Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Cost, Dosing & Weight Loss Compared (UK 2026)

A side-by-side comparison of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) — covering UK private costs, NHS eligibility, dosing schedules, and weight loss data from clinical trials. All data sourced from NICE technology appraisals and published trial results.

Side-by-side comparison

	Mounjaro	Wegovy
Generic name	Tirzepatide	Semaglutide
Mechanism	Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist	GLP-1 receptor agonist
Manufacturer	Eli Lilly	Novo Nordisk
UK NHS status	NICE approved (TA1026)	NICE approved (TA875)
Starting dose	2.5mg weekly	0.25mg weekly
Maintenance dose	5mg, 10mg, or 15mg	2.4mg
Administration	Weekly subcutaneous injection	Weekly subcutaneous injection
Private cost (UK)	£149–£209/month	£149–£199/month
NHS eligibility	BMI ≥35 (or ≥30 + comorbidity)	BMI ≥35 (or ≥30 + comorbidity)
Average weight loss (clinical trials)	15–22.5% body weight	12–15% body weight
Trial name	SURMOUNT	STEP

Prices reflect typical UK private provider ranges as of April 2026. Actual costs vary by provider and what is included (consultation, blood tests, ongoing monitoring). Weight loss figures are from published clinical trial data and may differ from real-world outcomes.

Key differences

Mechanism of action

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors — a dual incretin approach. Wegovy (semaglutide) targets only the GLP-1 receptor. The dual mechanism may account for the differences in weight loss observed in clinical trials, although no head-to-head trial between the two drugs has been published.

Dosing flexibility

Mounjaro offers three maintenance dose options (5mg, 10mg, 15mg), giving prescribers flexibility to adjust based on response and tolerability. Wegovy has a single target maintenance dose of 2.4mg, reached through a fixed escalation schedule.

NICE approval

Both are approved by NICE for NHS use. Wegovy was approved first under TA875. Mounjaro was subsequently approved under TA1026. NHS availability depends on local specialist weight management service commissioning.

Clinical trial data

In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, participants on the highest dose of tirzepatide (15mg) achieved an average weight loss of 22.5% of body weight over 72 weeks. In the STEP 1 trial, participants on semaglutide 2.4mg achieved an average weight loss of approximately 14.9% over 68 weeks. Trial populations and designs differed, so direct comparison should be interpreted with caution.

UK private pricing

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are available from private GPhC-registered pharmacies across the UK. Prices depend on dose, consultation inclusions, and monitoring. Monthly costs typically range from £149 to £209 for Mounjaro and £149 to £199 for Wegovy.

Treatcompare collects verified pricing from UK providers daily. Prices shown are for the medication service, which may or may not include an initial consultation, blood tests, and ongoing support — always check what is included before comparing.

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NHS eligibility

Both medications are available on the NHS through specialist weight management services. General eligibility criteria set by NICE:

•BMI of 35 or above, or
•BMI of 30 or above with at least one weight-related comorbidity (e.g. type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea)
•Lower BMI thresholds may apply for certain ethnic groups
•Must be referred through a specialist weight management service

NHS waiting times for weight management services vary significantly by region. Availability of specific medications depends on local commissioning decisions.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?▾

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Eli Lilly. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk. Both are weekly subcutaneous injections approved by NICE for weight management in the UK, but they work through different mechanisms.

How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?▾

Mounjaro typically costs between £149 and £209 per month from private UK providers, depending on the dose and what is included (e.g. consultation, blood tests). Prices vary between GPhC-registered pharmacies.

How much does Wegovy cost privately in the UK?▾

Wegovy typically costs between £149 and £199 per month from private UK providers. As with Mounjaro, prices vary depending on the dose, provider, and what is included in the service.

Can I get Mounjaro or Wegovy on the NHS?▾

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are approved by NICE for NHS use. Eligibility generally requires a BMI of 35 or above, or a BMI of 30 or above with at least one weight-related comorbidity (such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension). NHS availability depends on local commissioning and specialist weight management services.

Which causes more weight loss, Mounjaro or Wegovy?▾

In clinical trials, Mounjaro (SURMOUNT programme) showed average weight loss of 15–22.5% of body weight at the highest dose, while Wegovy (STEP programme) showed average weight loss of 12–15% of body weight. However, individual results vary, and the medications have not been directly compared in a head-to-head trial.

Are Mounjaro and Wegovy the same thing?▾

No. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and Wegovy contains semaglutide. They are different drugs with different mechanisms of action, manufactured by different companies (Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk respectively). Both are used for weight management but are not interchangeable.

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Sources & further reading

NICE TA1026 – Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity — NICE technology appraisal for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) including clinical trial evidence and cost-effectiveness analysis
NICE TA875 – Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity — NICE technology appraisal for Wegovy (semaglutide) including STEP trial data and NHS commissioning guidance
MHRA – Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) regulatory information — UK regulatory approval, Summary of Product Characteristics, and safety updates
NHS – Weight loss injections — NHS overview of obesity treatment options including pharmacotherapy eligibility criteria

Important disclaimer

This page presents factual data from published clinical trials and NICE technology appraisals. It does not constitute medical advice, and Treatcompare does not recommend one medication over another. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional based on individual circumstances. Prices shown are indicative and may change — always confirm directly with the provider.