Which is better Saxenda or Wegovy?
Key takeaways
- Saxenda and Wegovy are injectable medications in the GLP-1 agonists category for weight loss.
- Wegovy, taken weekly, offers more convenience and potentially greater weight loss.
- Wegovy requires fewer injections and costs about $1,300 per month, similar to Saxenda.
- Studies show Wegovy’s superior effectiveness in weight loss, achieving a 15.8% reduction compared to Saxenda’s 6.4%.
What are Saxenda and Wegovy?
Discover two potent tools for effective weight management: Saxenda and Wegovy. These injectable prescription medications, designed for adults and adolescents in search of chronic weight control, belong to the GLP-1 agonists category, mimicking the essential gut hormone GLP-1 crucial for insulin production.
Saxenda, featuring liraglutide, and Wegovy, featuring semaglutide, both aim to promote insulin release, inhibit glucagon production, and slow gastric emptying to facilitate weight loss. The key distinction? Wegovy, administered once weekly, offers a more convenient alternative to Saxenda’s daily routine.
Exciting studies suggest that Wegovy might be the key to shedding at least 15% of your body weight—outperforming Saxenda when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Ready to unlock a healthier you?
How do Saxenda and Wegovy work?
Discover Saxenda and Wegovy, two injectable champs in the GLP-1 agonist squad. They mimic the meal-induced magic of the natural gut hormone, GLP-1, working as tag-team partners to amp up its beneficial effects in your body., such as:
- Stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels
- Slowing down the rate of gastric emptying, which makes you feel full for longer
- Reducing the production of glucagon, which raises blood sugar levels
- Suppressing the appetite and reducing food intake
Activate GLP-1 receptors in the brain and gut to make weight loss easier for those with obesity. These receptors reduce appetite, boost calorie burning, and improve blood sugar control, thereby lowering the risk of heart complications. Get ready for a healthier you! [1][2].
How are Saxenda and Wegovy different in terms of injection frequency, dosage, and cost?
Saxenda and Wegovy have some differences in terms of injection frequency, dosage, and cost. Here is a table that summarizes these differences:
| Aspect | Saxenda | Wegovy |
| Injection frequency | Once daily | Once weekly |
| Dosage | 0.6 mg to 3 mg per day | 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg per week |
| Cost | About $1,300 per month | About $1,300 per month |
Wegovy demands fewer shots than Saxenda, yet delivers a more potent impact. Costs align closely, but be prepared for potential insurance and pharmacy nuances. Before delving into weight loss medications, consult your doctor for insights into side effects and warning signs [3][4][5][6].
Which medication is more effective for weight loss and why?
Wegovy, a weekly injection, surpasses Saxenda in weight loss effectiveness, according to various studies. Both belong to the GLP-1 agonists category, imitating the natural hormone GLP-1 to reduce appetite and extend the sensation of fullness [1][3][7]. The main distinction is Wegovy’s prolonged impact and higher dosage per injection compared to Saxenda, which is taken daily [1][3].
In a 68-week showdown featuring Wegovy and Saxenda and involving over 300 participants, Wegovy emerged victorious. It facilitated a significant 15.8% weight loss, surpassing Saxenda’s 6.4%. Importantly, the success wasn’t solely attributed to the pills; diet and exercise also played crucial roles [1]. A separate study reinforced these results, highlighting Wegovy’s weight-loss effectiveness at 11.2 to 13.8%, outperforming Saxenda’s 7 to 8% [8]. A comprehensive review of ten studies further supported Wegovy’s superiority over Saxenda and other weight-loss alternatives, ultimately crowning it as the preferred choice [9].
Therefore, Wegovy seems to outshine Saxenda in the weight loss game, according to the latest findings. But hold on, before you dive in, both come with similar side effects like nausea, vomiting, and the whole digestive drama. Plus, they’ve got some dos and don’ts when it comes to mixing with other meds. Remember, it’s always a good idea to chat with your doc before kicking off any weight loss journey – they’ve got your back! [1][3].
What are the common and serious side effects of Saxenda and Wegovy?
The comparison of the common and serious side effects of Saxenda and Wegovy:
| Side Effect | Saxenda | Wegovy |
| Common Side Effects | Allergic reaction, acute pancreatitis, acute gallbladder disease, hypoglycemia, increased heart rate, kidney problems, suicidal behaviour and ideation | Same as Saxenda |
| Serious Side Effects | Allergic reaction, acute pancreatitis, acute gallbladder disease, hypoglycemia, increased heart rate, kidney problems, suicidal behavior and ideation | Same as Saxenda |
Please note that these side effects are not exhaustive and may vary from person to person.
How to use Saxenda and Wegovy safely and correctly?
Saxenda
- Dosing: Saxenda comes in various doses, and the initial dose is usually low, gradually increasing over time. The progress is typically evaluated after 16 weeks, and if the weight loss is not sufficient, the medication may be discontinued [10].
- Administration: It can be injected at any time of the day, but establishing a routine by choosing a specific time is recommended, especially for daily injections. The injection sites include the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen, and it’s best to rotate the injection sites [3].
Wegovy
- Dosing: Wegovy is injected once weekly, and the dose is gradually increased over time to lessen gastrointestinal side effects [3].
- Storage: The pens should be stored properly before and between uses [3].
What are the contraindications and precautions for Saxenda and Wegovy?
Saxenda:
- Contraindications: Saxenda is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). It should not be used in patients with a history of pancreatitis [1].
- Precautions: Saxenda comes with a boxed warning regarding the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts. Additionally, it should be used cautiously in patients with a history of pancreatitis or with a history of alcoholism [1].
Wegovy:
- Contraindications: Wegovy is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). It should not be used in patients with a history of pancreatitis [1].
- Precautions: Similar to Saxenda, Wegovy also comes with a boxed warning regarding the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts. Additionally, it should be used cautiously in patients with a history of pancreatitis or with a history of alcoholism [1].
Bottom Line
In summary, Saxenda and Wegovy, both GLP-1 agonists, offer effective weight management by mimicking the gut hormone GLP-1. Wegovy, administered weekly, surpasses Saxenda in weight loss effectiveness, demonstrating a 15.8% reduction compared to Saxenda’s 6.4%. Despite similar side effects, Wegovy’s convenience and higher dosage make it a preferable choice. However, caution and consultation with a healthcare professional are advised before choosing between Saxenda and Wegovy for weight loss.
