Saxenda vs Wegovy Explained
Both Saxenda and Wegovy are prescription-only weight loss injections, helping to reduce your appetite and make you feel fuller for longer.
But they're different treatments, with different active ingredients, different dosing schedules, and, ultimately, different long-term results.
In this guide, we’ll break down how each treatment works, compare their effectiveness, and help you decide which option is best for your weight loss journey.
Three key takeaways
- Both Wegovy and Saxenda work by reducing appetite but differ in dosing, effectiveness, and eligibility.
- Wegovy is taken weekly and has shown greater average weight loss in clinical trials. Saxenda is taken daily and typically leads to more modest results.
- Costs, NHS access, and availability vary, with Saxenda having stricter eligibility criteria under NICE guidelines.
Wegovy vs Saxenda at a glance
| Wegovy | Saxenda | |
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Liraglutide |
| Dose & frequency | Weekly injection (from 0.25mg to 7.2mg) | Daily injection (from 0.6mg to 3.0mg) |
| Average weight loss in trials | 21% at 72 weeks | 8% at 56 weeks |
| Cost | £99 to £279 per month | £375 per month |
| Licensing | Licensed in the UK for adults with BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with a weight-related condition | Licensed in the UK for adults with BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with a weight-related condition |
| NHS access | NICE-approved for up to two years within specialist weight management services, for adults meeting BMI and health risk criteria. | NICE-approved, but only in specialist tier 3 services and for people with obesity plus pre-diabetes and high cardiovascular risk. |
What is Wegovy
Active ingredient
Wegovy contains semaglutide. This is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a type of medicine that copies the action of a natural hormone (GLP-1) involved in appetite and blood sugar control.
How it works
Wegovy works by reducing appetite, slowing stomach emptying, and helping control blood sugar. This makes you feel fuller for longer and reduces cravings. Because semaglutide stays in the body for quite a while, Wegovy is taken as a weekly injection.
Who it’s for
Wegovy is licensed in the UK for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. NHS access is restricted to specialist services, with treatment limited to up to two years.
What is Saxenda?
Active ingredient
Saxenda contains liraglutide. Like Wegovy, it is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it copies the effects of a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite, digestion, and blood sugar levels.
How it works
Saxenda works by making you feel fuller sooner and reducing hunger between meals. It slows the speed food leaves your stomach and lowers cravings. Because liraglutide leaves the body more quickly than semaglutide, Saxenda must be injected once a day.
Who it’s for
Saxenda is licensed in the UK for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. On the NHS, access is more limited. NICE only recommends Saxenda for people with obesity plus pre-diabetes and high cardiovascular risk, in specialist tier 3 services.
Saxenda vs Wegovy: what’s more effective
On average, Wegovy leads to greater weight loss than Saxenda in clinical studies. Wegovy is also taken weekly, while Saxenda requires daily injections. Some patients may find it easier to stick to a weekly routine, which can improve consistency and long-term results.
Wegovy efficacy
In the STEP UP trial, people using Wegovy lost an average of 21% of their body weight after 72 weeks.
Saxenda efficacy
In the SCALE trial, people using Saxenda lost an average of 8.0% of their body weight after 56 weeks.
Dosing and frequency
Many people find Wegovy easier because it is injected weekly. Saxenda requires daily injections, which some find harder to fit into routine. Both medicines use pre-filled pens designed for home use. The choice often depends on personal preference, confidence with injections, tolerance of side effects and how well each fits into your lifestyle.
Wegovy dosing schedule
Wegovy is injected once a week. Treatment starts at 0.25mg and the dose is increased every four weeks until the maximum dose of 7.2mg is reached. Some patients may stay on a lower dose of Wegovy if it is effective and well tolerated.
Find out more about how to take Wegovy with our step-by-step guide.
Saxenda dosing schedule
Saxenda is injected once a day. Treatment begins at 0.6mg, with the dose increased each week by 0.6mg until the maintenance dose of 3.0mg is reached. Each pen contains multiple doses, and a new needle is used for every injection.
Which has fewer side effects: Wegovy or Saxenda?
Both medicines share common side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain.
Saxenda’s daily dosing can mean mild side effects, like nausea, appear more often. Meanwhile Wegovy side effects may feel stronger at higher doses. In both cases, side effects usually ease as the body adjusts, and most people continue treatment successfully.
Your clinician may adjust your dose or delay any increases if side effects become difficult.
Common side effects of Wegovy
These side effects affect up to 1 in 10 people on Wegovy:
- headache
- feeling sick (nausea)
- being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
- constipation
- stomach pain
- feeling weak or tired
- feeling dizzy
- upset stomach or indigestion
- burping
- gas (flatulence)
- bloating of the stomach
- inflamed stomach (gastritis)
- reflux or heartburn
- gallstones
- hair loss
- injection site reactions
- change in the way food or drink tastes
- change in skin sensation
- low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in patients with diabetes.
Common side effects of Saxenda
These Saxenda side effects affect up to one in 10 people:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
- constipation
- headache
- indigestion (dyspepsia)
- inflammation in the lining of the stomach (gastritis)
- stomach discomfort
- upper stomach pain
- heartburn
- feeling bloated
- wind (flatulence)
- belching
- feeling weak or tired
- changed sense of taste
- dizziness
- difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- gallstones
- rash
- injection site reactions (such as bruising, pain, irritation, itching and rash)
- low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
- increase of pancreatic enzymes, such as lipase and amylase.
Safety considerations
Neither Wegovy nor Saxenda should be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Both are unsuitable for people with a history of certain thyroid cancers or pancreatitis.
You must tell your clinician about all medicines you take, as interactions are possible. Seek urgent help if you develop severe stomach pain, signs of pancreatitis, or a serious allergic reaction.
Is Saxenda cheaper than Wegovy?
Saxenda isn’t usually cheaper than Wegovy. Although Saxenda pens cost less per pen, you need more pens each month. In practice, both medicines cost around £200 to £300 per month privately, depending on your dose and treatment stage.
Wegovy private pricing
The price of Wegovy ranges from £99 to £279 a month, depending on your dose. Each pen contains four doses, so should last you four weeks.
Saxenda private pricing
Saxenda pens cost £75 each. Each pen is multi-use and lasts several days, depending on your daily dose. On average, treatment costs £375 a month once you reach the full maintenance dose.
Which is available on the NHS?
On the NHS, Wegovy and Saxenda are only available through specialist weight-management services for people who meet strict health criteria. Outside these services, most people who use these medicines do so via a private prescription.
Both medicines are NICE-approved but with different rules. Wegovy is approved for adults with obesity and at least one health condition in specialist services, for up to two years. Saxenda is approved only for people with pre-diabetes and high cardiovascular risk in tier 3 services.
Switching from Saxenda to Wegovy
Patients may switch from Saxenda to Wegovy because Wegovy is taken weekly instead of daily and has shown greater average weight loss in clinical trials. Switching can make treatment easier to follow and may improve long-term results.
How to switch safely
Only a doctor, prescribing pharmacist or specialist nurse can advise and manage a switch from Saxenda to Wegovy. Treatment usually starts with the lowest Wegovy dose (0.25mg weekly) and is gradually increased, even if you were already on the full Saxenda dose. This helps reduce side effects and ensures the change is safe and effective.
Frequently asked questions about Saxenda vs Wegovy
What’s the main difference between Wegovy and Saxenda?
The main difference is how often they are taken and how effective they are. Wegovy is a weekly injection and has produced greater weight loss in trials. Saxenda is a daily injection with more modest average results.
Which works faster: Wegovy or Saxenda?
Both start reducing appetite quickly, often within the first few weeks. However, clinical trials show Wegovy produces greater overall weight loss by the end of treatment (around 21% at 72 weeks vs 8% for Saxenda at 56 weeks).
Why is Saxenda less effective?
Saxenda works for a shorter time and must be injected every day. Wegovy stays in the body longer and is taken once a week. Because of this, Wegovy gives stronger appetite control and has generally led to greater weight loss in studies.
Which is easier: Wegovy weekly or Saxenda daily?
Many people find Wegovy easier because it requires only one injection per week. Saxenda needs a daily injection, which can be harder to maintain. Both use pre-filled pens designed for home use, so ease depends on routine and preference.
What happens if I miss a dose?
For Wegovy, take it within five days if you remember. Otherwise, skip and wait for your next scheduled dose. For Saxenda, skip the missed dose and continue the next day. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Can you buy Wegovy or Saxenda privately in the UK?
Yes. Both medicines can be accessed with a private prescription if you meet the required medical criteria. A doctor or pharmacist must still assess your health and confirm that treatment is safe and suitable before prescribing either Wegovy or Saxenda.
Do I need to refrigerate Saxenda or Wegovy?
Yes. Both Saxenda and Wegovy should be stored in a fridge (2°C to 8°C) before use. After opening, Saxenda pens can be kept at room temperature or in the fridge for one month. Wegovy pens can be kept below 30°C for up to six weeks once opened.
Do people regain weight after stopping Saxenda or Wegovy?
Yes. Studies show that weight regain is common once treatment stops, because appetite returns to normal. Long-term results depend on maintaining a healthy diet and activity habits. Doctors may recommend ongoing support to help maintain weight loss after treatment.
Are Wegovy side effects worse than Saxenda?
Not necessarily. Wegovy uses higher doses, so side effects may feel stronger when increasing doses. Saxenda is daily, so mild symptoms may appear more often. Most people tolerate both medicines well, and side effects usually settle as the body adjusts.
Are they both safe for long-term use?
Yes, both Saxenda and Wegovy are considered safe and effective for long-term use when prescribed appropriately. Wegovy is approved for up to two years on the NHS. Studies of both medicines show improvements in weight-related health risks with continued treatment.
Sources
- Obesity - Treatment. NHS. [Accessed 25 March 2026].
- Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen. EMC. [Accessed 25 March 2026].
- Saxenda 6 mg/mL solution for injection in pre-filled pen. EMC. [Accessed 25 March 2026].
- Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. (2021). The New England Journal of Medicine. [Accessed 25 March 2026].
- A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. (2015). The New England Journal of Medicine. [Accessed 25 March 2026].
- Overview | Liraglutide for managing overweight and obesity. (2020). NICE. [Accessed 25 March 2026].
- Overview | Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity. (2023). NICE. [Accessed 25 March 2026].
