Whether you’re starting your weight loss journey or thinking about switching after the recent Mounjaro price increase, you might be unsure how it compares with Wegovy.
Mounjaro and Wegovy have plenty in common. Both treatments are weekly injectable medications designed to support weight loss, and both have shown impressive results for men and women. With the upcoming launch of Wegovy’s new 7.2mg dose, the gap in effectiveness between the two is narrower than ever.
But while they may seem similar at first glance, Wegovy and Mounjaro work in different ways, each with its own active ingredient, mechanism, and profile.
So, could one help you lose more weight than the other? Let’s take a closer look.
Wegovy and Mounjaro key differences
Weight loss on Mounjaro vs Wegovy
How do the results compare between these two medications?
Weight loss on Wegovy
In the STEP UP trial, participants taking the maximum dose of Wegovy, 7.2mg, (semaglutide) lost an average of 20.7% of their body weight over 72 weeks. A third of users lost 25% or more, demonstrating a substantial improvement over previous results seen with the 2.4mg dose, where average weight loss was 17.5%.
Importantly, Wegovy is the first and only medication currently approved to support both long-term weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction. In the SELECT trial, semaglutide 2.4mg significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including death, heart attack, and stroke, by 20% compared to placebo. This makes it a particularly strong option for people with obesity and existing cardiovascular risk.
Semaglutide 7.2mg was also found to have a safety profile consistent with earlier doses, supporting its use as a well-tolerated treatment option.
Weight loss on Mounjaro
Clinical trials have shown that Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can lead to an average weight loss of up to 22.5% at the highest dose of 15mg over 72 weeks. This was demonstrated in the SURMOUNT-1 trial involving adults without type 2 diabetes.
These results positioned Mounjaro as one of the most effective weight loss medications available, especially when compared to Wegovy's previous highest dose of 2.4mg (17.5%). However, with the introduction of Wegovy 7.2mg and its 20.7% weight loss average, that gap has now significantly narrowed.
While tirzepatide is not currently approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), an ongoing cardiovascular outcomes trial (SURPASS-CVOT) is investigating this, with results expected soon.
Mounjaro vs Wegovy cost
The cost of treatment depends on the provider and plan you choose. At Voy, we offer competitive pricing and discounts on longer-term plans.
Mounjaro vs Wegovy price comparison at Voy
* The prices in the table below do not include first-order discounts or our 3- and 6-month plans.
If you're currently using Wegovy from another provider, you may be eligible to switch to Voy for your current dose, and receive a first-order discount. For more details, visit Wegovy page.
Active ingredients: tirzepatide vs semaglutide
The active ingredient in a medicine is what makes it work. Here’s how Mounjaro vs. Wegovy’s compare.
What’s the active ingredient in Wegovy?
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the natural hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and food intake.
Semaglutide works by:
- Sending signals to the brain that increase feelings of fullness
- Slowing how quickly food leaves your stomach
- Supporting healthy blood sugar levels by increasing insulin and lowering glucagon
These combined effects help reduce hunger, control cravings, and support sustained weight loss.
Explore further how Wegovy works.
What’s the active ingredient in Mounjaro?
Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, also suppresses appetite and slows digestion but it mimics two hormones instead of one: GLP‑1 and GIP. This dual action helps regulate blood sugar, reduce cravings, and enhance feelings of fullness.
While tirzepatide led to slightly greater weight loss in earlier trials, the introduction of Wegovy’s 7.2mg dose brings the two medications much closer in terms of effectiveness.
Both are powerful tools for weight management. The right choice depends on your health needs, preferences, and goals.
Explore further how Mounjaro works.
Mounjaro vs. Wegovy side effects
Mounjaro side effects and Wegovy side effects are similar. Most people experience digestive symptoms, especially in the early weeks, which are usually mild to moderate and tend to ease over time. Below are examples of some of side effects you may experience:
Very common side effects (more than 1 in 10 people)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 people)
- Dizziness
- Indigestion
- Bloating or gas
- Heartburn
- Hair thinning
- Injection site reactions
The 7.2mg dose of Wegovy (its highest dose) has a well-tolerated safety profile, with gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with the GLP-1 class. In clinical trials, 5.4% of participants discontinued due to side effects, lower than the 4% on the 2.4mg dose.
For Mounjaro, 6.2% of participants stopped treatment due to adverse events at the 15mg dose.
Side effects support at Voy
"If you're using Voy and you experience any side effects, rest assured that our expert clinicians are just a message or phone call away. They can adjust your dose, prescribe medication to ease your symptoms, or simply offer reassurance.
Everyone responds differently to weight loss treatment and we'll help you find what feels right for you."
Who is Mounjaro or Wegovy for?
Both medications are approved for adults with a BMI ≥ 30, or BMI ≥ 27 if you have a weight-related health condition.
They're not recommended for everyone—you shouldn’t take them if you have type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, severe liver or kidney issues, or if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.
To check if you’re eligible, take our quick assessment questionnaire.
Switching between Mounjaro and Wegovy
Yes, you can switch between Mounjaro and Wegovy—whether due to side effects, lack of results, or cost.
If you're also looking to switch your weight-loss medication provider, that process can be straightforward too, especially with the right clinical support.
If you're considering switching, speak to a clinician to discuss the best dose for you and how to transition safely. A one-week gap between medications is usually enough. Our clinical team can recommend the appropriate starting dose, based on your treatment history and experience.
While manufacturers recommend starting at the lowest dose, in some cases, starting higher may help you avoid unnecessary setbacks, especially if you’ve built up tolerance. At Voy, we take a personalised approach to help you stay on track.
Your weight loss journey
Starting weight loss medication can feel daunting, but you're not alone. With expert support and personalised care, you’ll be guided every step of the way. These treatments work best alongside healthy changes to diet, movement, and mindset.
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