According to Statista, there is a significant rise in global obesity and overweight rates, from 2.2 billion individuals in 2020 to over 3.3 billion by 2035. Notably, the US stands as one of the most obese nations worldwide, with more than 36% of its adult population classified as obese.
As worries about obesity increase, many are searching for ways to lose weight. Saxenda and Wegovy injection pens are two popular choices, both offering potential solutions. But which one works better?
This article will break down the differences between Saxenda and Wegovy, helping readers make informed choices about their weight loss journey. Whether you’re considering Saxenda or Wegovy, we offer a complete guide to help you pick the right option.
Key Differences Between Saxenda and Wegovy
Parameters Saxenda Wegovy Cost (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) Around $1,600 Around $1,350 Active ingredient Liraglutide Semaglutide Approved indications
- Chronic weight management in individuals aged 12 and older with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions.
- Chronic weight management in individuals aged 12 and older with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions.
- Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (MACE), such as death, heart attack, or stroke, in adults with known heart disease who are also obese or overweight.
Ease of use Daily injection Weekly injection Effectiveness Patients achieved a mean weight reduction of 6.4% from baseline after 68 weeks. Patients achieved a mean weight reduction of 15.8% from baseline after 68 weeks. Side effects Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, injection site reactions, and headache. Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, and headache. Dosage and administration Begins with a daily dosage of 0.6 mg, gradually raised to 3 mg within a span of 5 weeks. Begins with a weekly dosage of 0.25 mg, gradually raised to 2.4 mg within 5 months. Weight loss onset Weight loss may become noticeable after 2 weeks of use. Weight loss may become noticeable after 4 weeks of use.
Which Is Better for Weight Loss?
According to recent studies, Wegovy (semaglutide) outperforms Saxenda (liraglutide) in promoting weight loss when used alongside a calorie-restricted diet and regular physical activity.
A 2022 study compared the weight loss efficacy of once-weekly semaglutide (2.4 mg) versus once-daily liraglutide (3.0 mg), both combined with diet and physical activity. The study involved 338 adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher, with at least one weight-related health issue, all without diabetes. This was conducted over 68 weeks at 19 sites in the US.
The primary endpoint was the percentage change in body weight from baseline to week 68, while secondary endpoints included the proportion of participants achieving weight loss of 10%, 15%, and 20%.
The semaglutide group experienced a mean weight reduction of 15.8%, the liraglutide group 6.4%, and the placebo group 1.9%. Moreover, participants on semaglutide had significantly higher odds of achieving at least 10%, 15%, and 20% weight loss than those on liraglutide.
Aside from this study, individual studies on each drug showed similar outcomes.
Saxenda for Weight Loss
Five large-scale phase III trials have evaluated liraglutide as a weight management agent. Among these, four were part of the Satiety and Clinical Adiposity-Liraglutide Evidence (SCALE) program, examining both non-diabetic and diabetic populations.
Here’s what they found:
| Study | Trial population and duration | Results | |||
| Average weight loss from their baseline | Percentage of participants achieving ? 5% weight loss | ||||
| Saxenda | Placebo | Saxenda | Placebo | ||
| SCALE Maintenance (2013) | This 56-week trial evaluated 3.0 mg liraglutide’s ability to sustain weight loss after a low-calorie diet (LCD). It included 422 obese/overweight participants who lost ? 5% of their initial weight during the LCD. | 6.2% | 0.2% | 50.5% | 21.8% |
| SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (2015) | A 56-week trial involving 3731 non-diabetic patients, 61.2% had prediabetes, with a BMI of at least 30 or a BMI of at least 27 with dyslipidemia or hypertension. | 8.0% | 2.6% | 63.2% | 27.1% |
| SCALE Diabetes (2015) | The 56-week trial included 846 participants to determine the efficacy and safety of liraglutide for managing weight in adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes. | 6.0% | 2.0% | 54.3% | 21.4% |
| SCALE Sleep Apnea (2015) | In this trial, non-diabetic obese participants with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), who couldn’t use continuous positive airway pressure therapy, were randomly assigned for 32 weeks to either liraglutide 3.0 mg or placebo. Weight loss was a secondary endpoint. | 5.7% | 1.6% | 46.3% | 18.5% |
Wegovy for Weight Loss
The STEP program evaluated the efficacy and safety of semaglutide 2.4 mg subcutaneously once weekly (Wegovy) in a broad population. Here are the findings:
| Study | Trial population and duration | Results | |||
| Average weight loss from their baseline | Percentage of participants achieving ?5% weight loss | ||||
| Wegovy | Placebo | Wegovy | Placebo | ||
| STEP 1 | A total of 1961 participants who were obese or overweight people with related comorbidities were involved. Participants didn’t have diabetes, but 40-45% had prediabetes. The study lasted for 68 weeks. | 14.9% | 2.4% | 86.4% | 31.5% |
| STEP 2 | This 68-week trial recruited 1210 participants with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity. | 9.64% | 3.42% | 68.8% | 28.5% |
| STEP 3 | A total of 611 participants who were obese or overweight people with related comorbidities were involved. Participants didn’t have diabetes, and the study lasted for 68 weeks. | 16.0% | 5.7% | 86.6% | 47.6% |
| STEP 4 | In this trial, all 902 participants initially received semaglutide 2.4 mg for 20 weeks before being randomly assigned to continue with semaglutide or switch to a placebo for the subsequent 48 weeks. | 17.4% | 5.0% | 88.7% | 47.6% |
| STEP 5 | This trial assessed the 2-year sustained efficacy of weight loss with semaglutide 2.4 mg versus placebo in 304 participants. | 15.2% | 2.6% | 77.1% | 34.4% |
These investigations have consistently revealed that individuals using Wegovy experience greater body weight reductions than those on Saxenda.
Side Effects of Wegovy vs Saxenda
The study, which compared the efficacy of Saxenda and Wegovy for weight loss, also assessed side effects and discontinuation rates. The results showed that some might better tolerate Wegovy than Saxenda.
Discontinuation rates were 13.5% for semaglutide (Wegovy) and 27.6% for liraglutide (Saxenda), indicating higher dropout for liraglutide. Gastrointestinal side effects were common, affecting over 80% of participants in both groups.
Below is a comparison of the common side effects documented in the prescribing information for Saxenda and Wegovy.
| The most common reactions, experienced by over 5% of both adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older | Saxenda | Wegovy |
| Nausea | ||
| Diarrhea | ||
| Constipation | ||
| Vomiting | ||
| Injection site reactions | ||
| Headache | ||
| Hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes | ||
| Dyspepsia (indigestion) | ||
| Fatigue | ||
| Dizziness | ||
| Abdominal pain | ||
| Increased lipase | ||
| Upper abdominal pain | ||
| Pyrexia (fever) | ||
| Gastroenteritis | ||
| Abdominal distension (bloating) | ||
| Eructation (belching or burping) | ||
| Flatulence (passing gas or “farting”) | ||
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease | ||
| Nasopharyngitis (common cold) | ||
| Serious Adverse Reactions | Saxenda | Wegovy |
| Risk of thyroid C-tell tumors | ||
| Acute pancreatitis | ||
| Acute gallbladder disease | ||
| Risk for hypoglycemia with concomitant use of anti-diabetic therapy | ||
| Increased heart rate | ||
| Renal Impairment | (acute kidney injury) |
|
| Hypersensitivity Reactions | ||
| Suicidal Behavior and Ideation | ||
| Diabetic retinopathy complications in patients with type 2 diabetes |
Both Saxenda and Wegovy exhibit comparable common reactions, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Moreover, they share similar serious side effects, although Wegovy presents an additional concern with the potential for diabetic retinopathy complications.
Active Ingredient and Mechanism of Action
Saxenda contains liraglutide, whereas Wegovy contains semaglutide. Both belong to the same class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Despite having different active ingredients, they both work similarly.
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the functions of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). When GLP-1 binds to its receptors on pancreatic cells, it prompts insulin release, lowering blood sugar levels. Additionally, GLP-1 receptors in the liver decrease glucose production, further aiding in blood sugar control.
GLP-1 receptors are also found in the gastrointestinal tract, where they slow stomach emptying and decrease appetite. This helps regulate food intake and promotes a feeling of fullness after meals.
By mimicking GLP-1’s actions, Saxenda and Wegovy effectively control appetite and induce a sense of fullness, leading to weight loss.
Approved Indications
Saxenda and Wegovy are both FDA-approved medications for weight loss. Saxenda received its initial approval in December 2014, while Wegovy was later approved in June 2021.
Both medications are approved for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher (obese) or 27 kg/m² or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbid condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia.
In December 2020, the FDA expanded Saxenda’s approval to include adolescents aged 12 and older who weigh over 60 kg and have a 30 kg/m² or higher BMI. Similarly, in December 2022, the FDA approved Wegovy for pediatric patients aged 12 and older with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex (classified as obese).
Furthermore, in March 2024, the FDA granted additional approval for Wegovy. This new indication is to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as death, heart attack, or stroke, in adults with known heart disease who are also obese or overweight.
For patients with heart disease, their doctor might choose Wegovy instead of Saxenda because of its added cardiovascular advantages.
Dosage and Administration
The main difference between Saxenda and Wegovy is their dosage and how their injection pens work. Saxenda is taken once daily with a prefilled multi-dose pen, while Wegovy is injected once weekly using a single-dose prefilled pen.
Saxenda
Saxenda comes in a box containing five prefilled pens. Each pen contains 18 mg of liraglutide. However, the dosage is not administered all at once. Instead, the pen allows for adjustable dosing, offering increments of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, and 3 mg per injection.
The lowest dose of Saxenda is 0.6 mg, taken once daily for one week. After that, the dosage escalates gradually over several weeks.
- 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 onwards: 3 mg once daily
For maintenance, the suggested dosage is 3 mg daily, except for pediatric patients who may be prescribed a lower dosage of 2.4 mg. If patients encounter difficulties with the increased dosage, the escalation may be postponed.
At the highest daily dose of 3 mg, each pen provides 6 doses, almost lasting a week. Therefore, a box containing five pens will last a month at the maximum maintenance dose.
Wegovy
Wegovy is the first and only GLP-1 RA indicated for chronic weight management that features the convenience of once-weekly administration. Unlike Saxenda, where users adjust the dosage, Wegovy pens come pre-set with the appropriate dosage. After administering the dose, the Wegovy pen is disposed of.
There are four pens in each box of Wegovy that are all the same dose. The available strengths include:
- 0.25 mg/0.5 mL
- 0.5 mg/0.5 mL
- 1.0 mg/0.5 mL
- 1.7 mg/0.75 mL
- 2.4 mg/0.75 mL
The dosing schedule for Wegovy typically involves the following:
- Month 1: 0.25 mg once weekly
- Month 2: 0.5 mg once weekly
- Month 3: 1 mg once weekly
- Month 4: 1.7 mg once weekly
- Month 5 and beyond: 2.4 mg once weekly
Following this titration phase, the maintenance dose is settled at 2.4 mg once weekly. It’s important to note that the 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg once-weekly doses are solely for initiation and dose escalation.
If the 2.4 mg once-weekly dosage proves intolerable for pediatric patients, it may be reduced to 1.7 mg once weekly. If tolerance cannot be achieved even with the reduced dosage, discontinuation of the treatment is necessary.
Comparing the dosing schedule of Saxenda and Wegovy:
| Medication | Starting Dose | Titration Dose | Maximum Dose | ||||
| Month 1 | Month 2 | Month 3 | Month 4 | Month 5+ | |||
| Wegovy | 0.25 mg once weekly | 0.25 mg per week | 0.5 mg per week | 1.0 mg per week | 1.7 mg per week | 2.4 mg per week | 2.4 mg once weekly |
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5+ | |||
| Saxenda | 0.6 mg once daily | 0.6 mg per day | 1.2 mg per day | 1.8 mg per day | 2.4 mg per day | 3.0 mg per day | 3.0 mg once daily |
Cost of Wegovy vs. Saxenda
Saxenda and Wegovy, both manufactured by Novo Nordisk, have a list price of $1,349.02 per package, which poses a financial challenge for uninsured individuals due to their lack of generic alternatives.
To save on these medications, consider purchasing from Canadian mail-order pharmacies like Pharma Giant. These pharmacies offer up to 90% savings on prescription drugs such as Saxenda and Wegovy. New customers can use the coupon code PGSAVE10 for a 10% discount on their initial order.
Moreover, Pharma Giant ensures prompt delivery within 3-5 business days and employs stringent measures to package temperature-sensitive medications securely. Below is a price comparison of common weight loss drugs available on Pharma Giant versus online pharmacies in the US:
| Brand Name | Pharma Giant | Walgreens | CVS Pharmacy | Rite Aid |
| Saxenda | $515 | $1,640 | $1,590 | $1,738 |
| Ozempic | $469.79 | $1,141 | $1,131 | $1,250 |
| Mounjaro | $158.99 | $1,284 | $1,261 | $1,044 |
| Victoza | $250 | $969 | $656 | $737 |
| Trulicity | $282 | $1,106 | $1,167 | $1,263 |
Related Articles
Check out more articles from Pharma Giant comparing Saxenda and Wegovy to similar medications.
Weight Loss Onset
Individual factors such as physical activity, diet, and overall health can influence the effectiveness of Wegovy or Saxenda and impact how quickly the medications begin to take effect.
Saxenda typically begins to take effect within two weeks, whereas Wegovy may require a longer timeframe. Its effects become noticeable after approximately four weeks of use.
Wegovy or Saxenda?
Both Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) have been proven effective in facilitating weight loss, yet a comparative study has revealed that Wegovy yields more significant weight loss results than Saxenda.
These FDA-approved injectable medications for weight management share similar side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. However, findings from the same study indicate that Wegovy is better tolerated than Saxenda.
Beyond their shared characteristics, notable differences exist between the two. Wegovy necessitates administration only once a week, which contrasts with Saxenda’s daily injections. Furthermore, Wegovy is indicated to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as death, heart attack, or stroke, in adults with established heart disease who are also overweight or obese. This positioning makes Wegovy particularly advantageous for individuals with heart conditions.
To explore the most suitable option for weight management and health needs, consult your healthcare provider.
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