of 13.5cm.

  • Nausea is the most common side effect of Wegovy. Other very common gastrointestinal side effects (occurring in at least 10% of people) include vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal pain. These side effects can occur especially after starting Wegovy or during dose titration.

    Other very common non-gastrointestinal side effects include:

    • Fatigue

    • Headache

    • Injection site reactions – redness, swelling, pain.

    Less common but serious side effects include acute pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, potential thyroid C-cell tumour risk.

    If you are prescribed Wegovy more detailed information can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet included with each prescription you receive. It is advised you familiarise yourself with its content and retain a copy for future reference, renewing periodically as it can change as more information about its safety becomes known.

  • For all our pricing please see here.

Drug comparison

Wegovy

(semaglutide)

So how does it work?

Our body produces a natural hormone known as GLP-1 which causes the release of insulin which tells you when you are full and also regulates blood sugar. By injecting Wegovy a GLP-1 mimic, your appetite is satiated and you consume less calories, leading to weight loss.

How do I use the injection pen?

In common with Mounjaro this medicine is a subcutaneous injection that uses a tiny needle. You use your pen once a week. It’s preloaded with the prescibed dosage for one month. It’s simple to do even if you’re frightened of needles! As with any new medication please read the enclosed leaflet first.

So is it effective?

Yes, clinical trials have proved adults lost seven times as much weight versus against a control group administered a placebo. It’s important you make some lifestyle changes regarding exercise and healthy eating. The new you deserves some healthy habits!

So how do I get it?

These GLP-1 drugs are not available over the counter. As clinical prescribers we can source the right prescriptions for you. With a managed plan we can have them sent discretely under plain packaging to your home.

When will I see results?

Typically in the first month you could see a weight loss of 2-3kg. The drugs are optimal after around 3 months of use once your body has adjusted to a regular dose.

Mounjaro

(tirzepatide)

So how does it work?

Mounjaro is a dual action injectable weight loss medication that mimics both GIP and GLP-1 hormones. This can have less side effects than single action GLP-1 medication such as Wegovy. Because of its dual hormonal action some find this has a better result than Wegovy, but we will prescribe what suits your particular needs.

How do I use the injection pen?

In common with Wegovy this medicine is a subcutaneous injection that uses a tiny needle. You use your pen once a week. It’s preloaded with the prescibed dosage for one month. It’s simple to do even if you’re frightened of needles! As with any new medication please read the enclosed leaflet first.

So is it effective?

In a study from 2022 of 2,500 patients over 50% of patients were able to lose 20% of their body weight in 72 weeks. Over 80% lost at least 10% of their body weight

So how do I get it?

These GIP/GLP-1 drugs are not available over the counter. As clinical prescribers we can source the right prescriptions for you. With a managed plan we can have them sent discretely under plain packaging to your home.

When will I see results?

Typically in the first month you could see a weight loss of 2-3kg. The drugs are optimal after around 3 months of use once your body has adjusted to a regular dose.

What could I expect to pay?

Wegovy and Mounjaro are supplied as pre-loaded injection pens. Single Dose is 1 months supply and 1 pen. Double Dose is 2 months supply and 2 pens. Each pen contains 4 pre-measured quick and easy once a week injections.