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Wegovy vs Saxenda: The Key Differences

Professor Franklin Joseph
Professor Joseph, an expert in diabetes and obesity management, leads clinical trials, chairs the Western Cheshire Diabetes Network, and priorities person-centered care for optimal outcomes.

For many, it can be extremely difficult to lose weight without medical support. This is why people often turn to medical weight-loss treatments to shed those extra pounds. 

Wegovy and Saxenda are two effective weight management medications that can help to aid weight loss. But what exactly are they, and how are they different? That’s what we’ll be exploring in this blog post. 

Read on for more information about Wegovy and Saxenda, and the key differences between the two weight loss injections. 

Overview:

  • Wegovy and Saxenda are both GLP-1 receptor agonists designed for weight management
  • Wegovy is a once-weekly injection but Saxenda is taken daily
  • Wegovy contains semaglutide but Saxenda contains liraglutide
  • Wegovy may be more effective in weight loss for many users
  • You can switch from Saxenda to Wegovy with medical guidance
  • Side effects are similar but vary in intensity and duration

What is Wegovy? 

Wegovy is a prescription weight loss injection containing semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a hormone to help regulate appetite and reduce calorie intake.

This means that Wegovy can help you feel less hungry and more satisfied after eating, which can then lead to eating less and losing weight over time. It can help you to reduce your overall calorie intake. If you’re looking for sustainable weight loss, Wegovy can be a great choice. 

The drug comes in the form of a once-weekly injection, making it a convenient option if you don’t want to take a pill every day. You simply inject it into your arm, abdomen or thigh.

Who is it for? Wegovy is for adults with obesity or those who are overweight with weight-related medical conditions, looking for a once-weekly injection to support long-term weight loss.

Begin your Wegovy journey here.

What is Saxenda? 

Saxenda contains liraglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist. Like Wegovy, it helps regulate hunger and support weight loss. However, Saxenda is taken as a daily injection, and its effects wear off more quickly compared to Wegovy.

Saxenda may also be suitable for people with type 2 diabetes, as it has indications beyond weight management alone. If you're struggling to manage your body weight and want medication that can help with weight loss, Saxenda could be a good choice. 

Who is it for? Saxenda is for adults struggling with weight management, including those with type 2 diabetes, who prefer or are suited to a daily injection option.

Learn more about Saxenda here.

The Differences Between Wegovy and Saxenda

Feature Wegovy Saxenda
Active ingredient Semaglutide Liraglutide
Drug class GLP-1 receptor agonist GLP-1 receptor agonist
Frequency of injection Weekly Daily
Time to reach full dose Approx 5 months Approx 5 weeks
Duration in body Approx 165 hours 13–15 hours
Effectiveness Higher average weight loss Moderate weight loss
Cost £150–£299 per month
(but more affordable at Dr Frank’s!)
£110–£250 per month
Prescription required? Yes Yes

The price of each can also differ. On average, Wegovy costs £150 - £300 per month, and Saxenda costs £110 - £250 per month, although it’s more affordable here at Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic. Learn more about the cost of semaglutide.

How Do Wegovy and Saxenda Work?

Both Wegovy and Saxenda work by:

  • Mimicking GLP-1 hormones to control blood sugar and appetite
  • Slowing digestion, helping you to feel fuller for longer
  • Reducing overall food intake, which can lead to weight loss

They work in a similar way. However, semaglutide (Wegovy) tends to produce greater weight loss outcomes… 

Mounjaro

GIP & GLP-1 Medication

Prices start from:

£205.00

£110.00/month

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Lose up to 20% in the first year
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Mounjaro

GIP & GLP-1 Medication

Prices start from:

£205.00

£110.00/month

£76 off when you sign-up to our newsletter
Free Shipping
Lose up to 15% in the first year
Cancel anytime
Dose escalation available
Start Assessment

Which is More Effective for Weight Loss?

Studies suggest that Wegovy is more effective for weight loss compared to Saxenda. In the JAMA head-to-head clinical trial, there was a mean loss of 15.8% with semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) and only 6.4% with liraglutide (Saxenda). Patients lost significantly more weight with semaglutide. Here are some results from other trials: 

  • The STEP trials on Wegovy found an impressive average weight loss of 14.9% over 38 weeks. 
  • The SCALE trials on Saxenda found that patients lost around 8.4% over 56 weeks. 

Wegovy appears to be more effective for weight loss than Saxenda. 

Note – Individual results may vary based on health conditions, lifestyle, and dosage compliance.

Side Effects of Wegovy and Saxenda

Both injections share similar side effects, including:

Common side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea or constipation
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Indigestion

Less common but serious risks:

  • Potential risk of thyroid tumours (in rare cases)
  • Pancreatitis
  • Gallbladder issues

Always follow your healthcare provider's advice and keep an open line of communication about any concerns or side effects while using these medications. 

Wegovy and Saxenda Precautions 

  • Consult a healthcare professional before starting these medications to ensure they're suitable for you, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
  • Inform your doctor or prescriber about any medications you're already taking. This is to prevent the risk of drug interactions.
  • If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a family history of thyroid cancer, we recommend that you avoid using weight loss injections. This is because their safety during these periods is not well established. 
  • Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels if you're diabetic. This is because these medications may affect glucose control.

Can You Switch from Saxenda to Wegovy?

Yes, you can absolutely switch from Saxenda to Wegovy. In fact, we may recommend doing so if:

  • You want the convenience of weekly injections
  • You’re not seeing results with Saxenda
  • We believe you may benefit more from semaglutide

If you’re not getting the results you’re hoping for on Saxenda, contact us today to discuss whether switching to Wegovy would be the best route for you. 

Wegovy and Saxenda Dosing Schedules

Medication How Often? Starting Dose Time to Reach Full Dose
Wegovy Once weekly 0.25 mg Gradual increase over 5 months to 2.4 mg
Saxenda Daily 0.6 mg Increase weekly to 3.0 mg within 5 weeks

These gradual increases help minimise side effects such as nausea.

Which Weight Loss Injection is Right for You?

The best injection for weight loss depends on your medical history, lifestyle, preferences and budget. However, if you are looking for more substantial weight loss, Wegovy may be the best choice for you. 

To find the most suitable option for your goals and health needs, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional. At Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, we’re here to help you make an informed, personalised decision.

Looking to Get Started on Wegovy? 

Come to Dr Frank's Weight Loss Clinic for effective weight loss treatments. Sometimes supplements and vitamins aren’t enough - and you need a more medical approach. This is where we come in. 

Expect guaranteed stock and free shipping from our online pharmacy. You can also expect personalised treatment plans and monthly check-ins to ensure you are getting the best results you can. 

If you’re ready to lose weight safely and effectively, begin your assessment today.

Continue Your Weight Loss Discovery

Uncover More Strategies and Success Stories on Our Blog

Can You Get NHS Weight Loss Injections?
Read More
How to Store Mounjaro: Fridge or No Fridge?
Read More
Foods To Avoid While On Saxenda
Read More

Real People, Real Results

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Lauren lost 5 Stone in just 8 months

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Susan lost 5 Stone in just 12 months

“For the first time, losing weight has been both easy and successful in my life.”

Cadi lost 3 Stone in just 12 months

“If you're aiming to lose weight or manage polycystic ovaries, go for this program. It's undoubtedly the best decision.”

Ethan lost 5 Stone in just 5 months

“I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own skin. It's a newfound sense of confidence and well-being that has positively impacted every aspect of my life.”

Dimitra lost 4 Stone in just 8 months

“I cannot recommend this programme enough; it truly works! It's the sole solution that has been effective after my long struggle.”

Lauren lost 5 Stone in just 8 months

“I would advise anyone considering this programme that it's a transformative experience. It has allowed me to embrace life and fully enjoy my twenties.”

Susan lost 5 Stone in just 12 months

“For the first time, losing weight has been both easy and successful in my life.”

Cadi lost 3 Stone in just 12 months

“If you're aiming to lose weight or manage polycystic ovaries, go for this program. It's undoubtedly the best decision.”

Ethan lost 5 Stone in just 5 months

“I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own skin. It's a newfound sense of confidence and well-being that has positively impacted every aspect of my life.”

Dimitra lost 4 Stone in just 8 months

“I cannot recommend this programme enough; it truly works! It's the sole solution that has been effective after my long struggle.”

Lauren lost 5 Stone in just 8 months

“I would advise anyone considering this programme that it's a transformative experience. It has allowed me to embrace life and fully enjoy my twenties.”