Saxenda vs. Ozempic: Which is better for weight loss?

Last updated: 04-05-2023

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Recently, two new weight-loss drugs have been developed. These are Saxenda and Ozempic. Both drugs suppress your appetite and reduce hunger signals. This makes people feel fuller for longer.

Overview of Saxenda and Ozempic

Saxenda and Ozempic are given as injections. Both medicines can help people lose weight. They can also control blood sugar levels. This is useful for overweight people or people with type II diabetes.

Saxenda makes you feel fuller. Ozempic brings down blood sugar levels by helping the body make more insulin.

Saxenda should be taken every day. Ozempic should be taken once a week.

Both medicines are FDA-approved. Both have also had good results in clinical trials. It is important to talk to your GP before taking any new medicine.

Pros and Cons

Both medicines have their own pros and cons.

Saxenda

Pros:

Weight loss. Saxenda can help people lose a lot of weight.
A lower risk of weight-related problems. Saxenda can help lower the risk of weight-related illnesses. These include type II diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Easy to use. Users of Saxenda can inject it themselves.
Helps with weight management. Saxenda works best when combined with exercise and a healthy diet.
Better quality of life. Saxenda can improve the quality of life for overweight people. Weight loss can improve people’s mobility, sleep and self-esteem.

Cons:

Cost. Saxenda costs more than some other weight-loss medicines.
Unpleasant side effects. These include feeling sick, diarrhoea, vomiting and low blood sugar.
Safety worries. Saxenda is linked to a higher risk of pancreas and gallbladder problems. It is also linked to malignant thyroid tumours.
Difficulty maintaining weight loss. Some people may find it hard to keep up their weight loss after stopping Saxenda.

Ozempic

Pros:

Good blood sugar control. Ozempic lowers blood sugar levels in people with type II diabetes.
Heart-related benefits. Ozempic can lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in people with type II diabetes.
Weight loss. Ozempic can help people lose or maintain their weight. This helps with their blood sugar control.
Easy to take. Ozempic is injected once a week.
Long-lasting: The effects of Ozempic last for a long time. This means that it continues to lower blood sugar levels even if a dose is missed.

Cons:

Cost: Ozempic costs more than some other weight-loss medicines.
Unpleasant side effects. These include feeling sick, diarrhoea, vomiting and low blood sugar.
Safety worries. Ozempic is linked to a higher risk of thyroid cancer and pancreas problems.
Limited long-term data. Ozempic works well for short periods. However, there is not enough data on how well it works and whether it is safe to take it for long periods.

How much to take

You should follow the dosage as directed by your GP.

How to take Saxenda

Saxenda is injected in the skin. People normally choose the stomach, thigh or upper arm.
The starting amount is usually 0.6 mg. It is taken once a day for at least one week. This is to check how well the user tolerates the medicine.
If there are no problems, the amount can then go up to 1.2 mg a day. The maximum dose is 3.0 mg a day. The dosage can be increased by 0.6 mg a week.
The maintenance dose is usually 3.0 mg a day.
Saxenda should be combined with exercise and a healthy diet.
Saxenda should be injected in a different spot on the body each time. It should not be injected in the same place twice.

How to take Ozempic

Ozempic is injected under the skin once a week.
The starting amount is usually 0.25 mg once a week for four weeks.
The amount can then go up to 0.5 mg once a week.
If the person’s blood sugar still needs to come down, the dosage can go up more. The maximum dose is 1.0 mg once a week.
Ozempic should be combined with exercise and a healthy diet.
Ozempic should be injected in a different spot on the body each time. It should not be injected in the same place twice.

The information above is very general. It is important to talk to a GP or nurse before starting any weight-loss treatment.

Ozempic and Saxenda in the UK

In the UK, Ozempic and Saxenda are only available on prescription.

Ozempic is covered by the NHS for people with type II diabetes who meet certain criteria.

Saxenda isn’t covered by the NHS. It must be bought privately. It can only be taken by people who have either:

A BMI of 30 or higher.
A BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related illness. For example, type II diabetes or high blood pressure.

Talk to your GP before you take either of these medicines. They can tell you whether they are suitable for you. They will also talk about any side effects or risks.

Get them Online

You can order Saxenda and Ozempic through our online UK pharmacy. Complete the online medical test before doing so. One of our prescribers will review your responses. If approved, our pharmacy team will post the medicine to you for next-day delivery.

Side effects linked to Saxenda and Ozempic

Saxenda and Ozempic are FDA-approved medicines for weight loss. However, they may have some side effects.

Common side effects of Saxenda

Feeling sick. This is the most common side effect. It usually happens in the first few weeks and improves over time.
Diarrhoea. It may also cause constipation or a stomach ache.
Vomiting.
Headaches. These are usually mild.
Fatigue. This usually happens during the first few weeks and improves over time.

Rare side effects of Saxenda

Pancreatitis. This is very serious. Get medical help straight away if you are in a lot of pain high up in your abdomen.
Gallbladder problems. Symptoms include stomach pain, feeling sick, or vomiting.
Low blood sugar. Saxenda can cause low blood sugar. This is most likely in type II diabetics who are using other diabetes medicines.
Allergic reactions. Get medical help straight away if you have a rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing while using Saxenda.
Heart problems: Saxenda may increase your heart rate or blood pressure. This can lead to heart failure or other problems.

Common side effects of Ozempic

Feeling sick. This is the most common side effect. It usually happens in the first few weeks and improves over time.
Diarrhoea. It may also cause constipation or a stomach ache.
Vomiting.
Infections. It may increase the risk of UTIs or chest infections.
Reactions at the injection site. There may be some redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site. These symptoms are usually mild.

Rare side effects of Ozempic

Risk of thyroid cancer. Ozempic may increase the risk of thyroid cancer. It is not recommended for people at risk of this type of cancer.
Pancreatitis. This is very serious. Get medical help straight away if you are in a lot of pain high up in your abdomen.
Kidney problems. These are most likely to affect people with type II diabetes or who already have kidney disease.
Gallbladder problems. Symptoms include stomach pain, feeling sick, or vomiting.
Low blood sugar. Ozempic can cause low blood sugar. This is most likely in type II diabetics who are using other diabetes medicines.

How to choose between them

Think about what you want to achieve. Cost may be a factor, or the weight-loss medications may react with other drugs you are taking.

Talk to your GP about your options. You can also ask for advice from people you trust.

How to get the best effect

Take your medicine at the same time each day. Make sure you are taking it in the correct way. Listen to and follow your GP’s advice. Speak to them about any worries you have.

Which is better?

Both medicines work well. The right choice will depend on you and your needs. Talk to your GP for advice on which is best for you.

How to keep up with your weight loss

Make simple changes like eating healthy foods and doing regular exercise. Make sure you drink lots of water. Try to keep track of your progress. Ask for help and support from friends and family.

Conclusion

Think about your health needs before taking either of these medicines. Talking to your GP will help.

Once taking the treatment, remember that exercise and a healthy diet are also important. Keep track of your progress to stay motivated.