Mounjaro or Wegovy — what is the difference?
Mounjaro and Wegovy are prescription medicines used for medical weight-loss treatment. Both are part of GLP-1-based treatment and are used alongside changes to nutrition, exercise and lifestyle.
Although the medicines are often compared, they do not work in exactly the same way. Mounjaro may produce greater weight loss for some people, while Wegovy may be more suitable depending on medical history, tolerance of side effects or treatment goals.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro contains the active substance tirzepatide and is given as an injection once a week. Unlike many other GLP-1 medicines, Mounjaro acts on both:
- GLP-1 receptors
- GIP receptors
This can contribute to:
- reduced appetite
- feeling full for longer
- lower calorie intake
- improved blood glucose regulation
Mounjaro is used for both type 2 diabetes and medical weight-loss treatment, depending on the country, indication and healthcare provider.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy contains semaglutide and is also taken as a weekly injection. It is also available as a tablet (Swedish) taken once a day (available in Sweden since October 2026). Semaglutide acts on the body's GLP-1 system and can help to:
- reduce hunger
- increase fullness
- reduce snacking
- make a calorie deficit easier to maintain
Wegovy was specifically developed to treat overweight and obesity alongside lifestyle changes. For a detailed guide to side effects, see Wegovy side effects (Swedish).
The main difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy
The main difference is that:
- Wegovy acts on GLP-1
- Mounjaro acts on both GLP-1 and GIP
This is one reason some studies have found greater average weight loss with Mounjaro than with semaglutide. However, it does not automatically make Mounjaro better for everyone.
Individual factors matter, including:
- side effects
- previous illnesses
- eating habits
- following the treatment plan
- tolerance of treatment
- availability and cost
How much weight can you lose?
Results vary between individuals. In studies, both Mounjaro and Wegovy have produced substantial weight loss alongside lifestyle changes. In SURMOUNT-5 (NEJM 2025), tirzepatide produced approximately 20.2% weight loss over 72 weeks, compared with 13.7% for semaglutide.
Many people experience:
- less hunger
- feeling full sooner
- fewer cravings for energy-dense food
- easier portion control
Several studies have found greater average weight loss with Mounjaro than with semaglutide, but individual differences may be smaller than headlines suggest. Factors affecting results include:
- sleep
- stress
- protein intake (Swedish)
- physical activity
- dose increases
- treatment duration
Common side effects
Both medicines can cause similar side effects, particularly when treatment starts or after a dose increase. The most common include:
- nausea (Swedish)
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- bloating
- burping
- tiredness (Swedish)
- reduced appetite
For many people, side effects become milder after a few weeks.
Are side effects worse with Mounjaro?
This varies. Some people experience:
- more nausea with Wegovy
- stronger appetite suppression with Mounjaro
- better tolerance with slower dose escalation
How you eat during treatment can also affect how you feel. Many people experiencing nausea or low energy need to:
- eat smaller portions
- prioritise protein
- drink more fluids
- avoid large, high-fat meals
- eat more regularly
Practical principles are described in Food while taking Mounjaro (Swedish) and Food while taking Wegovy (Swedish).
Mounjaro vs Wegovy — which works best?
There is no universal answer. Mounjaro may suit some people better because:
- appetite decreases more
- weight loss is greater
- hunger signals become easier to manage
Wegovy may work better for others because:
- side effects feel milder
- treatment feels more stable
- their previous experience of semaglutide was positive
Often, the most important questions are:
- whether treatment works over the long term
- whether side effects are manageable
- whether sustainable habits can be maintained alongside treatment
What do Mounjaro and Wegovy cost in Sweden?
The price varies depending on:
- dose
- clinic
- prescribing arrangements
- whether follow-up is included
- pharmacy availability
Many private treatment programmes include:
- medical assessment
- prescribing
- follow-up
- nutrition guidance or support
For some people, total cost matters when comparing treatment over a longer period. Price ranges for tirzepatide are listed in Mounjaro prices in 2026, and the corresponding Wegovy price ranges can be compared in our overall GLP-1 price comparison (Swedish).
Can you switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro?
Yes, in some cases. It may be considered if:
- weight loss has stalled
- side effects are difficult
- hunger has returned
- the expected effect has not been achieved
Any switch should be planned with healthcare professionals. The dose and transition often need an individual plan. For more on insufficient treatment effects, see When does GLP-1 treatment not work? (Swedish)
Can you switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?
Yes. In some situations, Wegovy may be a better option if:
- side effects have become too severe
- appetite suppression feels too strong
- availability or prices change
- the medical assessment changes
The key is that treatment remains sustainable over time.
What works best for long-term weight loss?
Medicines are only one part of treatment. Long-term results are also influenced by:
- protein intake
- sleep
- strength training
- everyday movement
- stress levels
- your relationship with food
- follow-up and support
Many people who achieve long-term results combine medication with:
- changes to eating habits
- a structure for meals
- help from a private dietitian (Swedish)
- realistic goals
For more about what happens after treatment ends, see What happens after you stop GLP-1 treatment? (Swedish)
When should you contact healthcare services?
It is important to seek medical care if you:
- develop severe side effects
- struggle to eat or drink enough
- have persistent vomiting
- have severe abdominal pain
- feel severely exhausted
- notice marked changes in your health
Medical weight-loss treatment should be followed up regularly, particularly during longer treatment.
Summary — Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy can be effective options for medical weight loss. Studies have found greater average weight loss with Mounjaro in some groups, but this does not automatically make it more suitable for everyone. Wegovy is an established option with extensive use and experience.
The best choice often depends on:
- individual goals
- side effects
- medical history
- cost
- availability
- how treatment works in everyday life
An individual medical assessment is important before starting or changing treatment.