Saxenda vs Ozempic: For Weight Loss?

Key Points

• Saxenda (liraglutide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, but they have different FDA-approved uses.
• Saxenda is FDA-approved for long-term weight management in individuals aged 12 years and older.
• Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and worsening kidney disease, though it may be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
• Dosing differs: Saxenda is injected once daily, while Ozempic is injected once weekly.
• Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
• Studies suggest that Ozempic may lead to greater weight loss than Saxenda.

How do Saxenda and Ozempic compare for weight loss?

Both Saxenda (liraglutide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) promote weight loss, but only Saxenda is FDA-approved for weight management. Ozempic contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Wegovy, which is specifically FDA-approved for weight loss.

Clinical Studies: Saxenda

• Adults taking Saxenda lost 5% to 7.4% of their initial body weight after 56 weeks.
• A study with 2,487 participants taking Saxenda found an average weight loss of 7.8 kg (17.2 lbs) after 56 weeks.
• Children taking Saxenda lost 2.6% of body weight (5.7 lbs) after 56 weeks, while the placebo group gained 2.4%.

Clinical Studies: Ozempic

• Adults taking Ozempic lost 3.8 kg (8.3 lbs) to 4.7 kg (10.3 lbs) after 30 weeks, compared to 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) in the placebo group.
• A meta-analysis of multiple clinical trials found that semaglutide 2.4 mg led to a weight loss of 12.5 kg (27.5 lbs), whereas liraglutide 3 mg resulted in 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs) weight loss over 20 to 68 weeks.

Saxenda vs. Ozempic: Key Differences

There are many differences between Saxenda and Ozempic. Not only are the two medications approved for different conditions, they are dosed differently and have some unique side effects. Several key differences are highlighted in the table below.

Related questions

• Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?
• Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
• How do Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound compare for weight loss?

Comparing Side Effects: Saxenda vs. Ozempic

Both medications have similar side effects, primarily affecting the digestive system. To minimize discomfort, healthcare providers start patients on a low dose and gradually increase it.

Saxenda: Common Side Effects

• Nausea: 39% (vs. 14% placebo)
• Diarrhea: 21% (vs. 10% placebo)
• Constipation: 19% (vs. 9% placebo)
• Vomiting: 16% (vs. 4% placebo)
• Injection site reaction: 14% (vs. 11% placebo)
• Headache: 14% (vs. 13% placebo)
• Low blood sugar: 13% (vs. 7% placebo)
• Indigestion: 10% (vs. 3% placebo)
• Fatigue: 8% (vs. 5% placebo)
• Dizziness: 7% (vs. 5% placebo)

Ozempic: Common Side Effects

• Nausea: 16% to 20% (vs. 6% placebo)
• Vomiting: 5% to 9% (vs. 2% placebo)
• Diarrhea: 9% (vs. 2% placebo)
• Abdominal pain: 5% to 7% (vs. 5% placebo)
• Constipation: 3% to 5% (vs. 2% placebo)

Other reported side effects for both medications include stomach pain, burping, gas, fatigue, dizziness, and injection site reactions.

Note: These are not all of the reported side effects, precautions or warnings for Saxenda or Ozempic. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have questions about drug side effects.

How Are Saxenda and Ozempic Administered?

Saxenda is injected under the skin once a day, while Ozempic is injected under the skin once a week. For both medications, the dose is started low and you will slowly taper up to avoid side effects.

• Saxenda: Injected once daily under the skin, starting at 0.6 mg/day, increasing weekly to a target dose of 3 mg/day.
• Ozempic: Injected once weekly, starting at 0.25 mg/week for 4 weeks, increasing in steps up to 2 mg/week as tolerated.

Can You Take Saxenda and Ozempic Together?

No. Since both medications belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, using them together increases the risk of side effects, including low blood sugar and pancreatitis. Even though Saxenda and Ozempic are used to treat different health conditions, they should not be taken at the same time due to the increased risk of side effects.

Switching Between Saxenda and Ozempic

Your healthcare provider may recommend switching between these medications. The transition process typically involves:

• From Saxenda to Ozempic: Start Ozempic the day after your last Saxenda dose. If side effects were not an issue, your provider may begin with the medium dose (0.5 mg weekly).
• From Ozempic to Saxenda: Start Saxenda 7 days after stopping Ozempic. Your provider may adjust the dose based on your tolerance and reason for switching.
• If switching due to side effects, your provider may suggest waiting until they resolve before starting the new medication.

Bottom line

Saxenda and Ozempic are both effective for weight loss. Saxenda is FDA-approved for weight management, while Ozempic may be more effective but is only FDA-approved for diabetes.

This is not all of the information you need to know about Saxenda or Ozempic for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Follow up with your healthcare provider to learn more.