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Comparisons

Saxenda vs Mounjaro

Short answer: Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) a weekly injection with a dual mechanism of action (GLP-1 and GIP). Both can be used for weight management and are available only on prescription through a doctor and pharmacy. The differences lie in action, injection frequency and the indicative average effect. A doctor assesses which medicine is appropriate for you.

The key difference

Saxenda contains liraglutide and acts on the GLP-1 receptor; it is injected daily. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and acts on both the GLP-1 and the GIP receptor ("dual action"); it is injected weekly. The difference in duration of action explains the frequency. If you want to know how GLP-1 works, see how GLP-1 works. A comparison with semaglutide medicines can be found at Saxenda vs Wegovy and Mounjaro vs Wegovy.

Saxenda and Mounjaro compared

SaxendaMounjaro
Active substanceLiraglutideTirzepatide
Mechanism of actionGLP-1GLP-1 + GIP
FrequencyDailyWeekly
Weight loss (indicative)approx. 8% (SCALE, ~56 wk)approx. 16–22.5% (SURMOUNT-1, 72 wk)
Percentages are study averages alongside lifestyle support and are not a promise of results. Your outcome may differ.

Action and frequency

Both medicines reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) adds the GIP route to this, which sets it apart from single-acting GLP-1 medicines such as liraglutide. In practice this means you inject daily with Saxenda and weekly with Mounjaro. With both, the dose is built up step by step to limit side effects; see dosage and titration and injecting. For possible side effects of Mounjaro, see Mounjaro side effects.

Indicative average effect

In the SCALE study, participants on liraglutide (Saxenda) lost on average about 8% of their body weight after around 56 weeks, alongside lifestyle support. In the SURMOUNT-1 study with tirzepatide (Mounjaro), an average reduction of about 16% (5 mg) to 22.5% (15 mg) was reported after 72 weeks. These are study averages from different trials and not a guarantee; your personal result depends on dosage, lifestyle and support. More context at how much weight can you lose.

Which medicine when?

The choice depends on your situation, preferences and how your body responds. Those who would rather not inject daily may find the weekly Mounjaro more convenient. The doctor weighs up suitability, contraindications and any diabetes during the intake; see also who it is suitable for. An overview of clinics that carry out intakes is available at clinics. Cost and reimbursement can be found at cost and reimbursement.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference in action between Saxenda and Mounjaro?
Saxenda (liraglutide) acts on the GLP-1 receptor. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) acts on both the GLP-1 and the GIP receptor, a dual mechanism. Both reduce appetite, but partly via different routes.
Do I have to inject Saxenda daily and Mounjaro weekly?
Yes. Saxenda is a daily injection and Mounjaro a weekly one. Those who are reluctant to inject daily may experience the weekly frequency as an advantage.
Does Mounjaro give more weight loss than Saxenda?
In studies, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) showed higher average weight loss than liraglutide (Saxenda). These are study averages from different trials and not a guarantee; a doctor assesses what is appropriate.
Are Saxenda and Mounjaro available without a prescription?
No, both are prescription-only and available only through a doctor and pharmacy. The doctor assesses whether the medicine is suitable for you.

Official sources on this topic

Independent, authoritative information from official bodies:

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Saxenda vs Wegovy→Mounjaro vs Wegovy→Medicine Saxenda→Medicine Mounjaro→