"I Switched to Wegovy to Save Money - Now I’m Starving": Real UK Stories of Moving from Mounjaro and Back Again
For many people in the UK, Mounjaro felt like a breakthrough. Appetite quietened, food noise faded, and weight loss finally felt achievable after years of struggle.
However, rising costs and supply disruptions have led some patients to consider switching to Wegovy (semaglutide), often to reduce costs or maintain continuity of treatment.
For some, the transition is smooth. For others, it can be challenging.
Across UK online communities, a recurring concern is the fear of losing progress:
"I just don’t want to waste all the hard work I put in over the past five months and gain it all back again." u/quiet-tiger-925
This article brings together publicly shared UK experiences to explore what people report when switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy, why the transition can feel difficult, and what patients often wish they had known beforehand. These accounts are anecdotal and individual experiences vary.
Why people are switching
Few people report switching because Mounjaro stopped working.
Instead, many describe financial pressures or supply shortages.
"I only switched because I couldn’t afford Mounjaro anymore." u/quiet-tiger-925
Some users also report feeling encouraged to switch due to cost differences.
"Interesting how it’s looking like a false economy to move to Wegovy, but sellers were encouraging people to switch to save money." u/CoverRoutine1103
While the decision may appear practical, the emotional impact can be significant.
"The food noise is back": what regret can feel like
One commonly repeated concern is the return of hunger.
"It’s my first week on Wegovy after five months on Mounjaro and I’m starving all the time." u/quiet-tiger-925
Some users describe the return of cravings.
"Portion control is out the window. Craving sweet. No food noise reduction like I had on Mounjaro." u/kimz2337
Others express concern about weight regain.
"I lost 12kg on Mounjaro. In three weeks on Wegovy, I’ve gained 2kg. I am not a happy bunny." u/missmorphic
In some cases, behaviours change even before weight does.
"I can tell I’m eating more. Before, I couldn’t finish meals. Now I’m still not satisfied." u/KlutzyInteraction951
Dose differences: a common challenge
A frequent theme in user discussions is dose mismatch.
Some people move from higher doses of Mounjaro directly to low starting doses of Wegovy. While this may follow prescribing guidance, it can feel like a significant reduction in appetite suppression.
"Finished Mounjaro at 10mg, which was working perfectly. Went down to Wegovy 0.5mg… I was STARVING." u/missmorphic
There is no direct milligram for milligram conversion between the medicines, and appetite effects differ between individuals.
"2.4mg of Wegovy is roughly equivalent to 5mg of Mounjaro in trials… moving from 10–12.5mg MJ to 1mg Wegovy is under dosing." u/Life-Injury1584
This may help explain why hunger can return during the transition.
The washout period and restarting treatment
Some patients report needing a washout period before restarting Mounjaro if they switch back.
"They told me I had to have a five-week washout and start back at 0.25mg. My five months of titrating up just went out the window." u/missmorphic
Restart protocols may vary depending on prescriber guidance and patient safety considerations.
Is Wegovy always less effective?
Experiences vary. Some users find Wegovy more tolerable, particularly if they experienced gastrointestinal side effects on Mounjaro.
"Mounjaro nearly finished me off. Wegovy has been much kinder." u/OddKnowledge2146
Others report improved appetite control at higher Wegovy doses.
"I switched from 12.5mg Mounjaro to 2.4mg Wegovy and it’s been brilliant. Appetite suppression is at least equal." u/DifficultyCapable168
A recurring theme in positive experiences is allowing time for dose titration.
"It took around ten weeks to feel the full effects. Slower, but I’ve lost weight the whole time." u/Embarrassed-Fig974
Is switching actually cheaper?
Headline prices may not reflect overall value.
Some users note that effectiveness at higher doses and differences in pen usage can influence cost per effective week.
"Once you get to 1.7mg and above on Wegovy, you’re often better off being on Mounjaro in cost per result terms." u/Life-Injury1584
Cost effectiveness varies depending on dose, response, and duration of treatment.
What people wish they had known before switching
Several recurring themes emerge from shared experiences:
• Do not assume doses are equivalent. Moving from high dose Mounjaro to low dose Wegovy may feel like a significant step down.
• Expect a transition period. Increased hunger may occur while one medication tapers and the other reaches therapeutic effect.
• Clarify restart policies in advance. Especially if you may wish to return to your previous treatment.
• Align treatment with your goal. Some individuals find Wegovy suitable for maintenance, while others prefer alternative options during active weight loss.
"If you’re still actively losing on Mounjaro and it’s working, finish that phase there if you can." Composite advice echoed across discussions
Pharmacist comment
We asked Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medino, to comment on switching between treatments:
"Although Mounjaro and Wegovy both act on incretin pathways, they are not directly interchangeable. Patients moving from higher doses of Mounjaro to lower doses of Wegovy may notice increased appetite because the overall appetite suppressing effect can differ."
"Switching may be appropriate for some individuals, particularly those experiencing side effects or entering a maintenance phase. However, expectations should be realistic, dose selection should be carefully considered, and patients should understand the implications if they later wish to return to their previous medication."
Final thoughts: protecting progress
For many people, concerns about switching are not simply about hunger, but about maintaining progress achieved through sustained effort.
Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy is not inherently problematic, but informed decision making is important. Understanding dose differences, timing, costs, and long term plans can help patients make choices aligned with their goals.
If you are considering a switch, discussing options with a qualified healthcare professional can help ensure treatment remains safe and appropriate.
