Written by: Clara Hanson-Smith
Reviewed by: Sunny Dhain MPharmRS PgDip IndP
Date reviewed: 20/02/2024
Obesity is a prevalent health challenge in the UK and globally, with new medications offering hope in the battle against excess weight. Understanding the nuances between these weight loss treatments is crucial for choosing the right option. Semaglutide and liraglutide, initially developed for type 2 diabetes management under Ozempic and Victoza, respectively, have found a secondary use in weight management due to their weight loss side effects. Following clinical trials, liraglutide was approved as Saxenda in the US in 2014 for obesity treatment, with UK NHS approval in 2020. Semaglutide received approval for weight management as Wegovy, introducing a new player in the field of weight loss medications.
Both medications, products of Novo Nordisk, operate on similar principles but differ in dosage and administration frequency. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding these differences and determining which medication might best fit your weight loss journey.
Overview of Saxenda and Wegovy
Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) share the same therapeutic class but differ in their specific formulations and dosing schedules. Saxenda is administered daily, while Wegovy is a once-weekly injection, potentially offering a more convenient regimen for patients. Both drugs have shown effectiveness in promoting weight loss, with users reporting significant reductions in body weight. However, the experiences and outcomes can vary widely among individuals.
Key differences between Wegovy and Saxenda
Wegovy and Saxenda are injectable, prescription medications designed to supplement weight loss efforts alongside a calorie-controlled diet. By mimicking the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, they regulate appetite and blood sugar levels, ultimately reducing hunger and extending satiation post-meals.
Dosing frequency and active ingredients:
- Wegovy is administered weekly, starting at 0.25 mg and incrementally increasing to a maximum dose of 2.4 mg over 17 weeks.
- Saxenda requires daily injections, beginning at 0.6 mg and gradually rising to a maximum of 3 mg over five weeks.
Wegovy contains semaglutide, while Saxenda is based on liraglutide.
Effectiveness
Wegovy (Semaglutide) has emerged as a formidable ally in the fight against obesity, showcasing significant weight loss outcomes across various clinical trials. The SUSTAIN and STEP studies highlight semaglutide’s effectiveness in reducing body weight and achieving clinically meaningful weight loss milestones. This comparative analysis delves into semaglutide’s performance against other treatments, shedding light on its potential as a leading anti-obesity medication.
SUSTAIN trials: Wegovy’s weight loss efficacy
The SUSTAIN trials, encompassing diverse patient backgrounds and treatment regimens, consistently demonstrated semaglutide’s superior efficacy in weight reduction. Patients experienced notable weight loss across different doses and comparators, with a significant percentage achieving over 5% weight loss from baseline. For instance, in SUSTAIN 1, up to 45% of participants on semaglutide 1.0 mg surpassed the 5% weight loss threshold. This pattern of efficacy was evident across all SUSTAIN trials, with semaglutide outperforming placebos and other comparators such as sitagliptin, exenatide ER, and insulin glargine.
STEP trials: Semaglutide’s weight loss efficacy
The STEP trials further solidified semaglutide’s position as a potent weight management solution. STEP 1 revealed an astonishing 14.9% mean weight change, with a majority of participants achieving significant weight loss milestones (>5%, >10%, >15%). Such profound effects underscore semaglutide’s capacity to facilitate substantial weight reductions, far exceeding the outcomes observed with traditional weight loss interventions.
STEP 8 Trial Summary
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Side effects
When considering weight management solutions like Wegovy and Saxenda, it’s important to understand their benefits and potential side effects. These medications, prescribed for weight loss and management, come with a range of side effects that can affect individuals differently.
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting (being sick)
- Abdominal (stomach) pain
- Diarrhoea (frequent, loose, or watery poo)
- Constipation
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with type 2 diabetes
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling tired or lacking energy
- Indigestion
- Gas and bloating
- Dry mouth
- Changes in your sense of taste
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Local reactions (pain, swelling, bruising) at the injection site
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Can you take Wegovy and Saxenda together?
No, it is unsafe to use Wegovy and Saxenda concurrently due to their similar mechanisms of action. Combining them could lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels and exacerbate side effects. The Family Chemist’s pharmacists can help determine the most suitable medication based on individual health profiles and weight loss goals.
Switching from Saxenda to Wegovy
Switching between these medications should be approached with care and guidance from The Family Chemist’s pharmacists. To transition from Saxenda to Wegovy, it is recommended to administer the first dose of Wegovy at least 24 hours after the last Saxenda injection. Conversely, a two-month wait is advised when moving from Wegovy to Saxenda. Always adhere to The Family Chemist’s clinician instructions when changing medications.
Cost and accessibility
One of the significant differences between Saxenda and Wegovy is their cost and availability. While both treatments can be expensive, The Family Chemist offers competitive pricing for Wegovy, making it a more accessible option for those seeking weight management solutions. Pricing for Wegovy at The Family Chemist starts from £169.99, with different dosages available to suit the treatment phase.
Why choose The Family Chemist for Wegovy
Choosing The Family Chemist for your Wegovy treatment comes with several benefits:
- A FREE weight management plan and video calls with a clinician.
- Aftersales support and follow-up to ensure confidence in using Wegovy.
- GPhC and MHRA registered Pharmacy with UK clinicians.
- 24-hour delivery without needing to see a GP or Pharmacy.
Wegovy benefits
Beyond weight loss, Wegovy offers additional health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, reduced risk of obesity-related conditions, and an enhanced quality of life. Clinical trials have demonstrated Wegovy’s ability to lose substantial weight, often exceeding 15% of initial body weight.
How to buy Wegovy cheap online in the UK
The Family Chemist makes it easy and confidential to obtain Wegovy through a free online consultation, ensuring it’s the right treatment for you. The Family Chemist ensures your medication is delivered safely and efficiently with next-day delivery and temperature-controlled packaging.
When comparing Saxenda and Wegovy, it’s clear that both medications offer promising weight management solutions, each with unique benefits and considerations. Wegovy, with its once-weekly dosing and the support offered by The Family Chemist, stands out as a convenient and effective option for many. By understanding the differences and similarities between these treatments, individuals can make informed decisions in consultation with The Family Chemist’s pharmacists to find the best path towards achieving their weight loss goals.
