Mounjaro vs Zepbound
Side-by-side comparison based on SURPASS-2 / off-label and SURMOUNT-1 phase 3 trial data plus May 2026 pricing.
Mounjaro
tirzepatide (injection)
Peak weight loss20.9%
TrialSURPASS-2 / off-label
Administrationinjection
FDA statustype-2-diabetes
List price$1,069/mo
Zepbound
Higher efficacytirzepatide (injection)
Peak weight loss22.5%
TrialSURMOUNT-1
Administrationinjection
FDA statusweight-loss
List price$1,059/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 | Zepbound | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $88 | $88 | $0 (Zepbound cheaper) |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | — | $349 | — |
| Telehealth — brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $499 | $499 | $0 (Zepbound cheaper) |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $1,069 | $1,059 | $10 (Zepbound 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
Zepbound pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ Highest efficacy of any FDA-approved GLP-1 (22.5% in SURMOUNT-1)
- ✓ Dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism
- ✓ LillyDirect self-pay vials starting around $349/mo for lower doses
- ✓ FDA-approved for chronic weight management
Cons
- ✗ List price still high ($1,059/mo)
- ✗ Insurance coverage varies more than for Wegovy
- ✗ GI side effects can be more pronounced at higher doses
- ✗ Periodic supply constraints during demand spikes
Common side effects
Mounjaro
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Constipation
- • Vomiting
Zepbound
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Constipation
- • Vomiting
- • Decreased appetite
Which should you choose: Mounjaro or Zepbound?
Choose Mounjaro if: you have type 2 diabetes (insurance is more likely to cover).
Choose Zepbound if: you want maximum weight loss (22.5% vs 20.9%); cash-pay cost matters most to you; 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 Zepbound (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 | $499 | $449 | $249 cheapest | $1,349 | Get → |
| Ozempic 11.6% weight loss | $63 | — | $399 | $199 cheapest | $998 | Get → |
| Wegovy (oral 25mg) 13.6% weight loss | $63 | $499 | $449 cheapest | — | $1,349 | Get → |
| Zepbound 22.5% weight loss | $88 | $349 | $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 → |
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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.