Key Takeaways

Saxenda® and Wegovy® are both GLP-1 medications that help with weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing digestion.
Clinical trials show Wegovy® leads to greater average weight loss than Saxenda®, although individual results vary.
Both medications have similar side effects, but fewer people stopped taking Wegovy® because of side effects in clinical studies.

Two glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) often stand out for their weight loss benefits: Saxenda^® (liraglutide) and Wegovy^® (semaglutide). These medications work in similar ways, but they’re not interchangeable.

Read on as we compare Saxenda^® versus Wegovy^® so you can make an informed decision.

How do Saxenda^® and Wegovy^® work?

Novo Nordisk manufactures both Saxenda^® and Wegovy^®. They belong to a class of medications called GLP-1 RAs. These medications work by mimicking a hormone that our bodies naturally produce called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

GLP-1 influences a few key processes throughout the body:

Insulin secretion prompts your pancreas to release insulin only when blood sugar (glucose) levels rise, mainly after eating. This prevents blood sugar crashes caused by poorly regulated insulin.
Glucagon suppression blocks the liver from releasing stored glucose into the bloodstream. Because you already have enough energy coming in from food, this prevents your liver from dumping excess sugar that could spike your levels.
Gastric emptying slows how quickly food leaves the stomach, so you feel fuller for longer after eating. This means nutrients enter your blood gradually, preventing rapid glucose spikes.
Satiety acts on appetite centers in your brain so you feel satisfied with less food. This limits overeating behaviors.

Is Saxenda^® the same as Wegovy^®?

While these two drugs work similarly, they aren’t the same. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences between Saxenda^® and Wegovy^®:

	Saxenda®	Wegovy®
Active ingredient	Liraglutide	Semaglutide
FDA-approved indications	Chronic weight management (adults and adolescents 12 and older)	Chronic weight management (adults and adolescents 12 and older) Cardiovascular risk reduction Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with moderate-to-advanced liver fibrosis
Maintenance dose	3 mg (daily injection)	2.4 mg, or a maximum of 7.2 mg (weekly injection) 25 mg (daily tablet)
Weight loss efficacy	6.4% average weight loss over 68 weeks	15.8% average weight loss over 68 weeks
Cost	$1,000-plus with insurance (costs vary with insurance)	$199 to $399 without insurance (costs vary with insurance)

What does the head-to-head trial show about weight loss?

A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (the STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial) compared Saxenda^® and Wegovy^® over 68 weeks. The results were clear: Those on Wegovy^® lost 15.8% of their starting body weight on average, compared to 6.4% for those on Saxenda^®. This represents a difference of over 9%.

The gap also held at higher weight-loss thresholds:

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	Patients on Saxenda®	Patients on Wegovy®
Lost at least 10% body weight	26%	71%
Lost at least 15% body weight	12%	56%
Lost at least 20% body weight	6%	39%

Why does Wegovy^® cause greater weight loss than Saxenda^®?

The study’s authors point several contributing factors:

Half life: With a 13-hour half-life (how long it stays active in your system), Saxenda’s^® concentration in your body naturally fluctuates in a 24-hour cycle. It peaks a few hours after each daily injection and dips right before your next shot. This can lead to increased food noise or cravings. Wegovy’s^® seven-day half-life means it remains at a steady level in your bloodstream longer, providing more consistent appetite suppression.
Stability and potency: Because Wegovy^® maintains stable levels in the body, it provides a more consistent influence on hunger hormones. This stability also makes it more effective at lowering HbA1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar control. Over time, that blood sugar management reduces long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Cardiometabolic risk: Wegovy^® participants saw greater improvements across multiple markers, including waist circumference, blood pressure, and cholesterol. As visceral (belly) fat and waist circumference decrease, inflammation decreases, and your body’s cells become more sensitive to insulin. This makes it easier to continue losing weight and keeping it off. Improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol mean your cardiovascular system operates more efficiently, making physical activity feel easier and more sustainable.

Possible study limitations to keep in mind

The outcomes of the STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial are meaningful, but a few caveats matter:

Open-label design: Participants knew which drug they received, but not whether they received the placebo. This knowledge may have biased subjective outcomes, such as self-reported side effects.
Tolerance protocols: Participants who couldn’t tolerate Wegovy’s^® maintenance dose could simply lower their dosage. Those who couldn’t tolerate Saxenda’s^® had to stop and restart the dose-escalation process (titration) from scratch, potentially widening the discontinuation gap.

Can I expect the same outcomes?

Averages represent a range. Some participants lost meaningfully more than the average, while others lost less. Study averages may not reflect your individual experience. Your doctor can guide the conversation on whether Wegovy^® or Saxenda^® might be an effective path for you to take.

What about side effects, safety, and beyond-weight-loss benefits?

In the STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial, researchers also looked at discontinuation rates. Only 14% of those on Wegovy^® discontinued treatment for any reason compared to 28% on Saxenda^®. Specifically, 3% on Wegovy^® discontinued due to side effects, compared to 13% on Saxenda^®.

Common side effects include:

	Patients on Saxenda®	Patients on Wegovy®
Gastrointestinal side effects	83%	84%
Injection site reaction	11%	0%
Cardiovascular-related adverse events	14%	13%
Increased pulse rate	Four beats per minute (BPM)	Five BPM
Psychiatric adverse events	15%	6%
Gallbladder-related disorders	3%	<1%

Overall, serious adverse events were moderately uncommon, occurring in 8% of the Wegovy^® group and 11% of the Saxenda^® group.

Benefits beyond the scale

These medications offer benefits beyond weight loss. Clinical research shows that GLP-1 therapies can provide metabolic protection for the body, including:

Cardiovascular health: Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and lower blood pressure
Kidney and liver support: Protect against progression of chronic kidney disease and liver-related metabolic issues
Inflammation reduction: Lower inflammatory markers that contribute to chronic disease like osteoarthritis

Saxenda^® vs. Wegovy^®: Which is right for you?

Here are a few factors that can help you decide which medication is right for you:

Weight loss efficacy: The STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial indicates that Wegovy^® may produce greater weight loss outcomes than Saxenda^® (though experiences vary). If sustainable weight loss is your goal, Wegovy^® might be in the conversation.
Tolerability: You may tolerate one treatment better than the other. That’s why proactive management matters. Your doctor will closely monitor your progress, finding the path that works best for your body.
Goals beyond weight loss: Wegovy^® is FDA-approved for additional indications beyond chronic weight management. If you’re navigating a qualifying condition, Wegovy^® warrants a conversation with your doctor.

Choosing the right GLP-1 medication with Maven Clinic

Wondering if Wegovy^® or Saxenda^® might support your health goals? While the clinical data is helpful, it doesn’t take into account your specific health history and long-term goals. At Maven Clinic, our specialists look beyond the scale to design a comprehensive plan for your well-being. They’ll help you decide which GLP-1 medication is right for your body.

Learn more about our approach to GLP-1 care, and discover why millions of people trust us to guide their journeys.

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FAQ

What’s Saxenda^®?

Saxenda^® is a GLP-1 RA, a brand name for liraglutide. It’s FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents 12 and older.

Is switching from Saxenda^® to Wegovy^® safe?

Switching from Saxenda^® to Wegovy^® (and vice-versa) is generally safe. However, because Wegovy^® is a more potent medication, your doctor will need to adjust your dose.