Comparisons Ozempic vs Saxenda

Ozempic vs Saxenda

Side-by-side comparison of weight loss results, pricing, side effects, and clinical data.

Ozempic

~6-10%

Saxenda

~8%

Head-to-Head Comparison

Metric
OzempicOzempic (semaglutide)
SaxendaSaxenda (liraglutide 3mg)
Drug Class
GLP-1 RA
GLP-1 RA
Administration
Weekly injection
Daily injection
Dosing
Once weekly
Once daily
Avg. Weight Loss
~6-10%
~8%
Half-Life
~7 days
~13 hours
Compounded Cost
$900-1,100/mo (brand)
$1,300-1,500/mo (brand)
Brand Cost
$900-1,100/mo
$1,300-1,500/mo
FDA Approved
2017
2014
Key Trial
SUSTAIN trials
SCALE (8% weight loss)

Side Effects Comparison

Ozempic

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting

Saxenda

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation

Pros & Cons

Ozempic

Pros

  • +Weekly dosing convenience
  • +More effective for weight loss
  • +Better A1C reduction

Cons

  • -Not approved for weight loss
  • -Off-label use for obesity

Saxenda

Pros

  • +FDA-approved for weight loss
  • +Approved for adolescents 12+
  • +Long safety track record

Cons

  • -Daily injections required
  • -Less effective than semaglutide
  • -Higher brand cost

The Verdict

Ozempic (semaglutide) produces more weight loss than Saxenda (liraglutide) with the convenience of weekly dosing, even though Ozempic is technically off-label for obesity. Saxenda has the advantage of being FDA-approved for weight management and approved for teens.

STEP 8 compared semaglutide 2.4mg to liraglutide 3.0mg and showed semaglutide was far more effective.

Which Is Right for You?

Choose Ozempic if...

Adults wanting more effective weight loss with weekly convenience

Choose Saxenda if...

Adolescents or patients who need an FDA-approved weight loss medication specifically

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ozempic better than Saxenda?

For weight loss, studies show semaglutide (Ozempic's ingredient) achieves roughly twice the weight loss of liraglutide (Saxenda's ingredient). Ozempic also has the advantage of weekly dosing.

Why is Saxenda more expensive than Ozempic?

Saxenda is priced as an obesity medication while Ozempic is a diabetes drug. Insurance coverage varies — many plans cover Ozempic for diabetes but not Saxenda for weight loss.

Can I take Saxenda and Ozempic together?

No, you should not take two GLP-1 receptor agonists simultaneously. Both work on the same receptor, and combining them increases side effect risk without added benefit.

Find a provider prescribing Ozempic or Saxenda

Compare pricing, reviews, and availability across 18,000+ GLP-1 providers nationwide.

Search Providers →

View all GLP-1 comparisons

Compare every major GLP-1 medication side by side. Weight loss data, cost analysis, and clinical trial results.

All Comparisons →