Ready to transform your health?
Unlock access to expert guidance and a weight care plan crafted just for you.
Ready to transform your health?
Unlock access to expert guidance and a weight care plan crafted just for you.
Similar Articles
Similar Articles


Wegovy® vs Ozempic® for Weight Loss
Wegovy® vs Ozempic® for Weight Loss


What the FDA’s Guidance on Compounded GLP-1 Medications Means for You
What the FDA’s Guidance on Compounded GLP-1 Medications Means for You


Our Continued Commitment To Affordable Obesity Care
Our Continued Commitment To Affordable Obesity Care
Wegovy® vs Saxenda for Weight Loss
Wegovy® vs Saxenda for Weight Loss
Wegovy® vs Saxenda for Weight Loss
Discover the distinctions and similarities between Wegovy® and Saxenda, two drugs within the same class but with differing profiles. This insightful comparison aims to assist you in discussing the best weight loss medication option with your provider.
Discover the distinctions and similarities between Wegovy® and Saxenda, two drugs within the same class but with differing profiles. This insightful comparison aims to assist you in discussing the best weight loss medication option with your provider.
Discover the distinctions and similarities between Wegovy® and Saxenda, two drugs within the same class but with differing profiles. This insightful comparison aims to assist you in discussing the best weight loss medication option with your provider.



Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Conclusion
Conclusion
Conclusion
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Saxenda is an FDA-approved medication used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by increasing the secretion of insulin and suppressing the secretion of glucagon, which delays gastric emptying. This helps in reducing appetite, altering your cravings, and promoting weight loss. A trial published in 2015 showed that a daily injection of 3.0mg of Saxenda (liraglutide) along with diet and exercise resulted in a mean loss of about 8.4 kg (~18 lbs) after 52 weeks when compared to the placebo group (1).
Saxenda is injected once a day, and the dosage is gradually increased over several weeks. The maximum dose is 3 mg per day, and the treatment duration depends on the individual's weight loss goals.
The most common side effects of Saxenda include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and abdominal pain. However, these side effects usually subside after a few weeks of treatment. Saxenda is also associated with rare but serious side effects such as pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, and gallbladder disease.
Wegovy® (semaglutide)
Wegovy® is an FDA-approved medication used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. It is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by increasing the secretion of insulin and suppressing the secretion of glucagon, similar to Saxenda. When Wegovy® (Semaglutide) was given as a once-weekly pen injection over a period of 68 weeks, researchers found that participants were able to lose a significant amount of weight when compared to the placebo (2). The researchers saw that participants on Wegovy® were able to see a 15% reduction in body weight compared to their baseline weight.
Wegovy® is injected once a week, and the dosage is gradually increased over several weeks. The maximum dose is 2.4 mg per week, and the treatment duration depends on the individual's weight loss goals.
The most common side effects of Wegovy® include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, these side effects usually subside after a few weeks of treatment. Wegovy® is also associated with rare but serious side effects such as pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, and gallbladder disease.
Comparing Saxenda and Wegovy
Both Saxenda and Wegovy® are GLP-1 receptor agonists that work by suppressing appetite and promoting weight loss. However, there are some differences between the two medications.
Administration
Saxenda is injected once a day, whereas Wegovy® is injected once a week. This may make Wegovy® a more convenient option for those who don't want to take daily injections.
Dosage
The maximum dose of Saxenda is 3 mg per day, whereas the maximum dose of Wegovy® is 2.4 mg per week.
Effectiveness
Though both medications have shown a significant effect on weight management, a randomized control trial published in 2022 (STEP-8 trial) showed that once-weekly Wegovy® (semaglutide) showed greater weight loss after 68 weeks than once-daily Saxenda (liraglutide) injections (3). The mean change in weight from baseline was 15% for participants taking Wegovy® and 6.4% for Saxenda.
Side effects
Both medications can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Saxenda also can cause headaches, dizziness, and tiredness. In the STEP 8 trial, it was reported that the side effects were more common for participants taking Wegovy® compared to those taking Saxenda (84.1% of the participants on Wegovy® vs. 82.7% of participants on Saxenda).
Both of these medications should be avoided in patients with prior history of medullary thyroid cancer, diabetic retinopathy, pancreatitis, gallstones, or prior episodes of hypoglycemia. These medications should also be avoided for patients currently taking insulin as it could lead to hypoglycemia.
Cost and Coverage
Both of these medications can be very expensive. Luckily, both have been approved by the FDA for weight loss, which can make it more likely for an insurance plan to cover it. Insurance companies may cover these medications if you have a BMI over 27 along with certain obesity-related comorbidities like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This should overall reduce the costs. On average, both medications cost around the same amount at $1400 per month.
Conclusion
The decision to start either Wegovy® or Saxenda for weight loss is a discussion that should be had with you and your provider. Though they work via similar pathways, there are some key differences between the medications. Saxenda is a once-daily injection, while Wegovy® is once-weekly, which may be more convenient for some people. A recent clinical trial showed that Wegovy® was more effective at lowering body weight; however, side effects were more common than Saxenda. The average costs are the same, and both can be covered by some insurance plans.
How to Get These Medications
It is always important to remember that along with these medications, you must include healthy lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise in order to achieve the maximum benefits that are seen with these medications. If you would like to learn more about GLP-1 medications or want to see if you might be eligible for medication-assisted weight loss, check out Mochi Health, where board-certified obesity medicine physicians can offer expertise in this realm!
Sources
Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, Greenway F, Halpern A, Krempf M, Lau DC, le Roux CW, Violante Ortiz R, Jensen CB, Wilding JP; SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes NN8022-1839 Study Group. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. N Engl J Med. 2015 Jul 2;373(1):11-22. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1411892. PMID: 26132939.
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Rosenstock J, Tran MTD, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Zeuthen N, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. Epub 2021 Feb 10. PMID: 33567185.
Rubino DM, Greenway FL, Khalid U, O'Neil PM, Rosenstock J, Sørrig R, Wadden TA, Wizert A, Garvey WT; STEP 8 Investigators. Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes: The STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2022 Jan 11;327(2):138-150. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.23619. PMID: 35015037; PMCID: PMC8753508.
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Saxenda is an FDA-approved medication used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by increasing the secretion of insulin and suppressing the secretion of glucagon, which delays gastric emptying. This helps in reducing appetite, altering your cravings, and promoting weight loss. A trial published in 2015 showed that a daily injection of 3.0mg of Saxenda (liraglutide) along with diet and exercise resulted in a mean loss of about 8.4 kg (~18 lbs) after 52 weeks when compared to the placebo group (1).
Saxenda is injected once a day, and the dosage is gradually increased over several weeks. The maximum dose is 3 mg per day, and the treatment duration depends on the individual's weight loss goals.
The most common side effects of Saxenda include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and abdominal pain. However, these side effects usually subside after a few weeks of treatment. Saxenda is also associated with rare but serious side effects such as pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, and gallbladder disease.
Wegovy® (semaglutide)
Wegovy® is an FDA-approved medication used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. It is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by increasing the secretion of insulin and suppressing the secretion of glucagon, similar to Saxenda. When Wegovy® (Semaglutide) was given as a once-weekly pen injection over a period of 68 weeks, researchers found that participants were able to lose a significant amount of weight when compared to the placebo (2). The researchers saw that participants on Wegovy® were able to see a 15% reduction in body weight compared to their baseline weight.
Wegovy® is injected once a week, and the dosage is gradually increased over several weeks. The maximum dose is 2.4 mg per week, and the treatment duration depends on the individual's weight loss goals.
The most common side effects of Wegovy® include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, these side effects usually subside after a few weeks of treatment. Wegovy® is also associated with rare but serious side effects such as pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, and gallbladder disease.
Comparing Saxenda and Wegovy
Both Saxenda and Wegovy® are GLP-1 receptor agonists that work by suppressing appetite and promoting weight loss. However, there are some differences between the two medications.
Administration
Saxenda is injected once a day, whereas Wegovy® is injected once a week. This may make Wegovy® a more convenient option for those who don't want to take daily injections.
Dosage
The maximum dose of Saxenda is 3 mg per day, whereas the maximum dose of Wegovy® is 2.4 mg per week.
Effectiveness
Though both medications have shown a significant effect on weight management, a randomized control trial published in 2022 (STEP-8 trial) showed that once-weekly Wegovy® (semaglutide) showed greater weight loss after 68 weeks than once-daily Saxenda (liraglutide) injections (3). The mean change in weight from baseline was 15% for participants taking Wegovy® and 6.4% for Saxenda.
Side effects
Both medications can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Saxenda also can cause headaches, dizziness, and tiredness. In the STEP 8 trial, it was reported that the side effects were more common for participants taking Wegovy® compared to those taking Saxenda (84.1% of the participants on Wegovy® vs. 82.7% of participants on Saxenda).
Both of these medications should be avoided in patients with prior history of medullary thyroid cancer, diabetic retinopathy, pancreatitis, gallstones, or prior episodes of hypoglycemia. These medications should also be avoided for patients currently taking insulin as it could lead to hypoglycemia.
Cost and Coverage
Both of these medications can be very expensive. Luckily, both have been approved by the FDA for weight loss, which can make it more likely for an insurance plan to cover it. Insurance companies may cover these medications if you have a BMI over 27 along with certain obesity-related comorbidities like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This should overall reduce the costs. On average, both medications cost around the same amount at $1400 per month.
Conclusion
The decision to start either Wegovy® or Saxenda for weight loss is a discussion that should be had with you and your provider. Though they work via similar pathways, there are some key differences between the medications. Saxenda is a once-daily injection, while Wegovy® is once-weekly, which may be more convenient for some people. A recent clinical trial showed that Wegovy® was more effective at lowering body weight; however, side effects were more common than Saxenda. The average costs are the same, and both can be covered by some insurance plans.
How to Get These Medications
It is always important to remember that along with these medications, you must include healthy lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise in order to achieve the maximum benefits that are seen with these medications. If you would like to learn more about GLP-1 medications or want to see if you might be eligible for medication-assisted weight loss, check out Mochi Health, where board-certified obesity medicine physicians can offer expertise in this realm!
Sources
Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, Greenway F, Halpern A, Krempf M, Lau DC, le Roux CW, Violante Ortiz R, Jensen CB, Wilding JP; SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes NN8022-1839 Study Group. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. N Engl J Med. 2015 Jul 2;373(1):11-22. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1411892. PMID: 26132939.
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Rosenstock J, Tran MTD, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Zeuthen N, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. Epub 2021 Feb 10. PMID: 33567185.
Rubino DM, Greenway FL, Khalid U, O'Neil PM, Rosenstock J, Sørrig R, Wadden TA, Wizert A, Garvey WT; STEP 8 Investigators. Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes: The STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2022 Jan 11;327(2):138-150. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.23619. PMID: 35015037; PMCID: PMC8753508.
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Saxenda is an FDA-approved medication used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by increasing the secretion of insulin and suppressing the secretion of glucagon, which delays gastric emptying. This helps in reducing appetite, altering your cravings, and promoting weight loss. A trial published in 2015 showed that a daily injection of 3.0mg of Saxenda (liraglutide) along with diet and exercise resulted in a mean loss of about 8.4 kg (~18 lbs) after 52 weeks when compared to the placebo group (1).
Saxenda is injected once a day, and the dosage is gradually increased over several weeks. The maximum dose is 3 mg per day, and the treatment duration depends on the individual's weight loss goals.
The most common side effects of Saxenda include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and abdominal pain. However, these side effects usually subside after a few weeks of treatment. Saxenda is also associated with rare but serious side effects such as pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, and gallbladder disease.
Wegovy® (semaglutide)
Wegovy® is an FDA-approved medication used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. It is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by increasing the secretion of insulin and suppressing the secretion of glucagon, similar to Saxenda. When Wegovy® (Semaglutide) was given as a once-weekly pen injection over a period of 68 weeks, researchers found that participants were able to lose a significant amount of weight when compared to the placebo (2). The researchers saw that participants on Wegovy® were able to see a 15% reduction in body weight compared to their baseline weight.
Wegovy® is injected once a week, and the dosage is gradually increased over several weeks. The maximum dose is 2.4 mg per week, and the treatment duration depends on the individual's weight loss goals.
The most common side effects of Wegovy® include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, these side effects usually subside after a few weeks of treatment. Wegovy® is also associated with rare but serious side effects such as pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, and gallbladder disease.
Comparing Saxenda and Wegovy
Both Saxenda and Wegovy® are GLP-1 receptor agonists that work by suppressing appetite and promoting weight loss. However, there are some differences between the two medications.
Administration
Saxenda is injected once a day, whereas Wegovy® is injected once a week. This may make Wegovy® a more convenient option for those who don't want to take daily injections.
Dosage
The maximum dose of Saxenda is 3 mg per day, whereas the maximum dose of Wegovy® is 2.4 mg per week.
Effectiveness
Though both medications have shown a significant effect on weight management, a randomized control trial published in 2022 (STEP-8 trial) showed that once-weekly Wegovy® (semaglutide) showed greater weight loss after 68 weeks than once-daily Saxenda (liraglutide) injections (3). The mean change in weight from baseline was 15% for participants taking Wegovy® and 6.4% for Saxenda.
Side effects
Both medications can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Saxenda also can cause headaches, dizziness, and tiredness. In the STEP 8 trial, it was reported that the side effects were more common for participants taking Wegovy® compared to those taking Saxenda (84.1% of the participants on Wegovy® vs. 82.7% of participants on Saxenda).
Both of these medications should be avoided in patients with prior history of medullary thyroid cancer, diabetic retinopathy, pancreatitis, gallstones, or prior episodes of hypoglycemia. These medications should also be avoided for patients currently taking insulin as it could lead to hypoglycemia.
Cost and Coverage
Both of these medications can be very expensive. Luckily, both have been approved by the FDA for weight loss, which can make it more likely for an insurance plan to cover it. Insurance companies may cover these medications if you have a BMI over 27 along with certain obesity-related comorbidities like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This should overall reduce the costs. On average, both medications cost around the same amount at $1400 per month.
Conclusion
The decision to start either Wegovy® or Saxenda for weight loss is a discussion that should be had with you and your provider. Though they work via similar pathways, there are some key differences between the medications. Saxenda is a once-daily injection, while Wegovy® is once-weekly, which may be more convenient for some people. A recent clinical trial showed that Wegovy® was more effective at lowering body weight; however, side effects were more common than Saxenda. The average costs are the same, and both can be covered by some insurance plans.
How to Get These Medications
It is always important to remember that along with these medications, you must include healthy lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise in order to achieve the maximum benefits that are seen with these medications. If you would like to learn more about GLP-1 medications or want to see if you might be eligible for medication-assisted weight loss, check out Mochi Health, where board-certified obesity medicine physicians can offer expertise in this realm!
Sources
Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, Greenway F, Halpern A, Krempf M, Lau DC, le Roux CW, Violante Ortiz R, Jensen CB, Wilding JP; SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes NN8022-1839 Study Group. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. N Engl J Med. 2015 Jul 2;373(1):11-22. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1411892. PMID: 26132939.
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Rosenstock J, Tran MTD, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Zeuthen N, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. Epub 2021 Feb 10. PMID: 33567185.
Rubino DM, Greenway FL, Khalid U, O'Neil PM, Rosenstock J, Sørrig R, Wadden TA, Wizert A, Garvey WT; STEP 8 Investigators. Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes: The STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2022 Jan 11;327(2):138-150. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.23619. PMID: 35015037; PMCID: PMC8753508.
Read next
Read next
Read next

Mochi Health Patients Lose Over 3 Million Pounds Combined, Marking a Major Milestone in Accessible Obesity Care
Mochi Health Patients Lose Over 3 Million Pounds Combined, Marking a Major Milestone in Accessible Obesity Care
Mochi Health Patients Lose Over 3 Million Pounds Combined, Marking a Major Milestone in Accessible Obesity Care
READ NOW
READ NOW
READ NOW

Mochi Health Launches In-Network Plans and Expands Personalized, Evidence-Based Treatment Options for Obesity Patients
Mochi Health Launches In-Network Plans and Expands Personalized, Evidence-Based Treatment Options for Obesity Patients
Mochi Health Launches In-Network Plans and Expands Personalized, Evidence-Based Treatment Options for Obesity Patients
READ NOW
READ NOW
READ NOW

We're Featured on Lose It!, a Leading Food Tracker App
We're Featured on Lose It!, a Leading Food Tracker App
We're Featured on Lose It!, a Leading Food Tracker App
READ NOW
READ NOW
READ NOW

Wellness Plus: Extra Mochi Benefits, Covered By Insurance
Wellness Plus: Extra Mochi Benefits, Covered By Insurance
Wellness Plus: Extra Mochi Benefits, Covered By Insurance
READ NOW
READ NOW
READ NOW

Does Mochi Health Accept Insurance? Breakdown of Costs and Coverage
Does Mochi Health Accept Insurance? Breakdown of Costs and Coverage
Does Mochi Health Accept Insurance? Breakdown of Costs and Coverage
READ NOW
READ NOW
READ NOW

Does Mounjaro® Cause Body Aches? Understanding Side Effects
Does Mounjaro® Cause Body Aches? Understanding Side Effects
Does Mounjaro® Cause Body Aches? Understanding Side Effects
READ NOW
READ NOW
READ NOW

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: Cost, Side Effects, & Dosage
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: Cost, Side Effects, & Dosage
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: Cost, Side Effects, & Dosage
READ NOW
READ NOW
READ NOW

Magnesium For Weight Loss: Does It Work?
Magnesium For Weight Loss: Does It Work?
Magnesium For Weight Loss: Does It Work?
READ NOW
READ NOW
READ NOW

Mounjaro® Sulfur Burps Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies
Mounjaro® Sulfur Burps Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies
Mounjaro® Sulfur Burps Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies
READ NOW
READ NOW
READ NOW

Rybelsus vs. Wegovy® For Weight Loss
Rybelsus vs. Wegovy® For Weight Loss
Rybelsus vs. Wegovy® For Weight Loss
READ NOW
READ NOW
READ NOW

Can Ozempic® Cause Joint Pain: Explanation & Treatment
Can Ozempic® Cause Joint Pain: Explanation & Treatment
Can Ozempic® Cause Joint Pain: Explanation & Treatment
READ NOW
READ NOW
READ NOW
Ready to transform your health?
Unlock access to expert guidance and a weight care plan crafted just for you.