Mazdutide is a once-a-week injection that supports weight loss and helps control type 2 diabetes.
Unlike medications like Wegovy (semaglutide), mazdutide is a dual-agonist peptide, meaning it activates two hormones: GLP-1 (for appetite and blood sugar control) and glucagon (for fat burning and energy use). This dual action is designed to produce greater weight loss than GLP-1-only treatments.
Beyond weight loss and diabetes, mazdutide is also being studied for fatty liver disease (MAFLD), obstructive sleep apnoea, alcohol use disorder, heart failure and teenage obesity.
Mazdutide works in a similar way to Wegovy or Mounjaro but targets a different combination of hormones.
Mazdutide mimics two natural gut hormones:
Together, mazdutide lowers appetite, reduces calorie intake, and boosts fat burning, which leads to weight loss and better metabolic health overall.
Clinical trial data shows mazdutide delivers substantial weight loss results and metabolic improvements.
Weight loss: In 610 adults with obesity, participants lost 11% of their body weight on the 4mg dose and 14% on a 6mg dose over 48 weeks.
Metabolic improvements: Beyond weight loss, mazdutide reduced waist circumference, blood sugar levels, cholesterol and blood pressure.
Liver health: In patients with fatty liver disease, the 10mg dose reduced liver fat by 68% after 32 weeks and 70% achieved normal liver fat levels after 48 weeks.
Overall, these results show that mazdutide supports multiple areas of metabolic health, not just weight loss.
Mazdutide is given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection (under the skin), similar to other weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Approved doses in China
The doses approved in China are 2mg, 4mg and 6mg weekly. Treatment starts at a lower dose and gradually increases over several weeks to help your body adjust and reduce side effects.
Higher doses in development
Clinical trials have tested higher doses of mazdutide, with studies showing safety and effectiveness up to 16mg weekly.
Future approvals outside China may include different dosing options.
Most people in trials experienced mild to moderate side effects, similar to other GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy side effects.
The most common side effects have been digestive symptoms such as:
Some people also reported upper respiratory tract infections (cold-like symptoms), but these occurred in both the mazdutide and placebo groups in trials.
Overall, mazdutide appears safe based on current trial data, with side effects typically mild and manageable through dose adjustment.
Mazdutide isn't right for everyone. Based on trial exclusion criteria and what we know about licensed GLP-1 medications, you shouldn't take it if you have:
Mazdutide isn’t yet available in the UK. Final prescribing guidelines will be determined upon approval. Always discuss your full medical history with a prescriber before starting any weight loss medication.
