Wegovy vs Mounjaro in 2026: Which One Is Better for Weight Loss? – Dr Rajat Goel
New Research Explains Why Weight-Loss Injections Work Better for Some People
A new study has revealed why some people lose more weight than others when using popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
According to research published in the journal Nature, your genes may play a role in how effective these drugs are—and whether you experience side effects like nausea or vomiting.
How These Weight-Loss Drugs Work
Medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro help people lose weight by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that reduces hunger. This makes you feel full sooner and eat less.
Clinical trials show:
- Around 14% weight loss with semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic)
- Around 20% weight loss with tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
However, real-world results vary widely from person to person.
What the Study Found
Researchers analyzed data from about 15,000 people who were taking weight-loss medications and had previously undergone genetic testing.
Key findings include:
- On average, people lost 11.7% of their body weight over about 8 months
- Some individuals lost up to 30%, while others saw little or no change
- Certain gene variations linked to appetite and digestion were associated with better weight loss
People with specific genetic traits:
- Lost slightly more weight (around 0.76 kg extra on average)
- Experienced more side effects like nausea
- Could lose even more if they carried two copies of the gene
Genetics Matter—But Only to a Point
Experts say genetics do influence results, but they are just one piece of the puzzle.
Other important factors include:
- Diet and exercise habits
- Age and gender
- Type and dosage of medication
- Existing health conditions
For example, studies suggest:
- Women are twice as likely as men to lose at least 15% of their body weight on Mounjaro
- Younger individuals and some ethnic groups may respond better, though reasons are still unclear
Side Effects: Why Some People Feel Worse
The study also found a genetic link to side effects.
- Some people may be more prone to severe nausea or vomiting
- Around 1% of users could experience intense vomiting—much higher than average
What This Means for the Future
Scientists believe this research could lead to “precision medicine”, where treatments are tailored based on a person’s genetic profile.
However, experts caution that:
- These findings are still early and need more research
- They are not yet ready to change how doctors prescribe these drugs
The Bottom Line
Weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can be highly effective—but results vary widely.
While your genes may give you an advantage (or disadvantage), your lifestyle choices and medical care still play the biggest role in long-term success.
#WeightLoss #ObesityTreatment #Wegovy #Mounjaro #HealthResearch