Weight loss
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: how the two compare
6 min read · Updated August 2026 · Reviewed by the Miva clinical team
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are the two best-known once-weekly weight-loss injections in Canada. They're related but not the same drug.
Side-by-side
| Mounjaro | Wegovy | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| How it works | Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Dosing | Once weekly, 2.5 mg to 15 mg | Once weekly, 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg |
| Average weight change at 72 weeks* | 20.2% reduction | 13.7% reduction |
| Main side effects | Gastrointestinal | Gastrointestinal |
| Miva price | From $129 with Subscribe & Save | From $75 with Subscribe & Save |
What the head-to-head trial showed
*SURMOUNT-5 compared maximum tolerated doses of tirzepatide and semaglutide alongside lifestyle support in adults with obesity but without type 2 diabetes, and found greater average weight reduction with tirzepatide.
Averages hide a lot of variation. Plenty of people reach their goal on semaglutide, and some tolerate one medicine far better than the other.
How a clinician chooses
The decision isn't only about the headline percentage.
- Your medical history, current medicines and any contraindications
- How much weight loss is clinically needed, and how quickly
- Previous experience with GLP-1 medicines and how you tolerated them
- Supply availability at the dose you need
- Cost and what you can sustain long term
Can you switch?
Switching between GLP-1 medicines is possible and fairly common, usually restarting at a lower equivalent dose to rebuild tolerance. It should always be done with clinician guidance rather than by carrying your current dose across.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mounjaro better than Wegovy?
On average, tirzepatide produced greater weight reduction than semaglutide in a direct comparison trial. 'Better' for you also depends on tolerance, medical history, availability and cost — which is what your clinical review is for.
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide, but they're licensed differently: Ozempic is indicated for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy for weight management, and the dose ranges differ.
Is Zepbound the same as Mounjaro?
Both are tirzepatide from the same manufacturer, marketed under different brand names for different indications.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are prescription-only medicines in Canada. This page is general information, not medical advice — a Canadian-licensed clinician reviews every assessment and decides whether treatment is suitable for you.
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