Wegovy and Victoza are both GLP-1 medications made by Novo Nordisk. But they're approved for different things and use different drugs.
Quick Comparison
| Wegovy | Victoza | |
|---|---|---|
| Active drug | Semaglutide | Liraglutide |
| Drug class | GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| FDA approval | Weight management | Type 2 diabetes |
| Injection frequency | Once weekly | Once daily |
| Dose range | 0.25 mg – 2.4 mg | 0.6 mg – 1.8 mg |
| Maker | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
Different Purposes
Wegovy is approved for weight loss. It uses semaglutide at higher doses.
Victoza is approved for type 2 diabetes. It uses liraglutide at lower doses.
Weight Loss Results
- Wegovy: ~15% body weight loss on average
- Victoza: ~5-7% body weight loss in studies
Wegovy produces significantly more weight loss. Part of that is the newer drug (semaglutide), and part is the higher dose.
Side Effects
Both cause similar GLP-1 side effects:
- Nausea (most common)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Fatigue
Side effects are worst when you start and after dose increases. Most people adjust within a few weeks.
Convenience
- Wegovy: One injection per week
- Victoza: One injection per day
Weekly is more convenient for most people.
Cost
Wegovy: ~$1,350/month Victoza: ~$1,200-1,300/month
Both are often covered by insurance — Wegovy for weight loss, Victoza for diabetes. Check your formulary.
Who Should Choose Wegovy?
- Your main goal is weight loss
- You don't have diabetes
- You want weekly injections
- You want the strongest weight loss results from a GLP-1
Who Should Choose Victoza?
- You have type 2 diabetes
- Your insurance covers it and not Wegovy
- You've used liraglutide before and it works
- You prefer daily dosing
Bottom Line
Wegovy is built for weight loss and produces much more of it. Victoza is built for diabetes control and still helps with some weight loss.
The right choice depends on your health goals and insurance coverage.
Work with your healthcare provider to determine which medication is right for you. Individual results and experiences vary.