Wegovy vs Saxenda: Which Is Better for Weight Loss?

Both Wegovy and Saxenda are prescription medications used to support weight loss in people with obesity or weight-related medical conditions. They’re part of the same family of drugs, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and both are available in New Zealand. But how do they compare? And which one is right for you?

Here’s a breakdown of how Wegovy and Saxenda stack up in terms of effectiveness, dosing, side effects, convenience, and cost.

1. Active Ingredient and Mechanism

• Wegovy: Contains semaglutide
• Saxenda: Contains liraglutide

Both medications mimic GLP-1, a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite, insulin, and digestion. Semaglutide (Wegovy) is a longer-acting version, while liraglutide (Saxenda) requires more frequent dosing.

2. Dosing Schedule

• Wegovy: Injected once weekly
• Saxenda: Injected once daily

Wegovy is more convenient for most people, requiring fewer injections and fitting more easily into a weekly routine.

3. Effectiveness

In clinical studies:

• Wegovy users lost an average of 12-15% of their body weight
• Saxenda users lost an average of 5-6% of their body weight

Wegovy tends to produce greater weight loss for more people, though individual results may vary.

4. Side Effects

Both medications can cause similar side effects, especially in the first few weeks:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating or indigestion

Wegovy may cause slightly more nausea during dose escalation due to its higher potency, but both medications are generally well tolerated when doses are increased gradually.

5. Cost in New Zealand

Pricing can vary by pharmacy, but generally:

• Wegovy: ~$460 per pen (4 doses)
• Saxenda: ~$500–$600 for 5 pens (typically a 1-month supply at full dose)

Although Saxenda is slightly cheaper per box, it usually ends up being more expensive overall due to daily use and more frequent pen replacement.

6. Availability and Transition

Wegovy is newer to New Zealand but now increasingly available through major pharmacies. Many patients and doctors are beginning to transition from Saxenda to Wegovy due to convenience, better outcomes, and lower long-term costs.

Summary Comparison Table

So, Which One Is Better?

For most people, Wegovy is the more effective, convenient, and cost-efficient option. It requires fewer injections, tends to produce greater weight loss, and integrates more easily into daily life.

That said, some patients respond better to Saxenda or may have personal reasons for choosing it. Your doctor can help you decide which option best fits your needs.

Thinking About Making the Switch?

If you’ve been using Saxenda and are ready to explore Wegovy, we can help.

At Well Revolution, we offer a free initial consultation to determine if Wegovy is safe and appropriate for you.

If prescribed, your $80 treatment plan includes:

• A prescription for 3 months of treatment
• A custom titration schedule (starting at 0.25 mg)
• Three months of expert medical care and follow-up
• Access to your dedicated doctor and care team any time

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References

• ‍Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes: The STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial‍
• Medications for Obesity: A Review‍
• Efficacy and Safety of Liraglutide and Semaglutide on Weight Loss in People With Obesity or Overweight: A Systematic Review‍
• Obesity Management in Adults: A Review

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