The Matrix HealthMounjaro vs Ozempic: a Canadian guide for 2026
Both Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are widely used in Canada for weight management. Here's how they compare on efficacy, side effects, availability, and cost — reviewed by The Matrix Health's licensed clinicians.
Published 2026-06-13 · Reviewed by The Matrix Health clinical team
At a glance
| Ozempic | Mounjaro | |
|---|---|---|
| Active drug | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| Mechanism | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 + GIP receptor agonist (dual) |
| Form | Weekly subcutaneous injection | Weekly subcutaneous injection |
| Health Canada approval | Type 2 diabetes (off-label for weight loss) | Type 2 diabetes (off-label for weight loss) |
| Average weight loss* | ~12–15% body weight | ~15–22% body weight |
| Approx. Canadian price | $350–$450 CAD / month | $400–$550 CAD / month |
*At the highest tolerated dose in 68–72 week clinical trials (STEP and SURMOUNT programs). Real-world results vary.
Efficacy: how much weight can you expect to lose?
Both medications work by mimicking gut hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar. Ozempic activates the GLP-1 receptor. Mounjaro activates both GLP-1 and GIP — and that dual action translates into greater average weight loss in head-to-head trials.
In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults on the highest dose of tirzepatide lost about 22.5% of body weight over 72 weeks. In STEP 1, semaglutide produced about 14.9% loss over 68 weeks. Both vastly outperformed placebo and lifestyle changes alone.
Results depend on dose tolerance, consistency, diet, sleep, and activity. Many Canadians do excellently on Ozempic and never need to escalate to a dual agonist.
Common side effects
Both drugs share a similar GI side-effect profile, usually worst during dose escalation and improving over weeks.
- Nausea, vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Fatigue, headache
- Injection-site reactions
- Rare: pancreatitis, gallbladder issues
Who shouldn't take them
- Personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
- Pregnancy or planning pregnancy
- History of pancreatitis (case-by-case)
- Severe gastroparesis
Canadian availability and pricing
Both medications are Health Canada approved for type 2 diabetes. Through 2024–2025 Ozempic supply has been strained globally and Mounjaro reached Canadian pharmacies later than the US — so real-world access shifts month to month. The Matrix Health works with partner pharmacies to source whichever option is available and clinically appropriate for you.
- Ozempic — approx $350–$450 CAD / month, often partially covered for type 2 diabetes by private plans.
- Mounjaro — approx $400–$550 CAD / month, growing private-plan coverage for diabetes.
- A more affordable generic semaglutide may be available through our partner pharmacy.
Prices are approximate and exclude consultation and shipping fees. Your clinician will discuss your expected total cost before any prescription is sent.
How to choose
There is no universal "better" GLP-1. Choice depends on your health history, goals, response to prior medications, insurance coverage, and current supply. As a general framework:
- Start with Ozempic if you have type 2 diabetes, value an established side-effect profile, or want the lower price point.
- Consider Mounjaro if you have a higher weight-loss target, plateaued on a GLP-1 monotherapy, or your clinician thinks the dual mechanism fits your physiology.
- Either way, GLP-1 therapy works best alongside protein-forward nutrition, strength training, and consistent sleep.
Talk to a Canadian clinician
The Matrix Health's licensed clinicians will review your history, discuss Ozempic vs Mounjaro for your goals, and prescribe what's clinically appropriate.
Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician about your individual care.