Wegovy vs Mounjaro: Price & Results Breakdown (2026)
Trying to choose between Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)? Below we put the trial weight loss numbers, monthly cost, dosing, and tolerability head to head — and spell out the type of patient each one tends to fit best.
Wegovy (Semaglutide, GLP-1 receptor agonist) and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide, Dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist) work through different mechanisms. Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction with 15-17% of body weight average weight loss at $1,349/mo. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes with 15-22% of body weight average weight loss at $1,023/mo.
The Numbers at a Glance
| Feature | Wegovy | Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| Mechanism | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist |
| FDA Approved For | Chronic weight management, Cardiovascular risk reduction | Type 2 diabetes |
| Doses | 0.25mg to 2.4mg (weekly injection), oral pill available | 2.5mg to 15mg (weekly injection) |
| Administration | Weekly subcutaneous injection or daily oral pill | Weekly subcutaneous injection |
| Avg. Weight Loss | 15-17% of body weight | 15-22% of body weight |
| Monthly Price | $1,349 | $1,023 |
| Oral Available | Yes | No |
| Year Approved | 2021 | 2022 |
- Wegovy
- Semaglutide
- Mounjaro
- Tirzepatide
- Wegovy
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Mounjaro
- Dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist
- Wegovy
- Chronic weight management, Cardiovascular risk reduction
- Mounjaro
- Type 2 diabetes
- Wegovy
- 0.25mg to 2.4mg (weekly injection), oral pill available
- Mounjaro
- 2.5mg to 15mg (weekly injection)
- Wegovy
- Weekly subcutaneous injection or daily oral pill
- Mounjaro
- Weekly subcutaneous injection
- Wegovy
- 15-17% of body weight
- Mounjaro
- 15-22% of body weight
- Wegovy
- $1,349
- Mounjaro
- $1,023
- Wegovy
- Yes
- Mounjaro
- No
- Wegovy
- 2021
- Mounjaro
- 2022
Figures shown are typical cash-pay prices before insurance. What you pay can differ by pharmacy, region, and your specific plan. Last updated March 2026.
Which Drops More Weight?
Wegovy and Mounjaro land in roughly the same place on average weight loss (15-17% of body weight vs 15-22% of body weight). Where you actually end up hinges on your dose, eating habits, activity level, and metabolism.
Carries an FDA indication dedicated to long-term weight management. It delivers semaglutide at a stronger dose than Ozempic, and a pill version became available in January 2026.
The earliest medication to combine GLP-1 and GIP receptor activity. Indicated for type 2 diabetes and taken off-label for weight loss, it tends to produce larger reductions than semaglutide on its own.
Which Is Easier on Your Wallet?
At list price, Mounjaro is the more affordable option at $1,023/month compared to $1,349/month for Wegovy. That said, what leaves your pocket swings hugely with your coverage. Wegovy with insurance: $25-$200/month typical copay. Mounjaro with insurance: $25-$200/month with Lilly savings card.
Tablet form starts at $149/month for the entry dose (released Jan 2026)
Eligible patients may qualify for the Eli Lilly savings card
How the Side Effects Stack Up
Wegovy (GLP-1 receptor agonist) and Mounjaro (Dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist) bring on much the same digestive side effects, which top the list of what patients report:
- Nausea (most common for both medications)
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Headache, fatigue, dizziness (less common)
Rarer but more serious risks for both drugs include pancreatitis, gallbladder complications, and kidney strain. Each also carries a boxed warning about medullary thyroid carcinoma seen in rodent studies. Go over your complete medical history with a clinician before you start either one.
So Which One Is Right for You?
There is no single winner — the right pick comes down to your diagnosis, what your plan covers, how much weight you want to lose, and how you feel about injections versus pills. Use the quick checklist below as a starting point:
- -Your primary goal is weight loss (FDA-approved indication)
- -You prefer an oral option over injections
- -You prefer a daily dosing routine
- -You have type 2 diabetes (on-label use, better insurance coverage)
- -Cost is a concern ($1,023/month at list price)
- -You want the dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism for potentially greater efficacy
- -You prefer the convenience of once-weekly dosing
See Who Prescribes These at the Lowest Price
Browse vetted telehealth programs that can prescribe Wegovy, Mounjaro, and other FDA-approved GLP-1 medications — ranked by what you will actually pay.
Common Questions, Answered
Can I switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro?
It can be done, but only under a prescriber's guidance, since Wegovy and Mounjaro rely on different active ingredients (Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide). Your clinician will set the right starting dose and titration plan for whichever medication you move to.
Which is better for weight loss: Wegovy or Mounjaro?
Both medications show similar average weight loss results. Wegovy averages 15-17% of body weight and Mounjaro averages 15-22% of body weight. Individual results depend on dosing, lifestyle, and other factors.
Is Wegovy cheaper than Mounjaro?
At list price, Mounjaro ($1,023/month) is less expensive than Wegovy ($1,349/month). With insurance, costs vary significantly. Wegovy: $25-$200/month typical copay. Mounjaro: $25-$200/month with Lilly savings card.
Do Wegovy and Mounjaro have the same side effects?
They overlap a lot. Stomach-related effects like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation show up with both because they are typical of GLP-1 receptor agonists. That said, the different active ingredients mean how often and how strongly they hit can differ — talk through your history with a clinician to see which is the safer fit for you.
Does insurance cover Wegovy and Mounjaro?
Coverage varies by plan. Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction — insurance coverage is typically better for on-label use. Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Check with your specific insurance plan and ask your doctor about prior authorization requirements.