Wegovy vs. Saxenda for Weight Loss: Which Treatment is Right for You?

Wegovy and Saxenda help with weight loss using different ingredients: Saxenda uses liraglutide, and Wegovy uses semaglutide. These agents are different, even though they operate similarly in the treatment of obesity.

In a clinical trial, individuals with health conditions like hypertension or diabetes saw differences in weight loss. Wegovy averaged a 14.9% reduction, while Saxenda had a 7.4% decrease. Both meds helped, with Wegovy showing more significant results.

This article will help youlearn more about the similarities and differences between Wegovy and Saxenda, andassist you in deciding which of the two is more suitable for helping you lose weight.

1. Approved Uses

Weight loss medications like Wegovy and Saxenda provide new options for people struggling with obesity. But how do they work and who are they for?

Wegovy

Wegovy is an injectable prescription medicine approved for two primary uses. Firstly, it is indicated for obese adults, typically defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Additionally, it is approved for individuals with a BMI greater than 27 who have comorbidities.

The primary goal of Wegovy is to assist these individuals in losing weight and subsequently helping them maintain a lower body weight.

Additionally, Wegovy can be used for children aged 12 years and older who have a bodyweight above 132 pounds (60 kg) and meet the criteria for obesity. In this case, the medication is prescribed to help these young individuals shed excess weight and sustain a healthier body weight.

Saxenda

Saxenda is another injectable prescription medicine with approved uses for adults and adolescents.

Firstly, it is indicated for adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems or meet the criteria for obesity (BMI ≥30). The primary purpose of Saxenda in this group is to facilitate weight loss and help these individuals maintain a reduced body weight.

Additionally, Saxenda can be used for adolescents aged 12 to 17 years who have a bodyweight above 132 pounds (60 kg) and meet the criteria for obesity. It is prescribed to assist these young individuals in weight loss and maintaining a healthier body weight.

2. Effectiveness in Weight Loss

As obesity rates climb, many are turning to medications to help lose weight. Wegovy and Saxenda are two options, but which one leads to more weight loss?

Wegovy

Wegovy is shown to be notably effective for weight loss.

In a randomized controlled trial conducted in 2022, participants in the Wegovy group experienced substantial weight loss, with a 15.8% reduction in body weight. This trial demonstrates the high efficacy of Wegovy in promoting weight loss.

Furthermore, Wegovy is reportedly better tolerated, with fewer participants discontinuing treatment due to side effects than its counterpart, Saxenda. This suggests that Wegovy is not only effective but also well-received by individuals seeking to lose weight.

Saxenda

While Saxenda has demonstrated effectiveness in supporting weight loss, it might not be as potent as Wegovy.

The randomized controlled trial mentioned earlier found that participants in the Saxenda group achieved a 6.4% reduction in body weight, notably less than the 15.8% achieved by Wegovy users in the same trial.

This data suggests that, when directly compared, Wegovy is more effective for weight loss than Saxenda. Additionally, the trial showed that Saxenda was associated with a higher discontinuation rate due to side effects, implying that individuals might find it less tolerable than Wegovy.

3. Dosage Differences

Getting the dosage right is key for safety and effectiveness. Here's how Wegovy and Saxenda dosing works.

Wegovy

Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, meaning it's injected just beneath the skin's surface.

The dosage typically starts at 0.25 mg (milligrams) once weekly. After the initial four weeks, the dosage is increased to 0.5 mg once weekly.

Following another four weeks, the dose is further increased to the maintenance dose of 1 mg once weekly. This gradual dose escalation strategy helps minimize the potential for side effects and allows the body to adapt to the medication more easily.

Saxenda

Saxenda, which contains Liraglutide, is also approved for weight loss and is administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection.

The recommended dosage for Saxenda is different. It typically starts at a lower dose of 0.6 mg daily for the first week.

After this initial week, the dose is gradually increased to the maintenance dose of 3 mg per day. This gradual increase in dosage is intended to reduce side effects and provide a smoother adjustment to the medication.

4. Costs

Prescription weight loss medications can be quite expensive. What are the current price tags for Wegovy and Saxenda?

Wegovy

For those interested in Wegovy in the US, the current price for a four-week supply is approximately $1,349.02, which translates to around £1,134.22.

Wegovy is not available for purchase directly by consumers in the UK. Instead, it's accessible through the NHS (National Health Service) via prescription if you meet the eligibility criteria set by healthcare professionals.

Remember that pricing can change over time, and the availability of the medication may vary by location and health system.

Saxenda

The price for Saxenda subcutaneous solution (18 mg/3 mL) is approximately $1,430 for a 15-milliliter supply. Given that each pen contains 3 mL and, at the maximum dosage, one pen lasts about six days, the 15 mL supply would extend for a month. It's important to note that this price can vary depending on the pharmacy you visit. These prices are typically quoted for cash-paying customers and may not be valid with insurance plans.

In the UK, the cost structure for Saxenda is somewhat different. The price for Saxenda in the UK starts at around £323.99 for a supply that covers 56 days. This equates to approximately £160 per month if used continuously. However, if you plan to use Saxenda for a full 12-week course, the total cost could range between £485 and £540.

Saxenda is available by prescription in the UK, so you need to consult with a healthcare provider to assess your eligibility for the medication and obtain a prescription. Some individuals may also have insurance coverage that could help offset the cost.

5. Side Effects

Both Wegovy and Saxenda have the potential to produce side effects, with the most frequently reported ones falling under the category of gastrointestinal issues.

Wegovy

Wegovy, like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, can cause both common and serious side effects:

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain are common side effects. These symptoms often occur at the beginning of treatment and may improve over time.
• Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches as a side effect.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued can be a mild side effect.
• Dizziness: Dizziness may occur, particularly at the start of treatment.

Serious Side Effects

• Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis): In rare cases, Wegovy has been associated with pancreatitis, which can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Gallbladder Problems: This medication can increase the risk of gallbladder issues, including the formation of gallstones. Symptoms may include upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), and clay-colored stools.
• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Individuals with type 2 diabetes taking Wegovy may be at risk of hypoglycemia, which can lead to shakiness, sweating, headache, drowsiness, weakness, and confusion, among other symptoms.
• Kidney Problems: Dehydration due to severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may lead to kidney problems in rare cases.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, serious allergic reactions can occur. These may manifest as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapid heartbeat, fainting, or severe rash.
• Change in Vision: Vision changes may be experienced by individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Saxenda

Saxenda, a GLP-1 receptor agonist similar to Wegovy, can also have common and serious side effects:

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain are common side effects and tend to improve over time.
• Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued can be a mild side effect.
• Dizziness: Dizziness may occur, especially during initial use.
• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Individuals with type 2 diabetes taking Saxenda may experience hypoglycemia, with symptoms like shakiness, sweating, headache, drowsiness, weakness, and confusion.

Serious Side Effects

• Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis): Saxenda, like Wegovy, has been associated with rare cases of pancreatitis, leading to severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Gallbladder Problems: An increased risk of gallbladder issues, including gallstones, is a potential side effect. Symptoms may include upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, and clay-colored stools.
• Increased Heart Rate: Saxenda can increase the heart rate, and individuals should have their heart rate monitored during treatment.
• Kidney Problems: Dehydration associated with severe gastrointestinal symptoms may contribute to kidney problems.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, serious allergic reactions can occur, with symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapid heartbeat, fainting, or severe rash.
• Change in Vision: Individuals with type 2 diabetes should be aware of potential changes in vision.

7. Insurance Coverage

Navigating insurance for weight loss meds can be tricky. Here's what to know.

Wegovy

It is available only by prescription, and insurance plans may offer coverage for a portion of the cost. The level of coverage and the associated copay or coinsurance amounts can differ from one insurance plan to another.

Some insurance providers may require prior authorization before approving coverage for Wegovy, which involves your healthcare provider submitting relevant medical information to support your case.

Formulary inclusion plays a crucial role in determining your insurance coverage. Insurance plans typically maintain a list of covered medications known as a formulary.

If Wegovy is not part of your insurance plan's formulary, you might incur higher out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, insurance plans commonly employ a tier system for medications, with different cost-sharing amounts for each tier.

The tier placement of Wegovy will influence the amount you need to pay, with lower tiers usually resulting in lower costs and higher tiers requiring more substantial financial contributions.

Insurance plans often classify medications based on their cost and specific use, and Wegovy may be considered a specialty medication. This classification can result in higher copays or coinsurance.

However, the manufacturer of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk, may provide patient assistance programs to help eligible individuals afford the medication by reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Saxenda

As for Saxenda, it is also available by prescription, and insurance plans may cover part of the cost. The degree of coverage depends on the specifics of your insurance plan.

Prior authorization may be necessary with some insurance plans, with your healthcare provider facilitating the process by submitting the required medical information.

Like Wegovy, Saxenda's formulary inclusion and tier placement can influence the amount you need to pay. The classification of Saxenda as a specialty medication can lead to higher costs, as these medications are typically more expensive.

However, Saxenda's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, may offer patient assistance programs to aid eligible individuals in managing the medication's cost. They may also provide discount cards or coupons to reduce copay or out-of-pocket expenses. These can be used alongside your insurance coverage.

Final Words

Wegovy and Saxenda are both effective prescription medications for weight loss in obese individuals, but Wegovy appears more potent based on clinical trial data.

Choosing between them depends on the doctor's recommendation, insurance coverage, side effect tolerance, and individual factors. Lifestyle changes are still important for optimal results.

Consult a doctor to determine if these injectable medications may be suitable options on your weight loss journey.

Which is more effective for weight loss, Saxenda or Wegovy?

Wegovy is more effective for weight loss compared to Saxenda. In one year, individuals on Wegovy lose an average of 27.5 pounds, while those on Saxenda lose 11.5 pounds.

Can you take Wegovy and Saxenda together?

No, you cannot take Wegovy and Saxenda together. Both are FDA-approved weight loss medications in the GLP-1 receptor agonist family.

How long does it take to lose weight on Wegovy?

Research indicates that Wegovy can lead to around 16% weight loss, or 16-17kg, after 68 weeks, with most of the weight loss occurring in the first 32 weeks (8 months).

Do you gain weight back after stopping Saxenda?

Weight regain can occur after discontinuing Saxenda, as the medication helps curb the secretion of the hunger hormone.