Jump to: Weight loss effectiveness | Health benefits | Safety considerations | Cost and accessibility | Who might benefit most? | Take home message
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and bariatric surgery can support significant weight loss, though they work differently to achieve this.
Recent research shows that Mounjaro leads to an average weight loss of around 26% after one year.
In comparison, bariatric surgery typically supports 15-30% weight loss in the first year, potentially reaching up to 38kg lost after four years for gastric bypass procedures.
The choice between Mounjaro and bariatric surgery isn’t simply comparing the amount of weight loss achieved.
Each option offers different risks and rewards, making it more suitable for individuals.
Most importantly, both are valid medical interventions that can significantly improve health outcomes when properly supported.
Here’s a clear comparison of key aspects to consider:
| Aspect |
Mounjaro |
Bariatric Surgery |
| Average weight loss |
22-26% over 72-88 weeks |
15-30% in the first year; up to 38kg after 4 years |
| Treatment duration |
Ongoing medication |
One-time surgery with lifetime lifestyle changes |
| Reversibility |
Reversible; effects diminish if stopped |
Permanent anatomical changes |
| Main side effects |
Primarily gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhoea) |
Surgical risks; potential nutritional deficiencies |
| BMI requirements |
≥30 or ≥27 with complications |
≥40 or ≥35 with complications |
| Monitoring needs |
Regular check-ups and medication management |
Intensive initial follow-up, then annual monitoring |
| Cost structure |
£130-£300 a month. May be available on NHS as part of tier 3 weight management programmes in the future. |
Offered on NHS if eligible |
On Second Nature’s medication-supported programme, we understand that choosing between weight loss interventions requires careful consideration of multiple factors, including your medical history, lifestyle, and long-term health goals.
Let’s explore how these options compare across several key areas.
Weight loss
Mounjaro’s weight loss outcomes
Recent clinical trials have demonstrated Mounjaro’s impact on supporting weight loss.
In the SURMOUNT-3 trial, participants achieved an impressive 24.5% reduction in body weight after 72 weeks of treatment.
The SURMOUNT-4 trial showed even more promising results, with participants maintaining treatment and achieving a 26% reduction in body weight over 88 weeks.
For context, someone weighing 100kg might expect to lose approximately 22-26kg over 72-88 weeks on Mounjaro, though individual results can vary significantly.
Bariatric surgery weight loss outcomes
Bariatric surgery typically leads to more dramatic initial weight loss. Research indicates that:
- Gastric bypass patients lose an average of 38kg after four years
- Sleeve gastrectomy patients lose approximately 31kg
- Gastric band procedures result in about 20kg loss
The surgical approach often provides more rapid initial results, with significant weight loss occurring in the first 6-12 months post-surgery.
Long-term considerations
Understanding long-term outcomes is crucial for making an informed decision:
Mounjaro:
Research on long-term effectiveness is still emerging as the medication is relatively new.
Studies show that maintaining weight loss requires ongoing treatment, with some weight regain occurring if the medication is discontinued without patients forming the healthy habits needed to maintain weight loss naturally.
Additionally, some people with genetic predispositions to obesity may need to stay on the medication in the long term.
Bariatric Surgery:
Long-term data shows encouraging sustainability, with patients maintaining 50-70% of their initial weight loss after 10-15 years.
One study found an average weight reduction of 30.1kg maintained even 20 years post-surgery.
Health benefits beyond weight loss
Both interventions offer significant health improvements beyond weight reduction.
Mounjaro’s additional health benefits
The medication works by mimicking two hormones that manage our hunger and blood sugar levels – GLP-1 and GIP – which offers several advantages:
- Improved blood sugar control, particularly beneficial for type 2 diabetes
- Better cardiovascular health markers, including blood pressure
- Enhanced feeling of fullness and reduced food cravings
- Potential reduction in major cardiovascular events, like a heart attack
Bariatric surgery’s additional health benefits
Surgery can support:
- Potential type 2 diabetes remission in many patients
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers
- Improved fertility and pregnancy outcomes
- Significant reduction in sleep apnoea severity
Safety considerations
Understanding the safety profile of each option is essential for making an informed decision.
Mounjaro’s safety profile
The medication has shown to be generally well-tolerated, with most side effects being manageable:
- Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting
- These typically improve over time as your body adjusts
- Only 3-7% of trial participants stopped taking the medication due to side effects
- Developing healthy habits, like eating a diet based on whole foods, can reduce the severity and likelihood of side effects
Bariatric surgery safety considerations
Bariatric surgery, while generally safe, carries risks associated with major surgery:
- Short-term risks include infection, bleeding, and anaesthesia-related complications
- Long-term considerations involve potential nutritional deficiencies
- Some patients may experience dumping syndrome
- The mortality rate is low, ranging from 0.1% to 1.1%
- Bariatric surgeries are irreversible
Cost and accessibility
Financial considerations often play a crucial role in treatment decisions.
Mounjaro treatment cost
- Costs between £150-£300 a month depending on source
- More accessible as it doesn’t require hospitalisation
- Regular support is recommended to support the development of healthy habits
Bariatric surgery cost
- Higher upfront costs but potentially lower long-term expenses
- Often covered by NHS for eligible patients
- Requires comprehensive pre- and post-operative care
Additional costs may include supplements and dietary modifications.
Who might benefit most?
Mounjaro may be more suitable if you:
- Have a BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with weight-related health conditions
- Prefer a non-surgical approach
- Can commit to long-term medication use and sustainable habit change
- Want a reversible option
- Need flexibility in your treatment approach
Bariatric surgery may be suitable if you:
- Have a BMI ≥40 or ≥35 with obesity-related conditions
- Have tried other methods without sustainable success, including medication
- Can commit to significant lifestyle changes post-surgery
- Want a more permanent solution
- Have specific health conditions that might improve with surgery
Take home message
Mounjaro and bariatric surgery represent effective, evidence-based approaches to weight loss.
The choice between them should be based on your individual circumstances, health goals, and personal preferences.
Success with either option depends on ongoing support and lifestyle modifications.
Second Nature’s programme provides comprehensive support for individuals using Mounjaro, helping to maximise treatment effectiveness through sustainable lifestyle changes.
Second Nature’s medication programme
Second Nature provides Mounjaro as part of our Mounjaro weight-loss programme.
Why should you choose Second Nature over other providers, assuming you’re eligible?
For peace of mind.
Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years, providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.
While our Mounjaro weight-loss programme is private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built the programme focusing on scientific evidence, patient safety, and data security.
We hope that our 6+ years of working with the NHS and building a track record of effective weight-loss results will give you peace of mind to give us a try.
