Mounjaro vs Wegovy

Which produces more loss?

On headline averages, Mounjaro leads: about 21% at its highest dose versus about 15% for Wegovy 2.4 mg. The higher 7.2 mg Wegovy dose narrows the gap considerably (about 20.7%). In SURMOUNT-5, the direct head-to-head trial, tirzepatide produced greater average loss than semaglutide 2.4 mg over 72 weeks.

Averages are not destinies. Some individuals respond better to one molecule than the other, and tolerability often matters more than a two-point difference in the mean.

Side effect differences

Both cause the same family of effects, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, reflux. In trials, nausea rates were broadly similar. Tirzepatide's GIP action may soften nausea slightly for some people, though individual experience varies widely. Neither is clearly "gentler", the right answer is whichever your body tolerates, discovered slowly with your prescriber.

Practical differences

• Contraception. Mounjaro can reduce pill absorption at dose changes. Wegovy does not. For many women this alone settles the choice.
• Price. Wegovy's starter doses cost less, so the early months are cheaper. At maintenance doses the costs converge.
• History. Wegovy's semaglutide has the longer published record, including the SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial.
• Tablet option. Only semaglutide currently has an oral form (Wegovy tablets) if you later want to move off injections.

Can you switch between them?

Yes, switching is common and straightforward with prescriber oversight. You typically start the new medicine at a lower dose than a direct conversion suggests, because tolerance does not transfer perfectly. The switching guide covers conversions in detail.

How we help you decide

Your health check captures the factors that differentiate the two: contraception, reflux history, diabetes medicines, budget and needle preference. Your prescriber then recommends one, with reasons you can question. If the first choice does not suit you after a fair trial, switching is part of the service, not a failure.