Wegovy VS Saxenda

Wegovy vs Saxenda: Key Differences

Wegovy is a once-weekly injection with higher weight loss results, while Saxenda is taken daily with milder effects. Both are GLP-1 medications that reduce hunger.

Over the last few years, a new type of medicine has gained popularity for helping people lose weight. These medicines are called GLP‑1 receptor agonists, and two of the most well-known ones are Wegovy and Saxenda.

Doctors first used these drugs to treat people with diabetes. But now, many people without diabetes are using them to lose weight and improve their health. Wegovy and Saxenda both help control hunger and make people feel full faster. But they work in slightly different ways and have different results.

With more people seeking safe ways to lose weight, it’s essential to know which option might be the best. In this blog, we’ll explain:

• What Wegovy and Saxenda are
• How they work in the body
• How well they help with weight loss
• What side effects might they have
• How much do they cost, and how easy are they to use

We’ll also share research from real studies, so you can be confident that the facts are trustworthy. You should always talk to a doctor before starting any new treatment, but this guide will help you understand the basics before that conversation.

Let’s start by looking at what Wegovy and Saxenda are.

What Are Wegovy and Saxenda Used For?

Wegovy and Saxenda are both medicines that help people lose weight. They are administered as injections, meaning a small needle is used to inject the drug under the skin. You usually take these medicines if you are very overweight or have health problems caused by your weight, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea.

Although they are both manufactured by the same company (Novo Nordisk), they are not the same medicine.

Wegovy

• The main ingredient is semaglutide.
• You take it once a week.
• It was approved in 2021 to help adults lose weight.
• In 2024, it was also approved to help reduce the risk of heart problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, in specific individuals.
  
  
• Wegovy helps many people lose a significant amount of weight.

Saxenda

• The main ingredient is liraglutide.
• You take it once a day.
• It has been around since 2014 for adults and was later approved for teenagers aged 12 and up.
• Saxenda also helps with weight loss, but not as much as Wegovy for most people.

Both medicines copy a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1, which helps control hunger and makes you feel full after eating.

If you want to learn more about how they work in the body, we’ll explain that in the next section.

How Do Wegovy and Saxenda Help You Lose Weight?

Wegovy and Saxenda are both medications that help you feel less hungry and full faster, allowing you to eat less and lose weight.

They copy a hormone your body already makes called GLP-1. This hormone helps control your appetite (how hungry you feel).

Here’s how they work:

1. They Help You Feel Full

When you eat, GLP-1 tells your brain, “I’m full!” These medicines send that same message—so you stop eating sooner.

2. They Slow Down Digestion

Wegovy and Saxenda make food stay in your stomach longer. That means you feel full for a longer time after eating.

3. They Reduce Hunger

They also tell your brain not to feel so hungry between meals.

What’s the Difference?

• Wegovy lasts longer in the body, so you only need to take it once a week.
• Saxenda works for a shorter time, so you have to take it every day.

Although they work similarly, Wegovy may be more effective in helping people lose weight because it remains in the body for a longer period of time. If you’d like to read the science behind how GLP-1 medicines work, this study from Nature Reviews Endocrinology explains it in more detail.

How Do You Take Wegovy and Saxenda?

Wegovy and Saxenda are both injectable medications, which means you use a small needle to administer the medicine under your skin. Most people say it’s quick and doesn’t hurt much.

But they are taken in different ways:

Wegovy

• You take it once a week.
• You start with a small dose, then gradually increase it by a little more each month.
• After about 4 or 5 months, you’ll be on the full dose.
• This helps your body get used to it and reduces the likelihood of side effects, such as feeling sick.

Saxenda

• You take it every day.
• You also start with a small dose, and increase it each week for 5 weeks.
• After that, you keep taking the full dose every day.

Quick Chart: Wegovy vs Saxenda

Your doctor or nurse will demonstrate how to use the pen and administer the injection safely at home.

How Well Do Wegovy and Saxenda Work?

Both Wegovy and Saxenda aid in weight loss. However, studies indicate that Wegovy typically helps individuals lose more weight than Saxenda.

How Well Does Wegovy Work?

• In a big study, people who took Wegovy for about 1 year lost about 15% of their body weight.
• That means if someone weighed 100 kg, they could lose around 15 kg using Wegovy.

How Well Does Saxenda Work?

• In the same study, people who took Saxenda lost about 6% of their body weight.
• Someone who weighs 100 kg could lose around 6 kg using Saxenda.

What’s a Healthy Weight Loss?

Doctors say that losing even 5% of your weight can make a big difference to your health.

• Most people taking Wegovy reach this goal.
• Many people taking Saxenda also reach it, but not as many as with Wegovy.

Side Effects and Safety

Wegovy and Saxenda can help people lose weight, but like all medicines, they can cause side effects. This means some people might feel unwell when they first start taking them.

Most side effects are mild and typically resolve within a few weeks. Doctors usually start with a small dose so that your body can become accustomed to the medicine gradually.

Common Side Effects

These are the most common side effects people may have:

• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Being sick (vomiting)
• Diarrhoea (loose poo)
• Constipation (difficulty going to the toilet)
• Stomach pain
• Feeling tired
• Redness or itching where the injection was given

These side effects typically occur at the beginning and often improve over time.

Serious Side Effects (Not Common)

Some side effects are more serious but very rare. Doctors watch for these to keep you safe:

• Pancreatitis – a painful swelling in the tummy area
• Gallbladder problems – like gallstones, which can hurt your stomach
• Allergic reactions – like rash, swelling, or trouble breathing
• Thyroid tumours – rare, but both medicines have warnings about this

If you ever have bad pain in your stomach or neck, or feel very unwell, tell an adult or see a doctor straight away.

Who Should Not Take These Medicines?

Some people should not use Wegovy or Saxenda. You should not take them if:

• You or someone in your family has had a kind of thyroid cancer
• You have a disease called MEN 2
• You are pregnant or planning to have a baby
• You are under 12 years old

Always consult a doctor before starting any new medication. They will check if it is safe and right for you.

Other Health Benefits

Wegovy and Saxenda are mainly used to help people lose weight. But they can also help with other health problems that are linked to being overweight.

Wegovy: Extra Heart Health Benefits

Doctors have found that Wegovy can also help protect the heart. In a study, people who were overweight and already had heart problems took Wegovy, and they were less likely to have heart attacks or strokes than those who didn’t take it.

This study showed that Wegovy does more than help you lose weight; it can also help keep your heart healthy.

Saxenda: Helps Improve Blood Sugar and Cholesterol

Saxenda may also help with things like:

• Lowering blood sugar (important for people with type 2 diabetes)
• Improving cholesterol levels (which helps heart health)
• Lowering blood pressure

While it may not protect the heart as much as Wegovy, it can still improve your health in other ways.

Feeling Better Overall

Many people report feeling better after losing weight with Wegovy or Saxenda. Some things that may improve include:

• Better sleep
• More energy
• Less joint pain
• Feeling more confident

These medicines work best when used in conjunction with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep.

Practical Things to Know

Before using Wegovy or Saxenda, it’s helpful to understand how they fit into your everyday life. This includes how easy they are to use, their cost, and where you can obtain them.

How Easy Are They to Use?

• Wegovy is taken once a week. Many people like this because it’s easier to remember.
• Saxenda is taken daily, so it's essential to remember to take it more frequently.

Both medicines come in a pen with a tiny needle. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to use it. Most people say it doesn’t hurt much.

How Much Do They Cost?

These medicines can be expensive if you buy them yourself.

In the EU:

• Wegovy costs about €150 to €200 per month.
• Saxenda costs about €200 to €260 per month.

Some people can obtain them for free on the NHS, but only if they meet specific health criteria (such as having a high BMI and other health issues). A doctor can tell you if you qualify.

Do You Need a Prescription?

Yes. You can’t buy Wegovy or Saxenda in a store or online without a doctor’s prescription. Never purchase these medicines from untrusted websites or individuals. They might be fake and unsafe.

Who Can Take These Medicines? (EU Guidelines)

Wegovy and Saxenda are approved in the European Union (EU) to help people who are overweight or obese lose weight and improve their health. But they are not for everyone. Doctors follow special rules to decide who can use them.

Who Can Use Wegovy or Saxenda?

Doctors in the EU may offer these medicines to people who:

• Are adults (18 or older) with a BMI of 30 or higher (this means obese),
  or
• Have a BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) and have a health problem linked to weight, like:
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Sleep apnoea (trouble breathing during sleep)

In some countries, teenagers aged 12 to 17 may be permitted to use Saxenda, provided they obtain a doctor's approval and receive specialized care.

Who Should Not Use Them?

These medicines are not safe for everyone. You should not take Wegovy or Saxenda if:

• You or someone in your family has been diagnosed with a rare thyroid condition.
• You have a disease called MEN 2 (a rare condition that causes tumours
• You are pregnant or
• You are under 12 years
• You are allergic to liraglutide (Saxenda) or semaglutide (Wegovy)

What About People With Diabetes?

Wegovy and Saxenda are not meant for people with type 1 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor will decide if it’s safe to take these medicines along with your diabetes treatment.

Always Ask a Doctor First

Before starting Wegovy or Saxenda, consult a doctor. They will:

• Check your weight and health
• Talk about your lifestyle and goals
• Help you decide if the medicine is right for you

Wegovy vs Saxenda FAQ

Which is better for weight loss: Wegovy or Saxenda?

Wegovy tends to produce more weight loss than Saxenda, on average about 15% of body weight compared to 6%, according to clinical trials.

Why is Wegovy taken weekly while Saxenda is daily?

Wegovy stays in the body longer due to its structure (semaglutide), allowing for once-weekly dosing. Saxenda requires daily injections for consistent effect.

How quickly can I lose weight with Wegovy or Saxenda?

You may notice changes in appetite within weeks, with the most significant weight loss typically seen after 3–6 months of consistent use and lifestyle changes.

Can I switch from Saxenda to Wegovy?

Yes, many patients switch to Wegovy for convenience or stronger results. Always consult your doctor to plan a safe transition.

Are Wegovy and Saxenda approved in the UK and EU for individuals without diabetes?

Yes. Both are approved for weight loss in adults (and Saxenda for teens 12+) with a high BMI or weight-related health conditions, even without diabetes.

Do these medications help with other health conditions?

Wegovy is shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. Saxenda may help lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure, improving metabolic health.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Between Wegovy and Saxenda

Wegovy and Saxenda are both effective medications for individuals seeking to lose weight and enhance their overall health.

Wegovy is typically stronger and easier to use because it's administered once a week, whereas Saxenda is administered daily. However, the best choice ultimately depends on your body, health, and what works best for your life.

Remember, these medicines work best when they are part of a healthy routine, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and social support.

That’s where Weight loss Coach can help. We offer expert advice, personalised plans, and one-on-one support to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re using medicine or not, we’re here to help you reach your goals safely and confidently.