Wegovy vs Mounjaro in New Zealand: What to Know in 2025

Medicines like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Saxenda and Victoza are part of a new generation of treatments for weight loss and type 2 diabetes.

If you’re in New Zealand, you might be wondering: Which ones are available now, and how do they compare?

GLP-1 Medicines in New Zealand (2025)

Company	Medication	Main Use	Dosing	Availability in NZ (2025)	Notes
Novo Nordisk	Wegovy (semaglutide)	Weight loss	Weekly injection	Available privately (not funded)	Strong weight loss; proven heart benefits
	Ozempic (semaglutide)	Type 2 diabetes (sometimes off-label for weight loss)	Weekly injection	Not available	Same ingredient as Wegovy but lower doses
	Saxenda (liraglutide)	Weight loss	Daily injection	Available privately (not funded)	Older medicine; less effective than semaglutide
	Victoza (liraglutide)	Type 2 diabetes	Daily injection	Available - special criteria funding applies	Same ingredient as Saxenda but for diabetes
Eli Lilly	Mounjaro (tirzepatide)	Type 2 diabetes	Weekly injection	Not yet available – expected 2026	Dual GIP/GLP-1; stronger weight loss than semaglutide in trials
	Zepbound (tirzepatide)	Weight loss; sleep apnoea in obesity	Weekly injection	Not yet available	Same medicine as Mounjaro, branded for weight loss
	Trulicity (dulaglutide)	Type 2 diabetes	Weekly injection	Available - special criteria funding applies	Established GLP-1 option for diabetes; not indicated for weight loss

Wegovy vs Mounjaro: Which Is Better?

• Weight loss results: Studies show Mounjaro (tirzepatide) leads to greater weight loss than Wegovy (semaglutide).

• Heart protection: Wegovy has stronger data showing it lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.

• Convenience: Both are weekly injections, but Mounjaro has more dose flexibility.

• Availability in NZ: Wegovy is already here privately. Mounjaro availability expected from 2026.

What’s Available in New Zealand Right Now?

• For weight loss: Wegovy and Saxenda are your main private options.

• For diabetes: Victoza and Trulicity is available but certain criteria apply.

• Looking ahead: Mounjaro and Zepbound are not here yet, but could arrive in 2026.

Key Insights

• Wegovy and Saxenda are the main options currently available in NZ for weight loss but Saxenda is less effective compared to Wegovy.

• Mounjaro and Zepbound may offer even stronger weight loss, but aren’t expected here until 2026.

• Trulicity and Victoza are available for diabetes management, but not approved for weight loss in NZ.

  
  

How Pocket Lab Can Help

At Pocket Lab, our GPs specialise in weight management treatments. We can:

• Guide you through safe use of Wegovy,

• Manage side effects and dose increases,

• Keep you updated on when Mounjaro and Zepbound become available in New Zealand.

👉 Book a consultation today to explore your options.