A fascinating simulation reveals exactly how weight loss drugs work in the body.
Originally created for the treatment and management of Type-2 diabetes, medications containing tirzepatide and semaglutide have become game changers for people who are struggling to lose weight.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are currently available in the UK on the NHS as a weight loss treatment for patients who qualify, however a significant number of the population also access the medication through private pharmacies.
Ozempic is not currently licensed for weight loss, however a number of patients do use the drug 'off-label' to help the pounds melt off as it also contains semaglutide.
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So how does it work?
Put simply, GLP-1 drugs help with regulating a person's blood sugar by stimulating insulin release, limiting spikes and therefore the frequency in which a person feels hungry.
The medication also slows down digestion, making you feel fuller for longer and when combined with exercise and lifestyle changes, allows people to lose weight.
However if this still sounds confusing the folks over at Simplihowww have created a handy simulation to help you visualise exactly what's going on inside your body after injecting the medicine, which you can check out below:
Is there a difference between Ozempic and Mounjaro?
As previously stated, Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide while Mounjaro uses tirzepatide as the active ingredient.
The amount of active ingredient included in the dosage also varies. Mounjaro starts at 2.5mg and can be increased to a maximum dose of 15mg. Meanwhile Wegovy starts at 0.25mg and can be increased to 7.5mg.
Ozempic also starts at a dose of 0.25mg and can be increased to 2mg.
ASDA’s Online Doctor also notes a difference in how semaglutide and tirzepatide interact with the body. Mounjaro works by reducing your appetite and making you feel fuller for longer while Ozempic regulates blood sugar levels by ‘improving how your body uses insulin'.
Despite the minor differences, when combined with changes to diet and lifestyle, both semaglutide and tirzepatide have proven effective with aiding weight loss.
What are the side effects of using GLP-1 drugs?
Like all medication, there are also a number of side effects associated with Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.
The most common side effects for the medication are of course, diarrhoea, stomach pain and constipation as well as nausea and vomiting. However The Independent Pharmacy notes these symptoms should begin to ease in the days and weeks after your body adjusts to the medication.
Brenna Cooper