{"id":632488,"date":"2025-06-06T13:56:29","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T17:56:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632488"},"modified":"2025-12-15T18:41:03","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T23:41:03","slug":"wegovy-vs-mounjaro-for-weight-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wegovy-vs-mounjaro-for-weight-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Wegovy vs. Mounjaro for weight loss"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wegovy<\/span><\/a> (semaglutide) and <\/span>Mounjaro<\/span><\/a> (tirzepatide) are two brand-name weekly injectable medications. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved them for different uses, they\u2019re commonly used as weight loss drugs. As the popularity of \u201cweight-loss jabs,\u201d as they are often referred to, has soared, you may want to know which is better for weight loss, <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>Mounjaro<\/span><\/a>? Although these drugs have some similarities, there are some key differences between the two.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Wegovy and Mounjaro are brand-name prescription medications, and no generics are currently available. (Note that <\/span>compounded semaglutide<\/span><\/a> and compounded tirzepatide products are not FDA approved.) These medicines are weekly injections that are administered subcutaneously (under the skin), starting with the lowest dose and gradually increasing to a maintenance dose as instructed by a healthcare provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While these drugs are commonly prescribed for weight loss, they do not have the exact same FDA-approved uses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Mounjaro is FDA approved for <\/span>blood sugar control<\/span><\/a> in adults with <\/span>Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a>. It is not FDA approved for weight loss, but healthcare providers often prescribe it <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> for this use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide. This medicine is classified as a <\/span>glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, or GIP receptor\/GLP-1 receptor agonist. T<\/span>irzepatide is also an active ingredient in the injectable drug <\/span>Zepbound<\/span><\/a>, which is FDA approved for weight loss and obstructive <\/span>sleep apnea<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wegovy (semaglutide)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Wegovy, unlike Mounjaro, is FDA approved for weight loss and chronic weight management in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with obesity. It is also approved for adults who are overweight and also have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as <\/span>high blood pressure<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>high cholesterol<\/span><\/a>. Healthcare providers often quantify obesity as a starting body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, and overweight as a BMI of 27 to less than 30. Wegovy is also FDA approved to reduce cardiovascular risk (<\/span>heart attack<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>stroke<\/span><\/a>, or cardiovascular death) in adults with heart disease and a BMI of 27 or higher.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The active ingredient in Wegovy is <\/span>semaglutide. Wegovy is part of the glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, or <\/span>GLP-1 agonist<\/span><\/a>, class of drugs. Semaglutide is also an active ingredient in the oral drug <\/span>Rybelsus<\/span><\/a> (for Type 2 diabetes) and the injectable drug <\/span>Ozempic<\/span><\/a>. Ozempic is FDA approved for Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction, and kidney disease, and is often prescribed off-label for weight loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wegovy helps with weight loss by mimicking a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1. Mounjaro activates an additional pathway (GIP), which may contribute to greater weight loss. People who use these medicines often mention that these drugs help reduce <\/span>food noise<\/span><\/a>, which are persistent and intrusive thoughts about food and cravings that can make weight loss and dieting challenging.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Mounjaro vs. Wegovy key differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nWegovy<\/b><\/td>\nMounjaro<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand or generic (manufacturer)<\/b><\/td>\nBrand (Novo Nordisk)<\/span><\/td>\nBrand (Eli Lilly)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Active ingredient<\/b><\/td>\nSemaglutide\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTirzepatide\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nGLP-1 agonist<\/span><\/td>\nGIP\/GLP-1 agonist<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Uses\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Weight loss and long-term weight management<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Cardiovascular risk reduction (reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart-related death)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Type 2 diabetes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Off-label for weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dosage<\/b><\/td>\nThe starting <\/span>dose<\/span><\/a> is 0.25 mg injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once a week. Healthcare providers may gradually increase the dose up to a maintenance dose of 1.7 or 2.4 mg weekly.<\/span><\/td>\nThe starting <\/span>dose<\/span><\/a> is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once a week. Healthcare providers may gradually increase the dose up to a maximum of 15 mg weekly.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How supplied<\/b><\/td>\nPrefilled single-dose injection pen\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nPrefilled single-dose injection pen<\/span><\/p>\n

Single-dose vial<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Wegovy vs. Mounjaro side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

Wegovy<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Mounjaro<\/span><\/a> have similar side effects, many of which are gastrointestinal side effects. Common side effects of both drugs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, indigestion, and stomach pain. Side effects may also increase with dosage. Some people may tolerate lower doses well but have more bothersome side effects when using higher doses.<\/span><\/p>\n

In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur. If you have hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, get emergency medical help right away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other serious side effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro may include <\/span>pancreatitis<\/span><\/a> (inflammation of the pancreas), kidney or gallbladder problems, diabetic retinopathy complications, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and serious stomach issues. The table below outlines some of the most common side effects of Wegovy vs. Mounjaro.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Wegovy vs. Mounjaro side effects comparison<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nWegovy<\/b><\/td>\nMounjaro<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effect<\/b><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea<\/strong><\/td>\n44%<\/span><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vomiting<\/strong><\/td>\n24%<\/span><\/td>\n5%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Constipation<\/strong><\/td>\n24%<\/span><\/td>\n6%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diarrhea<\/strong><\/td>\n30%<\/span><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Indigestion<\/strong><\/td>\n9%<\/span><\/td>\n8%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stomach pain<\/strong><\/td>\n20%<\/span><\/td>\n6%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache<\/strong><\/td>\n14%<\/span><\/td>\nN\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sore throat and runny nose<\/strong><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\nN\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dizziness<\/strong><\/td>\n8%<\/span><\/td>\nN\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Frequency is not based on data from a head-to-head trial. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your healthcare provider to learn more.<\/span><\/i><\/h5>\n
Sources: DailyMed (<\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Mounjaro<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/h5>\n

Wegovy vs. Mounjaro cost and coverage<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sometimes the choice of which medication to use comes down to cost and coverage. Which drug is more cost-effective if you are paying without insurance? It is hard to say, because the price can vary based on many factors, such as the pharmacy location, dose, and quantity of medication you are getting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can always use a <\/span>SingleCare discount<\/span><\/a> to save money on your prescriptions and refills. You can also visit the manufacturer websites for Wegovy and Mounjaro to explore other savings options. Here are some examples of out-of-pocket prices for Wegovy and Mounjaro with SingleCare savings.<\/span><\/p>\n