Introduction

Wegovy and Saxenda are both FDA-approved GLP-1 medications for weight loss, but they differ in effectiveness, dosing schedule, side effects, and overall convenience.

If you’re considering one of these treatments—or switching from one to the other—this guide breaks down how Wegovy and Saxenda compare in 2025, so you can make the most informed decision for your weight loss journey.

Quick Comparison: Wegovy vs Saxenda

Feature	Wegovy	Saxenda
Active Ingredient	Semaglutide	Liraglutide
FDA Approval	2021	2014
Dosing Frequency	Weekly	Daily
Avg. Weight Loss	~15% of body weight	5–8% of body weight
Dosing Method	Pen injector	Pen injector
Maintenance Duration	Long-term use	Long-term use

FDA Wegovy Approval 

FDA Saxenda Approval

How They Work

Both medications mimic GLP-1, a hormone that helps:

• Reduce appetite

• Slow digestion

• Regulate insulin and blood sugar

• Promote feelings of fullness

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a newer, longer-acting version taken once per week.

Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection with a shorter half-life, requiring more frequent dosing to maintain effect.

Weight Loss Results: Wegovy Wins

Measure	Wegovy	Saxenda
Average Weight Loss	15%+	5–8%
Typical Weight Loss	25–35 lbs	10–20 lbs
Timeframe	6–12 months	6–12 months

Wegovy produces significantly more weight loss on average, especially in individuals with higher BMI or insulin resistance.

Learn more: Wegovy vs Zepbound – Which Should You Should Know

Dosing Schedule

Medication	Starting Dose	Maintenance Dose	Frequency
Wegovy	0.25 mg/week	2.4 mg/week	Weekly
Saxenda	0.6 mg/day → 3.0 mg/day	3.0 mg/day	Daily

Wegovy requires less frequent injections, which may improve adherence and convenience for many users.

Side Effect Comparison

Side Effect	Wegovy	Saxenda
Nausea	Common	More common
Diarrhea or Constipation	Yes	Yes
Headache / Fatigue	Mild	Mild
Gallbladder Risk	Rare	Rare
Daily Injection Burnout	No	Yes (for some)

Both drugs carry a warning for thyroid tumors in animal studies and should be avoided in patients with MEN-2 or medullary thyroid cancer history.

Cost Comparison

Medication	U.S. Price (Retail)	Canadian Price	With Savings Card
Wegovy	~$1,349/month	~$500–$600	$0–$25 (if eligible)
Saxenda	~$1,200/month	~$515–$700	$25–$100 (if eligible)

Wegovy Savings Card 

Saxenda Savings Card

Canadian pharmacies may offer up to 60% savings on either medication.

Learn more: Wegovy Cost Breakdown: U.S. vs Canada + How to Save

Who Should Choose Wegovy?

Best for:

• Those seeking maximum weight loss results

• People who prefer once-weekly injections

• Patients with insurance coverage or savings card eligibility

• Individuals with higher BMI or metabolic resistance

Who Should Choose Saxenda?

Best for:

• People who’ve tried Wegovy or Zepbound but had side effects

• Those who prefer a daily routine or slower titration

• Patients whose insurance covers Saxenda but not newer options

• Individuals already familiar with liraglutide (Victoza) from diabetes treatment

Final Thoughts

Both Wegovy and Saxenda are clinically proven tools for weight loss, but Wegovy typically offers greater effectiveness with more convenience. Saxenda may still be a fit for certain patients—especially when weekly GLP-1s aren’t an option.

Wegovy: Stronger results, easier dosing, growing insurance support
Saxenda: Daily option with a longer history and steady results

Need help deciding? Visit ourCustomer Support for personalized support, side-by-side charts, and downloadable guides.