Weight Loss Medication · Tool Face-Off

Wegovy vs Mounjaro

Quick answer

Both are weekly injectable GLP-1 medications that deliver serious weight loss, but Mounjaro's dual-action mechanism edges out Wegovy on average pounds lost. Wegovy has longer FDA approval history for obesity; Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is the newer overachiever.

Wegovy

The OG obesity-approved weekly shot

3.9★

Our pick

Mounjaro

Dual-hormone powerhouse rewriting weight loss records

4.1★

Active Ingredient

Semaglutide

Tirzepatide

Mechanism

GLP-1 receptor agonist (single)

GLP-1 + GIP dual receptor agonist

FDA Obesity Approval

Yes (2021)

Yes (2024, as Zepbound for obesity)

Average Weight Loss

~15% body weight (STEP trials)

~20-22% body weight (SURMOUNT trials)

Dosing Schedule

Once weekly injection

Max Dose

2.4 mg

15 mg

List Price (monthly, uninsured)

~$1,350

~$1,060 (Zepbound) / ~$1,020 vials

Cardiovascular Outcome Trial

SELECT trial: 20% CV risk reduction

SURPASS-CVOT: positive results (2024)

Common Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Type 2 Diabetes Approval

Ozempic (same drug, lower dose)

Yes, Mounjaro approved for T2D (2022)

Manufacturer Savings Card

Novo Nordisk: ~$0/mo eligible patients

Eli Lilly: as low as $25/mo eligible patients

Supply Shortages

Improving but still occasional

Wegovy

Availability★★★½☆

Dosing Simplicity★★★★☆

FDA Approval Status★★★★★

Weight Loss Efficacy★★★★☆

Cardiovascular Benefit★★★★½

Cost & Insurance Coverage★★★☆☆

Tolerability & Side Effects★★★½☆

Mounjaro

Availability★★★½☆

Dosing Simplicity★★★★☆

FDA Approval Status★★★★☆

Weight Loss Efficacy★★★★★

Cardiovascular Benefit★★★★☆

Cost & Insurance Coverage★★★☆☆

Tolerability & Side Effects★★★½☆

Worth knowing

Mounjaro's SURMOUNT-1 trial showed ~22% average weight loss — some participants lost over 25% of body weight.
Wegovy was the first GLP-1 drug specifically FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults without diabetes.
The SELECT trial proved Wegovy cuts major cardiovascular events by 20%, making it a dual-purpose heart and weight drug.
Both drugs require a slow dose escalation (4-5 months) to minimize nausea — patience is not optional.
Compounded (generic) versions of both drugs flooded pharmacies during shortages, raising safety concerns from the FDA.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) was literally nicknamed 'the king of weight loss drugs' on social media before its obesity approval — and its clinical trial data kind of justified the hype.

If you want

You want the most proven cardiovascular protection

Wegovy's SELECT trial data gives it a unique FDA-backed edge for reducing heart attack and stroke risk.

→ Pick Wegovy

If you want

You want maximum weight loss results

Mounjaro's dual GLP-1/GIP action consistently outperforms semaglutide — ~20-22% vs ~15% body weight lost.

→ Pick Mounjaro

If you want

You have Type 2 diabetes AND obesity

Mounjaro is approved for T2D management and delivers superior glucose control alongside dramatic weight loss.

→ Pick Mounjaro

If you want

You need the longest track record in obesity treatment

Wegovy was FDA-approved for obesity in 2021, giving it 3+ years of real-world safety and outcomes data.

→ Pick Wegovy

OzempicVSMounjaro

Weight Loss Medications

OzempicVSWegovy

Semaglutide / Weight Loss Medication

WegovyVSZepbound

Weight Loss Medications

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Wegovy vs Mounjaro

Wegovy

Mounjaro

Worth knowing

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