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Saxenda vs Ozempic: For Weight Loss?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on March 5, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Key Points

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

Clinical Studies: Ozempic

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.

Saxenda Ozempic
Active ingredient Liraglutide Semaglutide
Drug class GLP-1 receptor agonist GLP-1 receptor agonist
FDA-approved uses Add-on to diet and exercise for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of:
  • 30 kg/m2 or greater, or
  • 27 kg/m2 or greater with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia)
and children 12 years and older with:
  • Body weight above 60 kg, and
  • A BMI corresponding to 30 kg/m2 for adults
  • Add-on to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes
  • To lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Route of administration Subcutaneous injection Subcutaneous injection

Injection frequency

Once a day Once a week
Common side effects
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Injection site reaction
  • Headache
  • Low blood sugar
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation

Related questions

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

Ozempic: Common Side Effects

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.

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:

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.

References

Almandoz, J. P., et. al. (2020). Switching Between Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: Rationale and Practical Guidance. In: Clinical Diabetes. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2337/cd19-0100

Ozempic [package insert]. (Updated Sept 2023). Novo Nordisk. Accessed 07/13/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=adec4fd2-6858-4c99-91d4-531f5f2a2d79

Saxenda [package insert]. (Updated April 2023). Novo Nordisk. Accessed 07/13/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3946d389-0926-4f77-a708-0acb8153b143

Xie, Z., et. al. (2022). Efficacy and Safety of Liraglutide and Semaglutide on Weight Loss in People with Obesity or Overweight: A Systematic Review. In: Clinical Epidemiology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147%2FCLEP.S391819

Read next

How do Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound compare for weight loss?

Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound can all lead to long-term weight loss, but only Wegovy and Zepbound are approved by the FDA for this use. In studies, Zepbound has led to a 21% weight loss in adults using the highest dose, while Wegovy has led to about a 15% weight loss. Continue reading

How long does it take for Ozempic to work?

Your blood glucose (sugar) levels should start to fully decline within the first week after you start using Ozempic (semaglutide) at your regular dose. However, the full effect can take 8 weeks or longer, as this is a long-acting medication that is injected only once per week. Continue reading

Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?

Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is prescribed for long-term weight management while Ozempic is used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and help protect kidney function. They both lower the risk for heart-related complications, but they differ in other approved uses, doses, target populations and costs. Continue reading

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