What’s the difference between Wegovy and Saxenda?
Wegovy and Saxenda are two tried and tested weight loss medications, and both are available on the NHS via approved weight management services, such as Oviva. So, how do these two medications compare? This article will provide some useful Saxenda vs. Wegovy comparisons to help you understand which medication is right for you.
If you’re currently living with obesity and have at least one weight-related comorbidity, like asthma, heart disease, diabetes or depression, you could be eligible for the Oviva programme. We can prescribe Wegovy or Saxenda and offer expert support while you implement lifestyle changes regarding diet and exercise that promote weight loss.
Key Takeaways
- Wegovy and Saxenda are both effective medications for weight loss.
- Wegovy is taken once a week, whereas Saxenda is taken daily. Both of the medications can be self-administered via a simple injection.
- In clinical trials, Wegovy has been shown to be more effective than Saxenda.
- Both medications are available on the NHS if you’re referred to a service like Oviva.
What’s the difference between Wegovy and Saxenda?
Wegovy and Saxenda are the brand names of semaglutide and liraglutide, respectively. Both semaglutide and liraglutide were originally used as type 2 diabetes medications but have since been tested and approved for use as weight loss medications.
Semaglutide and liraglutide are available on the NHS for weight loss and type 2 diabetes.
When semaglutide is used for weight loss, it’s distributed as Wegovy. When used for type 2 diabetes, it’s distributed as Ozempic. Our Wegovy vs. Ozempic post explores this further.
The two medications are classed as GLP-1 agonists. Both work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which is naturally released after eating. This suppresses appetite and increases feelings of fullness, meaning you naturally eat less and lose weight.
In terms of differences, aside from the different active ingredients, Wegovy is taken via a self-injectable pen once per week. In contrast, Saxenda is taken via a self-injectable pen every day. The maximum dose for Saxenda is 3.0 mg daily, and for Wegovy, it’s 2.4 mg weekly.
Which is more effective?
A 2022 clinical trial (Rubino et al.) directly compared semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, with liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda.
Participants in one group received a weekly 2.4 mg dose of semaglutide, and participants in another received a daily 3.0 mg dose of liraglutide. The trial lasted 68 weeks in total.
Throughout the study, the average weight loss percentage for the liraglutide group was 6.4% of total body weight, while for the semaglutide group, it was 15.8%. This demonstrates that Wegovy is more effective than Saxenda. Other clinical trials also support this finding.
Wegovy vs. Saxenda: how do they compare?
Wegovy and Saxenda are both prescribed by the NHS for weight loss purposes. Generally, Wegovy is more effective and is replacing Saxenda in many cases. However, many factors influence which of the two medications you’re prescribed, including availability, your experience with side effects and how suitable the dosing schedule is for you.
The side effects of Wegovy and Saxenda are similar and the severity is usually roughly equivalent. Most of the side effects are mild and ease over time. The most common are gastrointestinal side effects, such as constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
| Wegovy | Saxenda | |
| Uses | Weight loss | Weight loss |
| How it works | Mimics the GLP-1 hormone, increasing feelings of fullness and suppressing appetite. | Mimics the GLP-1 hormone, increasing feelings of fullness and suppressing appetite. |
| Average weight loss | 15.8% of body weight over 68 weeks. | 6.4% of body weight over 68 weeks. |
| How to take | Self-injected via an easy-to-use pen.
Taken once per week on the same day. |
Self-injected via an easy-to-use pen.
Taken once per day, daily. |
| Dosing schedule | Starts at 0.25 mg/week
Gradually increases. Up to 2.4 mg/week (in four-week intervals). |
Starts at 0.6 mg/day
Gradually increases. Up to 3.0 mg/day (in weekly intervals). |
Oviva patient success stories:
-22kg
Heidi (53)
-26kg
Martin (34)
-32kg
Patricia (53)
Will Wegovy work for me if Saxenda didn’t?
Generally, people who do not achieve the desired weight loss results on Saxenda are more likely to achieve weight loss results on Wegovy because it’s a more effective weight loss medication.
When viewed over a 68-week period, the average weight loss results on Wegovy are more than double the average results achieved on Saxenda.
However, it’s important to understand that various factors contribute to weight loss results, including your diet, levels of activity, and other health conditions.
Can you switch from Saxenda to Wegovy or vice versa?
You can safely switch from Saxenda to Wegovy or vice versa, but you should never take both medications at the same time. It’s important to manage the transition with support from healthcare professionals and to leave sufficient time between the last dose of the medication you’re switching from and the first dose of the medication you’re switching to.
It’s more common to switch from Saxenda to Wegovy than from Wegovy to Saxenda because Wegovy is a more effective weight loss medication. However, it’s possible to switch the other way, and it may be recommended if you’re someone who deals better with daily medication.
If you switch from Saxenda to Wegovy, you need to leave 24 hours between your last Saxenda dose and your first Wegovy dose. If you switch from Wegovy to Saxenda, the time between these doses needs to be 5 weeks. Always follow the advice of healthcare professionals.
Learn more about treatments for obesity in the UK.
Support on your weight loss journey
When taking weight loss medication, you should also adopt healthy lifestyle changes related to diet and exercise. This can be a big step, and Oviva can support you as you make these changes and develop your understanding of what prescription weight loss drugs are.
The Oviva weight management service provides a mobile app that allows you to track your meals and activity and connect with your personal coach. The programme is tailored to your individual needs. You’ll also have access to expert advice, tips, and psychological support.
Monitor your goals
Receive personalised recommendations to help you to work towards your goal. Log your food, mood, water intake, exercise and other health metrics using the Oviva app.
Keep a food journal
Snap photos of your daily meals effortlessly within the Oviva app.
Get meal analysis
Get an in-depth meal analysis instantly with a daily summary of your diet.
Stay connected
Connect with your Oviva coach anytime through the app.
Browse learning resources
Written by Oviva’s team of experts, explore advice on nutrition, exercise, and motivation to guide you through the programme and maximise long term weight maintenance.
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Weight management5 reasons why you’re not losing weight on Wegovy, from an expert
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