Mounjaro vs. Ozempic: Key Differences You Should Know
- Cole Rudolph
- Jan 14
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
With the growing popularity of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, many New Zealanders are searching online for comparisons like Mounjaro vs Ozempic. However, Ozempic isn’t available in New Zealand, and is a diabetes medication. The good news is that Wegovy is available in New Zealand and is the semaglutide option specifically approved for weight loss — so it’s often the more relevant comparison when exploring weight loss treatments.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
What Are Mounjaro and Ozempic?
Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable medication developed to manage type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help:
Regulate blood sugar levels
Slow digestion
Reduce appetite
Ozempic is not available in New Zealand, and it’s important to understand what it’s actually made for. Although many people experience weight loss while using Ozempic, it was originally developed for the management of type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which is also used in Wegovy — a medication created specifically for weight loss and long-term weight management, and available now in New Zealand.
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable medication specifically approved for weight loss and long-term weight management. Like Ozempic, it contains the active ingredient semaglutide and belongs to a class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Because Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, the effects and side effects are very similar — the key difference is that Wegovy is approved for weight management, and is available in New Zealand for eligible patients.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Mounjaro is also a once-weekly injectable medication and is approved in NZ for type 2 diabetes and long-term weight management. It is now available in NZ. It’s unique because it works on two hormone receptors:
GLP-1 (same as Wegovy)
GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)
This dual action may lead to greater improvements in blood sugar and more significant weight loss than Wegovy alone.
How Do They Work?
Wegovy (Semaglutide):
Mimics the GLP-1 hormone to control blood sugar
Delays stomach emptying
Suppresses hunger signals to the brain
Helps users feel full faster and longer
Mounjaro:
Targets both GLP-1 and GIP pathways
Enhances insulin sensitivity
Improves metabolic regulation
May reduce appetite more strongly than Wegovy
The GIP component is what sets Mounjaro apart. It’s believed to increase the body’s responsiveness to insulin and may complement GLP-1 activity, leading to greater appetite suppression and fat loss.
Weight Loss Results: How Do They Compare?
Several clinical trials have explored how much weight people lose on each medication:
Wegovy: Average weight loss of 15% of body weight
Mounjaro: Average weight loss of 20–22% of body weight
This makes Mounjaro one of the most effective medications ever studied for weight loss, even surpassing some bariatric surgery outcomes. However, it’s important to note that Mounjaro’s higher weight loss is dose-dependent, and higher doses of semaglutide (like Wegovy) are also effective.
Availability in New Zealand
Wegovy is available in NZ by prescription from a New Zealand-registered doctor.
Mounjaro is now available in NZ as of February 2026 on prescription.
Which One Is Safer?
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are generally well tolerated, but side effects may include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Fatigue
Mounjaro has similar gastrointestinal side effects compared to Wegovy but less people were found to stop Mounjaro due to gastrointestinal side effects in studies. Both medications carry the same safety precautions for individuals with a history of pancreatitis or certain endocrine disorders.
Because they work in similar ways, many of the same lifestyle considerations apply — including diet, hydration, and monitoring by a doctor.
Cost and Access
In NZ, Wegovy and Mounjaro are not publicly funded. You’ll need a private prescription and will pay out of pocket, but virtual GP services like Pocket Lab help streamline this process affordably and safely.
Wegovy is currently priced the same across all strengths, whereas the starting price of Mounjaro is lower but the prices increases as the strength goes up.
The Bottom Line: Mounjaro vs Wegovy
Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
Mechanism | GLP-1 + GIP dual agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
Weight Loss | Up to 22% | Up to 15% |
Approved For | Type 2 diabetes, Weight Loss | Weight Loss |
Availability in NZ | Available | Available |
Side Effects | GI symptoms | GI symptoms |
Best For | Current option for medically managed weight loss | Current option for medically managed weight loss |
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Pocket Lab’s GP-led weight loss program makes it easy to get started:
Online consultations with NZ-registered doctors
Ongoing support and follow-up care
Prescription access to Mounjaro and Wegovy, if medically appropriate
Mounjaro and Wegovy are now available.
Start your journey today. Learn more about medically-supported weight loss at Pocket Lab. You can also check if weight loss treatments are right for you by answering our FREE eligibility quiz below.
