
Get to know your medicated weight loss before you make a start
There are many different types of medicated weight loss in the UK market. Liraglutide (Nevolat) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are two GLP-1 medications that can be prescribed with the approval of a healthcare professional. But what are the differences between them? We explain.
Reviewed by: Neil Raichura, Clinical Pharmacist and Independent Prescriber
Published: April 2025
Next review: April 2028

Nevolat is the brand name for the generic version of a weight loss drug called liraglutide. It is for people living with obesity and is available to patients in the UK who have a BMI of 30 or above. People with a BMI of 27 and health conditions like heart disease, pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma or COPDs may also be eligible for it.1
It is a GLP-1 medicine which that works by reducing your appetite, making you feel fuller for longer and letting you go longer between meals without feeling hungry.1
Liraglutide was originally used to treat diabetes but has since been used for weight loss.2
It is an injectable medicine that should be taken at the same time every day. People using Nevolat can expect to lose up to 8% of their starting body weight in just over a year.
There are 5 doses of Nevolat available: 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg and 3.0 mg. You start on the lowest dose and then work your way up each week if your pharmacist thinks you need to. You have one injection a day.4
Your GP or prescriber will tell you when you are ready to take the next dose of medicine. Once you get to the highest dose, you will continue taking the medicine until you complete your treatment.4
Your prescriber will help you finish your treatment safely to minimise weight regain. They will discuss your next steps with you and give you advice on maintaining your weight loss without medication.
Mounjaro is a weight loss drug available in the UK for patients living with obesity. It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide.5
Tirzepatide mimics the behaviour of two hormones responsible for appetite control and blood sugar regulation called GLP-1 and GIP . This helps you to feel fuller for longer. They also help slow down digestion.6
GIP can also help with regulating your blood sugar.6
Like Nevolat, Mounjaro is an injectable medicine. However, it is taken weekly and there are 6 different doses. You take each dose for 4 weeks before moving onto the next dose. But this will only happen if your pharmacist or doctor thinks it is right for you.5
Though they are both weight loss treatments, there are some differences that set them apart from one another. When you start your weight loss treatment, you will discuss which treatment will suit your individual needs the most your pharmacist.
Nevolat | Mounjaro | |
---|---|---|
Type of medicine | Injection | Injection |
Number of doses | 1 pen can be set to deliver different doses | 6 |
Length of treatment | 5 weeks or more | 6 months or more |
Active ingredient | Liraglutide | Tirzepatide |
Cost | From £127 | From £149 |
Weight loss potential | 8% of starting weight | 20% of starting weight |
Both Mounjaro and Nevolat are safe to use. They have been tested to make sure that they can be used without causing harm. However, like any other medicine, they can cause side effects. While they can be uncomfortable, they are rarely life-threatening. They should start to go away on their own after a few weeks of taking the medicine.
Common side effects (affecting 1 in 10 people) of Nevolat are:
- Sickness and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Indigestion.4
Common side effects (affecting 1 in 10 people) of Mounjaro are:
- Feeling sick
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
If these side effects don’t go away on their own within a few days, speak to your doctor.4
Nevolat may cause some rare symptoms, including reduced kidney function or kidney failure. These symptoms only occur in 1 in 1000 people.4
Mounjaro can cause an inflamed pancreas in 1 in 100 people and a severe allergic reaction in 1 in 1000 people.7
If you have severe pain in your stomach or back, speak to a doctor immediately as it could be a sign of an inflamed pancreas. 7
The signs of a severe allergic reaction include:
- Swelling in your throat, tongue or lips
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Rapid heartbeat.7
If you or someone you know is having any of these symptoms, call 999 or visit your nearest A&E.
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- About Nevolat - Nevolat Patient. November 18, 2024. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://liraglutide.co.uk/nevolat-patient/
- Liraglutide. Diabetes UK. Accessed April 7, 2025. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/treatments/tablets-and-medication/glp-1/liraglutide
- Nevolat 6 mg/ml solution for injection in pre-filled pen. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/100226/smpc#gref
- pil.100226.pdf. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.100226.pdf
- MHRA authorises diabetes drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management and weight loss. GOV.UK. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-authorises-diabetes-drug-mounjaro-tirzepatide-for-weight-management-and-weight-loss
- What is Mounjaro? Diabetes UK. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/treatments/tablets-and-medication/glp-1/mounjaro
- pil.15481.pdf. Accessed April 9, 2025. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.15481.pdf