weightloss.com.au
weightloss.com.au
Mounjaro logoMounjaro
vs
Ozempic logoOzempic

Mounjaro vs Ozempic

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both injectable weight loss medications available in Australia, but they work differently. Mounjaro targets two receptors (GIP and GLP-1) while Ozempic targets GLP-1 only. In clinical trials, Mounjaro produced greater average weight loss (~21% vs ~15%), though Ozempic has a longer track record and PBS subsidisation for diabetes patients.

Mounjaro: ~21% avg. loss
Ozempic: ~15% avg. loss
Mounjaro cost: From $395 private
Ozempic cost: $32 PBS / $134 private

Compare Mounjaro vs Ozempic at a Glance

 MounjaroOzempic
Drug classDual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonist
How takenWeekly injectionWeekly injection
Avg. weight loss~21%~15%
First approved2022 (FDA), 2023 (TGA)2017 (FDA), 2019 (TGA)
AU cost/monthFrom $395 private$32 PBS / $134 private
PBS statusNoYes (diabetes only)
Prescription needed?YesYes
AU supply statusStableConstrained (improving)

Compare Mounjaro vs Ozempic Cost in Australia

Mounjaro: From $395 private

Ozempic: $32 PBS / $134 private (PBS: Yes (diabetes only))

Compare Mounjaro vs Ozempic Weight Loss Efficacy

Mounjaro Clinical Trials

SURMOUNT-1

20.9% weight loss (15mg)

72 weeksn=2,539

SURMOUNT-2

15.7% weight loss (diabetes pop.)

72 weeks

SURMOUNT-3

25.3% weight loss (with lifestyle intervention)

88 weeks

SURMOUNT-OSA

Significant improvement in sleep apnoea

52 weeks

Ozempic Clinical Trials

SUSTAIN 1-12

5-7kg weight loss (diabetes population)

30-104 weeks

STEP 1 (higher dose)

14.9% body weight reduction

68 weeks

Clinical trial data at highest approved doses. Individual results vary.

Compare Mounjaro vs Ozempic Side Effects

Mounjaro

Very common

  • Nausea (up to 33%)
  • Diarrhoea (up to 23%)
  • Decreased appetite

Common

  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dyspepsia
  • Injection site reactions

Serious (rare)

  • Pancreatitis
  • Hypoglycaemia (with insulin)
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Thyroid tumour risk (animal data)
  • May reduce effectiveness of oral contraceptives

Ozempic

Very common

  • Nausea (20-44%)
  • Diarrhoea (8-30%)
  • Vomiting

Common

  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Injection site reactions

Serious (rare)

  • Pancreatitis
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Kidney injury
  • Thyroid tumours (animal studies)
  • Suicidal ideation (under investigation)

Compare How Mounjaro and Ozempic Work

Mounjaro

Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist

First dual-agonist: targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors simultaneously. This dual mechanism produces greater weight loss than GLP-1-only drugs. Reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, improves insulin sensitivity, with additional metabolic benefits through the GIP pathway.

Ozempic

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Mimics the natural hormone GLP-1. Slows gastric emptying, increases insulin production, reduces glucagon, and acts on appetite centres in the brain to reduce hunger. Once-weekly injection in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Compare Mounjaro vs Ozempic Dosing Schedule

Mounjaro

Weekly injection

DosePeriodNote
2.5mgWeeks 1-4Starting dose
5mgWeeks 5-8Escalation / maintenance
7.5mgWeeks 9-12Escalation
10mgWeeks 13-16Escalation / maintenance
12.5mgWeeks 17-20Escalation
15mgWeek 21+Maximum maintenance

Ozempic

Weekly subcutaneous injection

DosePeriodNote
0.25mgWeeks 1-4Starting dose
0.5mgWeeks 5-8Dose escalation
1mgWeek 9+Maintenance dose

Compare Mounjaro vs Ozempic Australian Regulatory Status

Mounjaro

TGA StatusRegistered on ARTG for T2D, weight management, and OSA
PBS ListedNo PBS listing for any indication
Zepbound BrandUS/UK weight loss brand name not used in Australia
Supply StatusAvailability improving; no critical shortage reported
Oral VersionEli Lilly's oral GLP-1 (orforglipron) expected FDA decision mid-2026; not yet in AU

Ozempic

TGA StatusRegistered on ARTG for type 2 diabetes
PBS ListedYes, for type 2 diabetes (Authority Required)
Off-label UseRestricted since Oct 2024 for new weight loss prescriptions
Supply StatusOngoing shortage since 2022; improving but not resolved
CompoundingCompounded versions banned from 1 October 2024

Full Mounjaro profile

View Mounjaro Details

Full Ozempic profile

View Ozempic Details

Compare Other Medications

Wegovy vs Mounjaro

~15-17% vs ~21% avg. weight loss

Contrave vs Mounjaro

~5-8% vs ~21% avg. weight loss

Orlistat vs Mounjaro

~3-5% vs ~21% avg. weight loss

Saxenda vs Mounjaro

~8% vs ~21% avg. weight loss

Wegovy vs Ozempic

~15-17% vs ~15% avg. weight loss

Contrave vs Ozempic

~5-8% vs ~15% avg. weight loss

View all weight loss medications

This website is for informational and research purposes only. We are not medical professionals and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or specialist before making any decisions about medication.

The weight loss medication landscape in Australia is changing rapidly. Information on this page may become outdated without notice. Data sourced from the TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBAC, Australian Prescriber, Obesity Evidence Hub, and clinical trial publications. Last reviewed March 2026.