Wegovy vs Saxenda: Which Is Better for Weight Loss in the UK?

A detailed comparison of Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) — two of the most widely prescribed weight loss injections in the UK — covering efficacy, cost, side effects, and convenience.

Wegovy (Semaglutide)
~14.9% weight loss
Once weekly injection · Approved 2023
More effectiveWeekly dosingHigher cost
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
~5–7% weight loss
Once daily injection · Approved 2015
Longer track recordLower costDaily injection

Full Comparison: Wegovy vs Saxenda

Side-by-side comparison of all key factors for UK patients.

Factor
Wegovy
Saxenda
Active ingredientSemaglutide 2.4mgLiraglutide 3mg
Drug classGLP-1 receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonist
Injection frequencyOnce weekly ✓Once daily
Average weight loss~14.9% body weight~5–7% body weight
UK approval (weight loss)20232015
NICE approvedYes (2024)Yes (2020)
Typical monthly cost (UK)£200–£350£150–£250
Pen devicePre-filled penPre-filled pen
Dose titration4 steps over 16 weeks5 steps over 5 weeks
Max approved dose2.4mg weekly3mg daily
Cardiovascular benefitProven (SELECT trial)Proven (LEADER trial)
Available on NHSYes (specialist services)Yes (specialist services)

Clinical Trial Evidence

Weight loss results from pivotal clinical trials used to support UK regulatory approval.

TrialParticipantsDurationWeight LossComparatorNote
STEP 1 (Wegovy)1,96168 weeks14.9%2.4%vs placebo
SCALE Obesity (Saxenda)3,73156 weeks8.0%2.6%vs placebo
STEP 8 (head-to-head)33868 weeks15.8% (Wegovy)6.4% (Saxenda)Direct comparison

Sources: NEJM STEP 1 trial (2021), SCALE Obesity trial (2015), STEP 8 head-to-head trial (2022). Results include lifestyle intervention in both arms.

Pros & Cons

W

Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Significantly greater weight loss (~14.9% vs ~5–7%)
Once-weekly injection — much more convenient
Proven cardiovascular benefits (SELECT trial)
NICE approved for NHS use
Fewer injections = better adherence
Higher monthly cost (£200–£350)
Newer — less long-term safety data
Can be harder to find in stock
More potent = potentially stronger side effects
S

Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Lower monthly cost (£150–£250)
10+ years of safety data since 2015 approval
Also approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza)
Proven cardiovascular benefits (LEADER trial)
NICE approved for NHS use
Daily injection — less convenient
Significantly less effective than Wegovy
Slower titration schedule (5 weeks)
May require longer treatment to reach goal

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Wegovy if you…
  • Want the most effective option available
  • Prefer the convenience of weekly injections
  • Have a higher BMI and need significant weight loss
  • Have cardiovascular risk factors
  • Are happy to pay a premium for better results
  • Have not responded well to Saxenda
Choose Saxenda if you…
  • Are budget-conscious and want a lower monthly cost
  • Prefer a medication with a longer safety record
  • Have had side effects with semaglutide-based drugs
  • Need a stepping stone before trying Wegovy
  • Have a lower BMI and need modest weight loss
  • Are already familiar with daily injections

Medical disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The choice between Wegovy and Saxenda should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who can assess your individual medical history, BMI, and treatment goals. Neither medication is suitable for everyone.

UK Price Comparison

Typical monthly costs at UK online pharmacies (March 2026).

Dose / StageWegovy (monthly)Saxenda (monthly)
Starting dose£180–£220£120–£160
Mid-titration£220–£280£160–£200
Maintenance dose£280–£350£200–£250
With discount code£150–£300£100–£220

Prices are indicative ranges based on market research. Actual prices vary by pharmacy and may change. Use our comparison tool for live prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wegovy better than Saxenda for weight loss?▼
Yes, clinical trial data consistently shows Wegovy produces significantly greater weight loss. The STEP 8 head-to-head trial showed Wegovy users lost 15.8% of body weight vs 6.4% with Saxenda over 68 weeks. However, both are effective and the best choice depends on your individual circumstances.
Can I switch from Saxenda to Wegovy?▼
Yes, switching is possible and many patients do so. Speak to your prescribing clinician before switching. There is typically a short washout period of a few days between stopping Saxenda and starting Wegovy at the lowest dose (0.25mg weekly).
Are Wegovy and Saxenda available on the NHS?▼
Both are available through NHS specialist weight management services for patients who meet NICE eligibility criteria. NHS access is limited and waiting lists can be long. Most patients access these medications through private online pharmacies.
What are the side effects of Wegovy vs Saxenda?▼
Both share similar GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation) as they work via the same GLP-1 mechanism. Wegovy side effects may be more pronounced due to its higher potency. Both carry a rare risk of pancreatitis and should not be used in patients with a history of medullary thyroid cancer.
How long does it take to see results with Wegovy vs Saxenda?▼
Most patients notice reduced appetite within the first few weeks. Meaningful weight loss typically begins within 4–8 weeks. Wegovy users generally see faster and greater results — the STEP 1 trial showed continued weight loss up to 68 weeks. Saxenda results tend to plateau earlier.

More GLP-1 Comparisons

Mounjaro vs Wegovy

Tirzepatide vs semaglutide — the ultimate comparison

Mounjaro vs Ozempic

Tirzepatide vs semaglutide 1mg for weight loss

Mounjaro vs Saxenda

Tirzepatide vs liraglutide — which wins?

Find the Best Price for Wegovy or Saxenda

Compare prices and discount codes across 60+ UK pharmacies for both Wegovy and Saxenda.

Wegovy Discount Codes →Saxenda Discount Codes

Get notified when Mounjaro prices drop

Free price drop alerts for your dose. We check 60+ pharmacies daily — you'll be the first to know.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Prices checked daily across 60+ GPhC-registered pharmacies.