Wegovy and Saxenda are both injectable medications approved for weight loss. They're made by the same company but use different drugs.
Quick Comparison
| Wegovy | Saxenda | |
|---|---|---|
| Active drug | Semaglutide | Liraglutide |
| Drug class | GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Injection frequency | Once weekly | Once daily |
| Dose range | 0.25 mg – 2.4 mg | 0.6 mg – 3 mg |
| FDA approval | Weight management | Weight management |
| Maker | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
How They Work
Both mimic the GLP-1 hormone that tells your brain you're full and slows your stomach.
Wegovy uses semaglutide, a newer drug that lasts longer in your body.
Saxenda uses liraglutide, an older drug that needs daily dosing.
Weight Loss Results
- Wegovy: ~15% body weight loss on average
- Saxenda: ~5-8% body weight loss on average
Wegovy generally produces more weight loss. Semaglutide is a newer, more potent drug.
Side Effects
Both cause similar side effects:
- Nausea (most common)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Vomiting (less common)
Side effects are worst when you start and after dose increases. Most people adjust within a few weeks.
Convenience
This is a big difference:
- Wegovy: One shot per week
- Saxenda: One shot per day
Weekly is clearly more convenient. But some people prefer daily because it gives them more control over their dose.
Cost
Wegovy: ~$1,350/month Saxenda: ~$1,300-1,400/month
Both have savings cards from Novo Nordisk. Your insurance may cover one and not the other.
Who Should Choose Wegovy?
- You want a weekly injection
- You want stronger weight loss results
- Your insurance covers it
- You're starting fresh with GLP-1 treatment
Who Should Choose Saxenda?
- Your insurance covers it and not Wegovy
- You've used it before and it works
- You prefer daily dosing for more control
- You can't tolerate semaglutide
Bottom Line
Wegovy is newer, weekly, and produces more weight loss. Saxenda is older, daily, and still works for many people.
The best choice depends on your insurance, your health history, and what your doctor recommends.
Work with your healthcare provider to determine which medication is right for you. Individual results and experiences vary.