Comparison

Wegovy vs Mounjaro

The two leading weight-management injections head-to-head: Wegovy (semaglutide) versus Mounjaro (tirzepatide).

Medically reviewed by an HPCSA-registered doctor Last updated 5 sources

The quick answer

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) produced more average weight loss than Wegovy (semaglutide) in a direct trial (~20.2% vs 13.7%). Wegovy is usually cheaper and has been registered for weight management slightly longer in SA. Both are once-weekly. If maximum results matter most, Mounjaro leads; if price or availability matters more, Wegovy is compelling.

Wegovy vs Mounjaro: side by side

Side-by-side · indicative SA data · June 2026
FeatureWegovyMounjaro
Active ingredientSemaglutide (GLP-1)Tirzepatide (GIP + GLP-1)
SA registrationChronic weight managementDiabetes + weight management (late 2025)
Avg. weight loss~13.7% (SURMOUNT-5)~20.2% (SURMOUNT-5)
Typical price / monthR1 900 – R3 750R3 500 – R4 600
How oftenOnce weeklyOnce weekly
FormMulti-dose penSingle-dose pens / vials

Which might suit you

Lean Mounjaro for the largest average weight loss. Lean Wegovy for lower cost, a familiar pen, and an on-label weight-management option that's widely stocked. Some people start on Wegovy and consider Mounjaro later, or vice versa — a provider can advise on the right sequence.

This is general information, not a recommendation for your situation. The right choice depends on your health, budget, what's in stock and a clinician's judgement. Get a personalised assessment from a registered provider

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Frequently asked questions

For average weight loss, yes, based on the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial. Wegovy is usually cheaper, so “better” depends on your priorities.

Wegovy is generally cheaper per month than Mounjaro, especially after the 2026 price cuts.

Wegovy is registered for chronic weight management; Mounjaro gained a weight-management indication in late 2025 alongside its diabetes registration.

Sources & references

We cite primary sources and paraphrase them. Last reviewed June 2026. See our editorial policy and full sources hub.

  1. 1SURMOUNT-5 — tirzepatide vs semaglutide head-to-headNew England Journal of Medicine (Aronne et al., 2025). Direct comparison favouring tirzepatide (~20.2% vs 13.7% weight loss).
  2. 2STEP programme — semaglutide for weight managementNew England Journal of Medicine (Wilding et al., STEP 1, 2021). Average weight loss with semaglutide 2.4 mg (~15% at 68 weeks).
  3. 3SAHPRA — registered health products & safety alertsSouth African Health Products Regulatory Authority. SA registration status of medicines and counterfeit / falsified-product warnings.
  4. 4SA Medicine Price Registry (SEP database)National Department of Health. Single Exit Price reference for medicines sold in SA.
  5. 5Ozempic, Wegovy and SA's obesity billDaily Maverick. SA market size, demand and cost-to-schemes context.
Next step

Thinking about treatment?

These are prescription medicines, so they are not right for everyone and can't be bought over the counter. A registered provider can assess whether one is appropriate for you, start you safely and arrange a genuine product from a licensed pharmacy.

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