Comparison guide · Reviewed May 2026
Weight Loss Injections Australia — The Complete 2026 Comparison
Three injectable GLP-1 medications are currently available in Australia for weight management. They share the same basic mechanism — reducing appetite and improving insulin sensitivity — but differ in their active ingredient, dose, average weight loss results, approved indications, PBS status, cost, and liver health evidence.
This guide compares all three in plain English so you can have a more informed conversation with your GP.
Published 2026-05-01 · Clinically reviewed 2026-05-31
Comparison guide · Reviewed May 2026
The Three Medications at a Glance
| Ozempic | Wegovy | Mounjaro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| Dose | Up to 1mg weekly | 2.4mg weekly | Up to 15mg weekly |
| Mechanism | GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist | Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist |
| TGA approved for | Type 2 diabetes | Weight management + MASH + OSA | Weight management + OSA |
| Average weight loss | ~10–15% | ~14–17% | ~20–22% |
| PBS listed | Yes (T2D only) | Narrow eCVD group | No |
| Monthly private cost | ~$120–$180 (T2D PBS) | ~$300–$395 | ~$285–$690 |
Weight Loss Results — How They Compare
Ozempic (semaglutide 1mg): Average weight loss of approximately 10–15% of body weight in clinical trials. The SUSTAIN programme demonstrated consistent weight loss across multiple trials.
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg): Average weight loss of approximately 14–17% in the STEP programme trials — more than double the Ozempic maintenance dose.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide up to 15mg): Average weight loss of approximately 20–22% in the SURMOUNT programme. The SURMOUNT-5 trial directly comparing tirzepatide and semaglutide found tirzepatide achieved approximately 20% weight loss versus approximately 14% for semaglutide at 72 weeks.
Individual results vary significantly. Some patients respond better to semaglutide than tirzepatide and vice versa regardless of average trial results.
Comparison guide · Reviewed May 2026
Liver Health — How They Compare
All three medications improve liver health in patients with MASLD — primarily through weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and direct hepatic effects via…
All three medications improve liver health in patients with MASLD — primarily through weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and direct hepatic effects via GLP-1 receptors.
Ozempic: Real-world and clinical data show liver enzyme improvement and liver fat reduction. Lower magnitude than higher-dose semaglutide. Does not have a specific TGA liver disease indication.
Wegovy: The definitive liver evidence. The ESSENCE trial (NEJM May 2025) demonstrated 62.9% MASH resolution at 72 weeks with semaglutide 2.4mg. The TGA provisionally approved Wegovy for non-cirrhotic MASH with F2–F3 fibrosis in April 2026. The only GLP-1 medication in Australia with a specific liver disease TGA approval.
Mounjaro: Phase 2 liver data is positive. The SYNERGY-NASH phase 3 trial completed enrolment in 2025 with results expected 2026.
For patients with confirmed MASH needing TGA-approved liver treatment now: Wegovy. For patients with MASLD wanting maximum weight loss: Mounjaro — with the expectation of commensurate liver benefit.
GLP-1 Medications and Gallstones
All three medications increase gallstone risk. A systematic review of 76 studies found GLP-1 medications increase the risk of gallstones by 27% and gallbladder inflammation by 36%, particularly at higher doses and during rapid weight loss.
The risk is highest in the first 6–12 months of therapy. Symptoms to watch for: right upper abdominal pain after eating, nausea, pain radiating to the right shoulder blade.
Comparison guide · Reviewed May 2026
Australian Availability and Regulatory Status
Ozempic: TGA-approved for type 2 diabetes. PBS-listed at $31.60 per prescription ($7.70 concession). Widely available at Australian pharmacies.
Ozempic: TGA-approved for type 2 diabetes. PBS-listed at $31.60 per prescription ($7.70 concession). Widely available at Australian pharmacies.
Wegovy: TGA-approved for weight management, MASH (April 2026), and cardiovascular risk reduction. Available on private prescription at approximately $300–$395/month. PBS-listed for a narrow group — adults with established cardiovascular disease and BMI 35+.
Mounjaro: TGA-approved for weight management (September 2024) and obstructive sleep apnoea (January 2026). Private prescription only at approximately $285–$690/month. No PBS listing for weight management.
Who Should Choose Which
- Type 2 diabetes, need PBS subsidy: Ozempic — PBS-listed, well-tolerated, established safety data.
- Confirmed MASH with F2–F3 fibrosis: Wegovy — the only TGA-approved liver disease treatment.
- Established cardiovascular disease, BMI 35+: Wegovy — PBS-eligible under the cardiovascular indication.
- Maximum weight loss priority: Mounjaro — superior weight loss on average, growing evidence base.
- Failed or intolerant of semaglutide: Mounjaro — different mechanism, different tolerability profile.
- Cost is the primary consideration: Ozempic if diabetic (PBS). If non-diabetic, all three are private — Mounjaro and Wegovy are similar in cost at equivalent doses.
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Frequently asked questions
Which weight loss injection is best in Australia?
No single answer — depends on your clinical situation. Mounjaro produces greater average weight loss. Wegovy has more mature liver and cardiovascular evidence plus TGA approval for MASH. Ozempic is PBS-subsidised for type 2 diabetes. Discuss your specific situation with your GP.
Is Mounjaro or Ozempic stronger?
Mounjaro produces greater average weight loss (20–22% vs 10–15% for Ozempic) due to its dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism. Whether stronger is better depends on your goals, tolerability, and clinical situation.
Can I switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro?
Yes — with your GP's guidance. Switching is technically straightforward with appropriate dose titration. If switching for liver health reasons specifically, discuss whether Wegovy at 2.4mg under the TGA MASH indication might be more appropriate.
Which weight loss injection has fewest side effects?
All three share the same GLP-1 class gastrointestinal side effects — nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea — predominantly during dose escalation. Individual tolerance varies. Mounjaro may produce more intense early GI effects consistent with its greater potency. All three carry an increased gallstone risk.
Related reading
- Complete GLP-1 monitoring guide (Australia)
- GLP-1 liver monitoring guide (Australia)
- Semaglutide vs tirzepatide — liver
- Ozempic for weight loss and liver
- Ozempic and fatty liver
- Wegovy and fatty liver
- Mounjaro and liver disease
- GLP-1 medications and gallstones
- Wegovy PBS Australia
- Is Wegovy available in Australia?
- Ozempic vs Mounjaro Australia
- Find a clinic
SURMOUNT-5 NEJM May 2025; ESSENCE NEJM May 2025; STEP programme trials; SUSTAIN programme trials; TGA approvals 2024–2026; PBAC December 2025 outcome.
This article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP or a specialist about your individual health circumstances.
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