In the groundbreaking SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Mounjaro achieved 20.2% average weight loss compared to Wegovy’s 13.7% over 72 weeks. The key difference lies in their mechanisms: Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP 1 receptor agonist that mimics a naturally occurring hormone to reduce appetite and control blood sugar.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP 1 receptor agonist meaning it activates both glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and GLP 1 receptors helping your body release insulin more effectively while providing enhanced appetite suppression. Both weight loss injections share similar GI side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and require reduced calorie diet and exercise plan for optimal effectiveness.
Important: These are prescription-only medications. Your physician will determine which one medication is appropriate based on your medical history, body mass index, and weight-related health conditions.
TL;DR
- Mounjaro delivers 20.2% average body weight loss versus Wegovy’s 13.7% in the landmark SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial
- However, Wegovy costs less ($599.95/month cash vs $559.99 – $799.99/month for Mounjaro) and is approved for cardiovascular disease risk reduction
- Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP 1 receptor agonist while Wegovy is GLP 1 only
- Both are prescription only medications requiring weekly injections with similar gastrointestinal side effects
- Choose Mounjaro for greater weight loss; choose Wegovy for affordability and heart protection.
Wegovy vs Mounjaro – Key Differences
Understanding the main differences between Wegovy and Mounjaro is crucial for anyone on a weight loss journey.
| Feature | Wegovy (Semaglutide) | Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) |
| Weight Loss | 14% (72 weeks) | 20% (72 weeks) |
| Mechanism | GLP 1 only | GLP 1 + GIP (dual) |
| Approval | Weight loss & reducing CV risk | Type 2 diabetes (off label Weight Loss) |
| Maximum Dose | 2.4mg weekly | 15mg weekly |
| Pandameds Price/Month | $599.95 | $559.99 – $799.99 |
| Form Available | Injection + Oral tablet | Injection only |
Mounjaro’s dual hormone mechanism explains the greater weight loss observed in clinical trials. The GIP receptor activation provides an approximately 6 to 7 additional percentage points of weight reduction compared to GLP 1 alone. Meanwhile, Wegovy remains the preferred choice for patients with established cardiovascular disease due to its approved indication for reducing major heart events including heart attack and stroke.
Weight Loss Results – Mounjaro Superior
The clinical trials tell a clear story: Mounjaro consistently delivers more weight loss than Wegovy. In the landmark SURMOUNT-5 trial, Mounjaro users lost an average of 20.2% of their body weight while Wegovy users lost an average of 13.7%. For someone with a starting weight of 250 pounds, this translates to roughly 50 pounds with Mounjaro versus 34 pounds with Wegovy.
| Study Duration | Wegovy Loss | Mounjaro Loss | Significance |
| 72 weeks | 13.7% | 20.2% | P<0.001 |
| 18 months | 15-17% | 21-22.5% | Superior |
| Year 1 | 12-15% | 18-20% | Mounjaro leads |
Perhaps more impressive: 32% of people on Mounjaro lost at least 25% of their body weight compared to only 16% on Wegovy. The average waist reduction was 18cm for Mounjaro versus 13cm for Wegovy. Both medications mimic hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar levels but Mounjaro’s dual action on both GLP 1 and GIP receptors provides significantly greater weight loss results.
Note: A higher dose of Wegovy (7.2 mg) has shown comparable results (20.7% weight loss) in the STEP UP trial and may soon be available.
Is Mounjaro Better Than Wegovy?
The answer depends on your weight loss goals, health conditions, and budget. Mounjaro is superior for maximum weight loss delivering approximately 6% more weight reduction than Wegovy in head to head trials. Patients seeking significant weight loss to treat obesity or manage weight related medical conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol may benefit more from Mounjaro.
However, Wegovy has important advantages. It’s approved specifically for chronic weight management and is the only one of the two approved to lower the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in certain adults. Wegovy is also approved to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a type of fatty liver disease.
Additionally, Wegovy is available as both an injection and an oral tablet, while Mounjaro is only available as an injection. Cost is another consideration: Wegovy’s cash price of $599.95/month is substantially lower than Mounjaro’s $559.99 – $799.99/month. For those prioritizing affordability, Wegovy may be the better choice. Mounjaro may also cause less intense side effects due to the addition of GIP which provides a slight antiemetic effect.
Switching From Wegovy to Mounjaro – Protocol
If you’re considering switching medications, always discuss this with your prescriber first. There are no standard recommendations for how to switch between Wegovy and Mounjaro, but healthcare providers have developed protocols based on clinical experience.
You can switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro but you must wait at least 7 days between medications. Similarly, if you want to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy, you will need to stop taking Mounjaro for 7 days before starting your first dose of Wegovy.
| Last Wegovy Dose | First Mounjaro Dose | Timing | Overlap Risk |
| 0.25-0.5mg | 2.5mg | After 7 days | None |
| 1.0mg | 2.5mg | After 7 days | Low |
| 1.7mg | 5mg | After 7 days | Mild |
| 2.4mg | 5mg | After 7 days | Moderate |
You may need to start with a low dosage of the medication you’re switching to in order to help limit side effects as your body adjusts. Expect some GI symptoms during the transition period with approximately 15% of patients experiencing increased nausea in the first month.
If your prescriber allows you to change medications, follow their instructions closely. Both Wegovy and Mounjaro can slow gastric emptying which may affect the absorption of other oral medications.
Side Effects Comparison – Similar GI Issues
The most common side effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain. These gastrointestinal side effects typically peak during weeks 4-8 as the dose increases and resolve in most patients by week 12.
| Side Effect | Wegovy | Mounjaro |
| Nausea | 44% | 12-45% |
| Constipation | 24% | 23% |
| Diarrhea | 30% | 32% |
| Hair Loss | 3% | 2.8% |
Serious side effects are rare occurring in fewer than 2% of patients. Both Wegovy and Mounjaro carry black box warnings for the risk of thyroid cancer based on animal studies. Both medications may cause inflammation of the pancreas, low blood sugar (especially when combined with other diabetes medications), acute kidney injury or serious allergic reactions.
Some data suggests Wegovy may have a higher incidence of nausea (44%) compared to Mounjaro (12%) in certain clinical settings, likely because Mounjaro’s GIP component provides a slight antiemetic effect.
Wegovy vs Mounjaro Cost & Access 2026
The out of pocket cost for these weight loss treatments varies significantly based on insurance coverage. Without insurance, the retail prices for both Wegovy and Mounjaro are usually well over $1,000 a month due to a lack of generic versions.
| Cost Factor | Wegovy | Mounjaro |
| List Price | ~$1,350/month | ~$1,070/month |
| Retail Price (4 pens) | ~$1,850/month | ~$1,461/month |
| Cash Pay (28-day) | ~$349 injection / ~$299 pills | ~$499 |
| With Savings Card (insured) | As low as ~$25 | As low as ~$25 |
| Pandameds Price | $599.95/month | $559.99 – $799.99/month |
Insurance coverage for Wegovy and Mounjaro depends on your health insurance policy and whether the prescription is approved or off label use. Wegovy is not generally covered by most insurance and Medicare prescription drug plans as they may consider weight loss medications nonessential.
Mounjaro may be covered by some insurance and Medicare prescription drug plans if it’s prescribed for Type 2 diabetes but it may come with a copay or coinsurance amount. Patients may need to meet certain criteria to qualify for insurance coverage like a minimum BMI of 30 or a BMI of 27 with a weight related health issue (such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol).
References & Resources
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Written by the Pandameds.com Editorial Team
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro?
The key difference is that Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP 1 receptor agonist while Wegovy contains only GLP 1. Wegovy (semaglutide) is approved for weight loss while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is approved for Type 2 diabetes.
Is Wegovy the same as Mounjaro?
No. Wegovy contains semaglutide (GLP 1 only agonist) while Mounjaro contains tirzepatide (dual GLP 1/GIP agonist). They have different active ingredients and work through slightly different mechanisms, though both aid weight loss by reducing appetite.
Is Mounjaro better than Wegovy for weight loss?
Yes, for weight loss specifically. Clinical trials show Mounjaro produces greater weight loss (20.2% vs 13.7%). However, Wegovy costs less ($599.95/month cash vs $559.99 - $799.99/month for Mounjaro).
How do I switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro?
Wait at least 7 days after your last Wegovy dose before starting Mounjaro. Start with the lowest dose (2.5mg) to help limit side effects. Always consult your prescriber first as there are no standard recommendations for switching between these medications.
Which has fewer side effects, Wegovy or Mounjaro?
Both have similar GI side effect profiles (nausea ~44%, diarrhea ~30%). Some data suggests Mounjaro causes less intense side effects due to GIP's antiemetic effect. Serious side effects are rare (<2%) for both medications.
What is the cost of Wegovy vs Mounjaro without insurance?
At Pandameds, Wegovy costs $599.95/month while Mounjaro costs $559.99 - $799.99/month.
Can I take Wegovy and Mounjaro together?
No. You should never take both Wegovy and Mounjaro at the same time. They work through similar mechanisms and combining them would increase the risk of serious side effects including severe hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal problems.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
In clinical trials, Mounjaro users lost an average of 20.2% of body weight (50 lbs for a 250 lb person), while Wegovy users lost 13.7% (34 lbs). Individual results vary based on starting weight, diet, exercise and adherence.
Does insurance cover Wegovy or Mounjaro for weight loss?
Coverage varies by plan. Wegovy may be covered for obesity with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidities. Mounjaro is more likely covered when prescribed for Type 2 diabetes. Many plans consider weight loss medications nonessential.
Which is better for heart health?
Wegovy. It's approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death) in adults with obesity and established heart disease. Mounjaro is still being studied for cardiovascular benefits and is not currently approved for heart conditions.
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