Medications
Mounjaro vs Saxenda: Comparing Your Weight Loss Options in NZ
Compare Mounjaro and Saxenda: weekly vs daily dosing, efficacy, cost, and availability in NZ.
Well Revolution
February 12, 2026
Saxenda (liraglutide) has been available for weight loss in New Zealand for several years, while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is newly available. If you're weighing up your options, here's how these two medications compare.
The Key Differences at a Glance
How They Work
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Saxenda activates only the GLP-1 receptor. It was one of the first GLP-1 medications approved specifically for weight loss and has a well-established track record.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Mounjaro is a newer "dual agonist" that activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. This dual mechanism appears to produce more significant effects on appetite and metabolism.
Weight Loss Results
The difference in efficacy is substantial:
- Saxenda: Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 5-8% of body weight
- Mounjaro: Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 20-22% at the maximum dose
This means Mounjaro produces roughly 3x more weight loss on average. For someone starting at 100kg, that's approximately 5-8kg with Saxenda versus 20-22kg with Mounjaro.
Dosing Convenience
This is a significant practical difference:
- Saxenda: Daily injections (365 injections per year)
- Mounjaro: Weekly injections (52 injections per year)
Many people find weekly dosing much more convenient and easier to maintain long-term.
Side Effects
Both medications share similar gastrointestinal side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
These tend to be most common during dose escalation and usually improve over time. Both carry the same boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumours.
Cost Considerations
In New Zealand:
- Saxenda: Approximately $550-600 per month, available now
- Mounjaro: Estimated $430-875 per month depending on dose (2.5mg-15mg)
Neither is funded by Pharmac for weight loss.
When comparing value, consider that Mounjaro's greater efficacy may mean reaching your goals faster or achieving results that wouldn't be possible with Saxenda.
Who Might Prefer Saxenda?
- People who prefer the established track record of an older medication
- Those with specific circumstances where daily dosing flexibility is preferred
Who Might Prefer Mounjaro?
- Those seeking maximum weight loss potential
- People who prefer weekly over daily injections
- Those who haven't achieved goals with other GLP-1 medications
Switching from Saxenda to Mounjaro
If you're currently on Saxenda and interested in potentially better results, switching to Mounjaro is now possible. Discuss the timing and transition plan with your prescriber.
- Discuss timing with your prescriber
- You'll likely need to start Mounjaro's titration schedule from the beginning
- A brief washout period may be recommended
The Bottom Line
Mounjaro represents a significant advancement over Saxenda in terms of efficacy and dosing convenience. However, Saxenda remains a reasonable option for those wanting to start treatment now or who have specific reasons to prefer it.
Get Personalised Advice
At Well Revolution, we offer comprehensive medical support for both Saxenda and Mounjaro treatment. Our chat-based GP service provides:
- Free initial consultations to assess eligibility
- Prescriptions and repeats without appointments
- Unlimited same-day GP support, seven days a week
- Ongoing monitoring and dose adjustments
Start your weight loss journey today with either medication, or speak with our doctors about which option is right for you.
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