Mounjaro vs Saxenda
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Side-by-side comparison based on SURPASS-2 / off-label and SCALE phase 3 trial data plus May 2026 pricing.
Mounjaro
Higher efficacytirzepatide (injection)
Peak weight loss20.9%
TrialSURPASS-2 / off-label
Administrationinjection
FDA statustype-2-diabetes
List price$1,069/mo
Saxenda
liraglutide (injection)
Peak weight loss8.4%
TrialSCALE
Administrationinjection
FDA statusweight-loss
List price$1,349/mo
Weight loss comparison (220 lbs starting weight)
% of body weight lost over 18 months, modeled from phase 3 trial data
Monthly cost by payment channel
| Channel | Mounjaro | Saxenda | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $88 | $63 | $25 (Saxenda cheaper) |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | - | - | - |
| Telehealth: brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $499 | $399 | $100 (Saxenda cheaper) |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $1,069 | $1,349 | $280 (Mounjaro cheaper) |
Mounjaro pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ Identical molecule to Zepbound
- ✓ Easier insurance approval if you have type 2 diabetes
- ✓ Strong cardiovascular and renal data (SURPASS-CVOT, SURMOUNT-MMO)
Cons
- ✗ Off-label for weight loss - most insurers deny
- ✗ Cash-pay typically more expensive than Zepbound LillyDirect option
Saxenda pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ Most prescribing experience of any GLP-1
- ✓ Fully covered by Medicare for some indications
Cons
- ✗ Daily injection (vs weekly for newer drugs)
- ✗ Substantially lower weight loss (8.4% vs 14.9–22.5%)
- ✗ Outdated by newer molecules
Common side effects
Mounjaro
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Constipation
- • Vomiting
Saxenda
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Constipation
- • Vomiting
- • Headache
Which should you choose: Mounjaro or Saxenda?
Choose Mounjaro if: you want maximum weight loss (20.9% vs 8.4%); cash-pay cost matters most to you; you have type 2 diabetes (insurance is more likely to cover).
Choose Saxenda if: you want a drug FDA-approved specifically for weight loss.
Final decisions should always be made with a licensed prescriber. This is educational content only.
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Where to actually buy Mounjaro or Saxenda (and the alternatives)
Manufacturer direct prices (LillyDirect, NovoCare) are usually cheapest. Updated May 2026.
| Drug | Insurance | Mfr direct | Telehealth (brand) | Telehealth (compd) | Cash retail | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy 14.9% weight loss | $63 | $349 | $329 | $249 cheapest | $1,349 | Get → |
| Ozempic 11.6% weight loss | $63 | - | $399 | $199 cheapest | $998 | Get → |
| Wegovy (oral 25mg) 13.6% weight loss | $63 | $149 cheapest | $449 | - | $1,349 | Get → |
| Zepbound 22.5% weight loss | $88 | $299 cheapest | $499 | $299 cheapest | $1,059 | Get → |
| Mounjaro 20.9% weight loss | $88 | - | $499 | $299 cheapest | $1,069 | Get → |
| Saxenda 8.4% weight loss | $63 | - | $399 cheapest | - | $1,349 | Get → |
| Foundayo (orforglipron) 14.7% weight loss | $63 | $149 cheapest | - | - | $1,099 | Get → |
Some links are affiliate. We earn a commission at no cost to you. We never recommend a product based on commission. Disclaimer.
Medical disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only based on phase 3 clinical trial data and publicly listed prices. It is not medical advice. Real-world weight loss varies significantly. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication.
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