Wegovy vs Mounjaro vs Saxenda: what's the difference?
⚕ Medically reviewed: pending (before launch)These are the three weight-management medicines most talked about in New Zealand. They're related but not identical. Here's how they compare — and why the choice is your prescriber's, not a shopping decision.
At a glance
| Wegovy | Mounjaro | Saxenda | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide | Liraglutide |
| How it works | GLP-1 | GIP + GLP-1 (dual) | GLP-1 |
| How often | Weekly injection | Weekly injection | Daily injection |
| Approved for weight management in NZ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How they work
All three mimic gut hormones your body releases after eating. They quieten appetite, slow how fast the stomach empties, and help you feel full on less — so eating less stops being a constant willpower fight. Wegovy and Saxenda act on the GLP-1 pathway; Mounjaro acts on two pathways (GIP and GLP-1).
How they're taken
Wegovy and Mounjaro are once-weekly self-injections; Saxenda is once daily. All are started at a low dose and increased gradually over the first months (titration) to reduce side effects.
Which one is right for me?
That's a clinical decision. A prescriber weighs your health history, any other conditions, how you respond, side effects, supply, and cost — not just "which is strongest". Effectiveness also depends on using the medicine alongside changes to diet and activity. The honest answer is that the best option is the one a prescriber recommends for you, and it may change over time.
Side effects
The most common side effects across all three are gut-related — nausea, and changes to digestion — usually most noticeable when starting or increasing the dose. There are also situations where these medicines aren't appropriate. Your prescriber will go through the risks and what to watch for.
Find out which path suits you
A free 3-minute check, then an NZ-registered prescriber recommends the right option — if treatment is suitable.
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