----|------| | 1-4 | 2.5mg | | 5-8 | 5mg | | 9-12 | 7.5mg | | 13-16 | 10mg | | 17-20 | 12.5mg | | 21+ | 15mg |
Many men achieve excellent results at 10mg or 12.5mg without needing maximum dose.
Side Effects
Tirzepatide tends to have milder GI effects than semaglutide: - Nausea: 31% - Diarrhea: 23% - Vomiting: 12% - Constipation: 17%
Still present, but often more tolerable. The GIP component may buffer some GLP-1 side effects.
Cost and Access
Retail: ~$1,000-1,100/month
For diabetics: Often well-covered by insurance. Prior authorization may be required. Copays with manufacturer savings card can be $25-150/month.
LillyDirect: ~$549/month for self-pay Mounjaro. Same program as Zepbound.
Strategy: If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro through the diabetes indication often has better coverage than trying to get Zepbound approved for weight loss.
When to Choose Mounjaro
Choose Mounjaro if: - You have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes - Insurance covers Mounjaro but not Zepbound - Blood sugar control is a goal alongside weight loss - Your provider is more comfortable prescribing the diabetes indication
Consider Zepbound instead if: - You don't have diabetes - You have sleep apnea (Zepbound is specifically approved) - Insurance covers weight loss medications
The medication is identical. The choice is about access and indication, not efficacy.
The Bottom Line
Mounjaro is tirzepatide — the most effective FDA-approved molecule for weight loss — in diabetes packaging. For men with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, it offers: - 20%+ weight loss - Excellent blood sugar control - Testosterone recovery through fat loss - Often easier insurance coverage than Zepbound
If you have any degree of diabetes and want tirzepatide's superior weight loss, Mounjaro is likely your pathway.
Related Articles: - Zepbound for Men: Weight Loss + Sleep Apnea Coverage - Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Which Is Better for Men? - GLP-1 Medications for Men: The Complete 2026 Guide
Last updated: January 2026
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.