Tirzepatide-based treatments can be effective for weight management
Mounjaro and Zepbound are both weight loss medications that rely on an active ingredient called tirzepatide to work. But what are the differences between them? We explain what they are and where you can find each of them.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Next review: July 2029
Reviewed by: Neil Raichura
Tirzepatide was first developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Since then, it has also been used for weight management because it can help reduce appetite, support feelings of fullness, and reduce food cravings. It works by copying the action of two hormones called GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones are involved in appetite, fullness, digestion, and blood sugar control.
| Mounjaro | Zepbound | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Tirzepatide |
| How is it taken | Once-weekly injection | Once-weekly injection |
| Used for weight mangement? | Yes, in eligible adults | Yes, in eligible adults |
| UK availability | Yes, with a prescription | Not as the UK brand name |
| Main difference | UK brand name for tirzepatide | US brand name for tirzepatide |
Zepbound is not the brand name used for tirzepatide in the UK. If you are looking for tirzepatide treatment for weight management in the UK, the medicine you are more likely to be offered is Mounjaro.
You should only use prescription weight loss treatment after a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. You should also not use more than one tirzepatide product at the same time. If you are already taking Mounjaro, don’t take another medicine containing tirzepatide unless your prescriber tells you to.
Your GP or pharmacist can help you understand whether medicated weight loss treatment may be suitable for you.
If you have been advised to lose weight, or you have a BMI that may make you eligible for treatment, you can speak to a healthcare professional about your options.
It is important to remember that Mounjaro is not a quick fix. It can support weight loss, but it works best alongside regular physical activity, balanced meals and long-term lifestyle changes.
The healthcare professional you speak to can help with advice on staying active, eating healthily and managing side effects.
Weight loss with Mounjaro
Mounjaro is a prescription weight loss treatment that can help eligible adults lose weight when used alongside diet and physical activity.
From £149, you can get treatment and access to ongoing clinical support from our team.
- Farzam K, Patel P. Tirzepatide. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Accessed November 11, 2024. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585056/
- pil.15481.pdf. Accessed November 7, 2024. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.15481.pdf
- Zepbound for Weight Loss: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects - Drugs.com. Accessed November 11, 2024. https://www.drugs.com/zepbound.html