If you’re struggling to maintain a healthy body mass, you know how difficult it can be to lose weight and keep it off, even when you don’t have any underlying medical conditions that may be stalling you.
You’ve likely heard about the popular weight loss medications Wegovy and Saxenda online and in the news.
Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are injectable medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat obesity. These medications belong to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists.
Although these drugs seem similar, they have some important differences in how they promote weight loss.
Discover the similarities and distinctions between these two weight loss medications, and determine whether Saxenda or Wegovy is right for you.
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy is an injectable weight loss medication with the active ingredient semaglutide, a chronic weight-management medication that belongs to the class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Wegovy is prescribed to adults with obesity.
It’s prescribed to people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or those with a BMI of 27 or higher who are managing weight-related medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy is injected subcutaneously in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen using a pen that is pre-filled with a single dose. It can be taken with or without food and is given as a weekly injection at about the same time of day.
To achieve the most weight loss benefits, Wegovy should be combined with a lower-calorie diet and increased exercise.
Semaglutide is also an active ingredient in other well-known brands, such as Rybelsus and Ozempic, which are approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is dosed differently than these other drugs.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Wegovy mimics the action of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, which is involved in appetite regulation and produced by the pancreas, the gut, and the nervous system. By doing this, people can reduce their calorie intake, promoting weight loss.
GLP-1 specifically targets brain regions that control hunger, especially after a meal. It also delays stomach emptying, prolonging the feelings of fullness and boosting insulin production.
What Is Saxenda?
Saxenda is another injectable used for weight loss. Its active ingredient is liraglutide. Like Wegovy, Saxenda is designed to help in weight loss when combined with a diet low in calories and increased physical exercise.
Saxenda is similar to Wegovy in that it can be used for people with obesity (BMI over 30) or overweight (BMI over 27) and have at least one weight-related medical condition.
Saxenda is injected subcutaneously into the stomach, upper arm, or thigh once daily at a starting dose of 0.6 mg. A healthcare professional may increase the initial dose by 0.6 mg per week until the 3 mg effective full dose is reached.
How Does Saxenda Work?
As a GLP-1 agonist, Saxenda imitates the hormone GLP-1 that your body naturally produces. GLP-1 lowers hunger, releases insulin into the body, and prolongs feelings of fullness. When combined, these activities can promote weight loss.
Liraglutide is also sold under the brand Victoza for treating type 2 diabetes. Because of the difference in dosage, Saxenda and Victoza cannot be used interchangeably.
Wegovy vs. Saxenda: What’s the Difference?
Wegovy and Saxenda are two weight-loss drugs that are quite similar in that they both work by imitating the GLP-1 hormone, which signals our fullness. However, the active ingredients of these two drugs form one area in which they differ: Liraglutide is the primary active ingredient of Saxenda, while Wegovy contains semaglutide. Despite having similar effects on treating obesity and diabetes, these medications are different.
Another difference between Saxenda and Wegovy is the frequency of injections; Saxenda requires daily injections with a weekly dosage increase, while Wegovy only requires weekly injections with a monthly dosage increase.
Despite the differences in the active components and injection schedules, these two weight-loss injectable treatments work the same way. Wegovy and Saxenda assist the brain in detecting sensations of fullness by triggering effects similar to those of the natural hormone GLP-1. This helps regulate appetite, control blood sugar levels, and support metabolic health and weight loss.
Both medications are FDA-approved for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or those with a BMI of at least 27 and a weight-related medical condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Wegovy vs.Saxenda: Which Is More Effective?
Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy may be more effective at promoting weight loss than Saxenda. In research evaluating these two drugs’ effects on weight loss, people on Wegovy lost noticeably more weight than those taking Saxenda.
At 68 weeks after starting the treatment, the average weight loss was 6.4% with Saxenda and 15.8% with Wegovy. Improvements in diet and exercise alongside the medication contributed to these results.
The findings of this investigation are consistent with the results of the clinical studies these medications underwent before being approved.
People who were overweight or obese and had at least one comorbid disease—a medical condition like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia—saw weight loss when taking Wegovy or Saxenda for 68 weeks.
On average, Wegovy reduced weight by 14.9%, while Saxenda saw an average decrease of 7.4%.
It’s essential to note that, like any other medication, each person’s experience with Wegovy and Saxenda may be different in terms of how effective they are at helping them lose weight. Some people may experience more weight loss on Wegovy, while others may find Saxenda more effective.
Your medical history and current state of health will play a major role in this.
Wegovy vs. Saxenda: Dose and Administration
This table outlines the differences and similarities between Wegovy and Saxenda and how they are dosed and administered.
| Aspect | Wegovy | Saxenda | Similarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Liraglutide | Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists |
| Starting dosage | Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg once weekly weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg weeks 9-12: 1 mg Weeks 13-16: 1.7 mg Week 17 and after: 2.4 mg | Week 1: 0.6 mg once daily Week 2: 1.2 mg once daily Week 3: 1.8 mg once daily Week 4: 2.4 mg once daily Week 5 and after: 3 mg daily | Both start with a lower dose to reduce side effects |
| Maintenance dosage | 2.4 mg once weekly | 3.0 mg once daily | Both gradually increase dosage to the recommended maintenance |
| Administration route | Subcutaneous injection (under the skin) | Subcutaneous injection (under the skin) | Both require subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm |
| Frequency | Once a week | Once daily | |
| Titration schedule | Dose increased every 4 weeks | Dose increased weekly until maintenance reached | Both require gradual titration to mitigate side effects |
| Injection device | Prefilled pen used for multiple days in a row | A single-dose pen. A new pen is used for each dose each week. | Both come in prefilled, ready-to- use pens |
| Injection sites | Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm | Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm | Same injection sites |
What Are the Side Effects of Wegovy vs. Saxenda?
Since Saxenda and Wegovy belong to the same class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists, they have similar side effects; however, research indicates that Wegovy’s semaglutide is more well tolerated than Saxenda’s liraglutide.
In the study mentioned above, 13.5% of semaglutide group participants stopped the medication because of side effects compared to 27% of those taking liraglutide. However, 80% of participants in both groups reported GI (gastrointestinal or stomach and intestine) problems.
To compare the side effects of Wegovy and Saxenda, here’s a breakdown of the common, serious, and rare side effects for each:
Common Side Effects
| Common side effect | Wegovy | Saxenda |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | Common, especially during dose increase | Common, especially during dose increase |
| Vomiting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diarrhea | ✓ | ✓ |
| Constipation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dizziness | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fatigue | ✓ | ✓ |
| Abdominal pain | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headache | ✓ | ✓ |
These common side effects may last only a few days or weeks. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if they worsen, persist longer than that, or start to bother you.
Serious Side Effects
| Serious side effect | Wegovy | Saxenda |
|---|---|---|
| Gallbladder issues | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pancreatitis | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kidney problems | ✓ | ✓ |
| Thyroid tumors | ✓ | ✓ |
| hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Severe allergic reaction | ✓ | ✓ |
| Increased heart rate | ✓ | ✓ |
If you experience serious side effects while taking Wegovy or Saxenda, such as severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis), sharp stomach pain (gallbladder issues), difficulty breathing or swelling (allergic reactions), or unusual symptoms like rapid heartbeat or a lump in your neck (thyroid concerns), stop the medication immediately and seek urgent medical attention.
Can You Switch from Saxenda to Wegovy (or Vice Versa)?
Yes. You can switch from Saxenda to Wegovy. Since Wegovy is more effective than Saxenda, you might want to switch if Saxenda isn’t producing the desired results. Your prescriber might have you start with a lower dose of Wegovy and gradually increase it to minimize side effects.
Wegovy’s demand has increased, so your prescriber might move you from Wegovy to Saxenda if you’re experiencing challenges filling your prescription. However, there’s no Saxenda dosage that is equivalent to the Wegovy dosage advised for weight loss.
When transitioning from one medication to another, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to discontinue the first drug and start the second safely.
Who Should Avoid Saxenda or Wegovy?
Saxenda and Wegovy may not be suitable for everyone. You should avoid these medications if you:
- Have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Have a history of pancreatitis, as both medications can increase this risk.
- Have severe gastrointestinal issues (e.g., gastroparesis) due to slowed gastric emptying.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding women, as risks to growing baby are not well known.
- Have known hypersensitivity to the active ingredients (liraglutide for Saxenda, semaglutide for Wegovy).
- Have a history of serious allergic reactions to similar medications.
Where Can I Buy Wegovy and Saxenda?
Wegovy and Saxenda are prescription medications available at most retail, local, and online pharmacies. You will need a prescription from your healthcare provider to purchase either medication.
However, it’s important to note that Saxenda is currently out of stock due to supply issues and is expected to remain unavailable for the foreseeable future.
At NP2GO, we offer prescriptions for Wegovy to help people access this highly effective weight loss treatment. If you can’t get Saxenda, NP2GO can help you switch to Wegovy, ensuring you continue your weight-loss journey with expert guidance.
Wegovy or Saxenda: Which Is Right for Me?
Choosing between Wegovy and Saxenda for weight loss depends on your health needs and lifestyle. The FDA approves both medications to treat obesity, but key differences may make one a better option for you. Wegovy has been shown to result in more significant weight loss in clinical trials than Saxenda, so if your goal is to lose a higher percentage of body weight, Wegovy might be the right choice.
Another factor to consider is convenience. Wegovy is injected once a week, making it easier if you prefer fewer injections. In contrast, Saxenda requires a daily injection, which may be less convenient for some people.
Your overall health will also play a role in determining the best option. Both drugs are suitable for people with a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 with related conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. However, your healthcare provider will evaluate your medical history to decide which medication is safer for you.
Regarding side effects, while Wegovy’s semaglutide is often better tolerated, everyone’s experience can vary.
Availability is also important to consider. Due to supply issues, Saxenda is currently out of stock, meaning Wegovy may be your only option.
FAQs
Can you use Wegovy and Saxenda together?
Using Wegovy and Saxenda together is not recommended because their ingredients, semaglutide and liraglutide, are not considered safe together. Both medications are GLP-1 receptor agonists that work similarly to promote weight loss, but taking them simultaneously doesn’t provide added benefits and may increase the risk of side effects.
Is Wegovy the same as Saxenda?
Wegovy and Saxenda are similar in that they belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class and help with weight loss. However, they have different active ingredients: Wegovy contains semaglutide, while Saxenda contains liraglutide. Wegovy is injected weekly, while Saxenda is taken daily. Wegovy is also more effective than Saxenda.
How long does it take to see results with Wegovy or Saxenda?
Both Wegovy and Saxenda work gradually, and the results vary. Most people start to see weight loss within the first few weeks, with more significant changes after 8–12 weeks. You should use both medications alongside a lower-calorie diet and increased physical activity for best results.
Do I need to follow a specific diet while taking Wegovy or Saxenda?
To achieve your weight loss goals, you need to follow a lower-calorie, nutritious diet with Wegovy or Saxenda. These medications, combined with healthy eating habits and regular exercise, can help you lose weight and keep it off. Our registered dietitian at NP2GO can help you create a personalized eating plan to support your weight-loss journey.
Get a Wegovy Prescription in the US
If you’re seeking a Wegovy prescription in the US to help with weight loss, NP2GO can help. Wegovy, a popular FDA-approved weight loss medication, mimics a hormone that regulates appetite. It helps people with obesity or weight-related conditions achieve tier weight loss goals.
Combined with a healthy diet and increased physical activity, Wegovy can be a powerful tool in your weight loss journey.
At NP2GO, we proudly serve clients in over 28 states, including Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, and Washington. We offer in-person and telehealth consultations and personalized care, allowing you to get a Wegovy prescription from the comfort of your home. Our experienced healthcare professionals will guide you through the process, monitor your progress, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure effective and safe treatment.
Take the first step towards a healthier you by scheduling a consultation with NP2GO today. Our team is here to provide expert advice and support, helping you access Wegovy and achieve long-term weight loss success. Contact us now to get started!