Saxenda vs Wegovy
Which Is Right for You? Complete Comparison (2026)
Saxenda (liraglutide) vs Wegovy (semaglutide): compare weight loss results, side effects, dosing frequency, and who should switch. Full 2026 comparison.
Saxenda vs Wegovy: At a Glance
Saxenda
- ✓First-generation daily GLP-1 receptor agonist
- ✓FDA-approved for T2D (Victoza 1.8 mg) and obesity (Saxenda 3.0 mg)
- ✓~8% mean weight loss at 56 weeks (SCALE, 3.0 mg)
- ✓Positive cardiovascular outcome data (LEADER trial)
- ✓Requires daily injection (vs weekly for semaglutide)
Wegovy
- ✓Targets GLP-1 receptors only — single incretin agonist
- ✓Suppresses appetite via hypothalamic action
- ✓Slows gastric emptying — prolongs satiety
- ✓~15% mean weight loss at 68 weeks (STEP-1, 2.4 mg)
- ✓Half-life ~7 days — once-weekly injection
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Saxenda | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Dosing | 0.6-3.0 mg SC daily | 0.25-2.4 mg SC weekly (weight loss); 3-14 mg oral daily |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection daily | Subcutaneous injection weekly or oral daily |
| Half-life | ~13 hours — requires daily dosing | ~7 days |
| FDA Status | FDA-approved: Victoza (T2D), Saxenda (obesity) | FDA-approved: Ozempic (T2D), Wegovy (obesity), Rybelsus (oral, T2D) |
| Key Trial | Pi-Sunyer X et al. NEJM 2015 (SCALE) — 8% weight loss | Wilding JPH et al. NEJM 2021 (STEP-1) — 14.9% weight loss |
| Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea — similar to semaglutide | Nausea (44%), vomiting, diarrhea, constipation |
Which Should You Choose?
Liraglutide (glp-1 receptor agonist) and Semaglutide (glp-1 receptor agonist) serve different clinical roles despite both being in the GLP-1 agonist space. Liraglutide first-generation long-acting glp-1 receptor agonist with daily dosing. Semaglutide long-acting glp-1 receptor agonist that suppresses appetite, slows gastric emptying, and enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion.
Whichever you choose, track your protocol in Shotlee to build clean data for dose optimization and outcomes comparison.
Track Both in Shotlee
Shotlee supports tracking any medication or peptide. Compare your results across different protocols with clean dose logs and outcome data.
Saxenda vs Wegovy: Common Questions
Liraglutide is a glp-1 receptor agonist while Semaglutide is a glp-1 receptor agonist. They differ in mechanism, dosing, and clinical evidence. Your choice should depend on your specific goals and medical history.
Switching should be done under medical supervision. Your prescriber can advise on transition protocols. Track both in Shotlee for comparison data.
Liraglutide works as a glp-1 receptor agonist (0.6-3.0 mg SC daily), while Semaglutide is a glp-1 receptor agonist (0.25-2.4 mg SC weekly (weight loss); 3-14 mg oral daily). They have different half-lives (~13 hours — requires daily dosing vs ~7 days), side effect profiles, and levels of clinical evidence.
Yes. Shotlee supports tracking any medication or peptide. You can compare your results across different protocols.
References
- [1]Clinical TrialPi-Sunyer X et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE). N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):11-22.
- [2]Clinical TrialWilding JPH et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002.
- [3]FDANovo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide) Prescribing Information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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