How do the costs of Wegovy and Mounjaro compare?

On the NHS, costs are set through commercial arrangements and are not always public, while in private practice the listed prices for Wegovy and Mounjaro vary by provider and dose. Recent reports in the UK note that Mounjaro has seen price adjustments, so affordability depends on where and how it is accessed.

NHS pricing and access

The NHS operates under a system of confidential commercial agreements with manufacturers. This means that while an official list price exists, the actual amount the NHS pays is usually lower and not made public. NICE’s role is to assess whether the benefits of medicines like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) justify their cost, before they can be commissioned nationally. For patients, this process ensures that treatments are available based on clinical need rather than ability to pay.

Private prescribing landscape

In the private sector, things are more transparent but also more variable. Clinics and pharmacies set their own retail prices, which can differ widely depending on location, supply, and brand packaging. For example, Wegovy pens are usually sold in monthly packs, with costs that increase as the dose escalates. Mounjaro pens are priced similarly, though some clinics have recently raised their fees following reports of strong demand and supply pressures.

Why prices fluctuate

Both medicines are relatively new in the UK market, and demand has been high. Media coverage of their effectiveness has led to a surge of interest, particularly in private weight-loss programmes. This has sometimes resulted in supply challenges, which in turn influence cost. Reports in 2025 highlighted that Mounjaro’s private price rose at some providers, reflecting demand as it became better known as an alternative to Wegovy. Wegovy prices have also shown variation but tend to be more stable now that NHS commissioning is in place.

Cost versus effectiveness

When comparing affordability, it’s worth looking at outcomes too. Clinical trials suggest that Wegovy users lose on average about 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, while Mounjaro users can lose over 20% at higher doses, according to the SURMOUNT studies. These results may affect how people weigh cost against benefit, especially if they are paying privately. In the NHS, however, the focus is on cost-effectiveness across the population, not on individual willingness to pay.

Insurance and coverage

In the UK, private health insurance rarely covers weight-loss medicines, though this may change as more data on long-term health benefits emerge. For now, most people accessing Wegovy or Mounjaro outside the NHS are paying out of pocket. This adds another layer of inequality, since affordability depends heavily on personal finances.

The importance of clinical guidance

Regardless of cost, neither medicine should be chosen purely on price. Both require medical supervision, gradual dose escalation, and ongoing monitoring for safety. NICE approval and NHS funding pathways exist to make sure people who most need these treatments can access them fairly. In private settings, cost may shape choice, but clinical advice remains essential.

The wider context

So, how do Wegovy and Mounjaro compare in terms of cost? On the NHS, the real prices are hidden but controlled to ensure value for money. In private care, costs vary and Mounjaro has recently seen price adjustments in some clinics. While tirzepatide may deliver slightly greater weight loss on average, affordability depends on individual circumstances, and access through the NHS remains the fairest route when criteria are met.