Choosing between Saxenda or Ozempic for weight loss? Both medications belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class and help with weight management, but they differ significantly in active ingredient, dosing frequency, effectiveness, and cost. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection that produces average weight loss of 5-8%, while Ozempic (semaglutide) is injected weekly and demonstrates up to 15% weight loss in clinical trials. This article compares both medications on all relevant aspects so you can make an informed decision with your doctor.
Curious about how a GLP-1 treatment at Go Leaner works in practice? Read our explanation of the treatment process.
What Are Saxenda and Ozempic Exactly?
Saxenda and Ozempic are both injectable medications that work through the GLP-1 receptor system in the body. They mimic the natural gut hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which plays a role in appetite regulation and blood sugar control.
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Saxenda contains the active substance liraglutide at a dose of 3.0 mg per day. It was approved by the EMA in 2015 specifically for weight management. Liraglutide has a half-life of approximately 13 hours, requiring daily administration. The medication is manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Ozempic contains semaglutide and was originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes but is widely prescribed off-label for weight loss. Semaglutide has a half-life of approximately 7 days, allowing once-weekly injection. The maximum dose for Ozempic is 2.0 mg per week. Find more information on our Ozempic page.
How Do Saxenda and Ozempic Work for Weight Loss?
Both medications activate the GLP-1 receptor, but semaglutide (Ozempic) binds more strongly and longer to this receptor than liraglutide (Saxenda). This difference in binding affinity partly explains the difference in efficacy.
The mechanism of action involves three main pathways:
The net effect is a reduced caloric intake of approximately 500-700 kcal per day with Ozempic and 300-500 kcal per day with Saxenda, according to metabolic studies (Blundell et al., 2017).
What Is the Dosing Schedule for Saxenda vs Ozempic?
Both medications follow a titration schedule to minimise gastrointestinal side effects. Below is an overview:
| Week | Saxenda (daily) | Ozempic (weekly) | |------|----------------|------------------| | Week 1-2 | 0.6 mg/day | 0.25 mg/week | | Week 3-4 | 1.2 mg/day | 0.25 mg/week | | Week 5-6 | 1.8 mg/day | 0.5 mg/week | | Week 7-8 | 2.4 mg/day | 0.5 mg/week | | Week 9+ | 3.0 mg/day (maintenance) | 1.0 mg/week | | Week 13+ | 3.0 mg/day | 1.0-2.0 mg/week (maintenance) |
Saxenda Titration Schedule
With Saxenda, the dose is increased by 0.6 mg every two weeks until the maintenance dose of 3.0 mg per day is reached. This takes a minimum of 8 weeks. The injection is administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm at any time of day.
Ozempic Titration Schedule
Ozempic starts at 0.25 mg per week for four weeks, after which the dose is increased to 0.5 mg. After at least four weeks on 0.5 mg, the doctor may decide to increase to 1.0 mg or 2.0 mg per week. The injection is administered once weekly on a fixed day.
How Effective Are Saxenda and Ozempic for Weight Loss?
The efficacy of both medications has been extensively studied in large clinical trials. The difference in results is significant.
Clinical Trial Results
Saxenda (SCALE study, Pi-Sunyer et al., 2015):
Ozempic (STEP-1 trial, Wilding et al., 2021):
Important: the STEP-1 trial used semaglutide 2.4 mg (the dose in Wegovy), while Ozempic contains a maximum of 2.0 mg. Nevertheless, Ozempic also shows significantly more weight loss than Saxenda in the SUSTAIN trials.
Direct Comparison (STEP-8 Trial)
The STEP-8 trial (Rubino et al., 2022) directly compared semaglutide 2.4 mg with liraglutide 3.0 mg:
This head-to-head comparison confirms that semaglutide is superior to liraglutide for weight loss.
What Are the Side Effects of Saxenda and Ozempic?
Both medications share similar side effects due to their common mechanism of action. However, frequency and severity may differ.
Common Side Effects
| Side Effect | Saxenda | Ozempic | |------------|---------|--------| | Nausea | 39-40% | 20-44% | | Diarrhoea | 20-21% | 15-30% | | Constipation | 19-20% | 12-24% | | Vomiting | 15-16% | 5-25% | | Headache | 13-14% | 10-14% | | Injection site reaction | 13-14% | 1-2% |
Gastrointestinal side effects are strongest during the titration phase for both medications and typically subside after 4-8 weeks. Because Saxenda is injected daily, users more frequently report injection site reactions.
When to Contact a Doctor?
Contact your treating physician immediately if you experience:
At Go Leaner, all patients are supervised by BIG-registered physicians who are available for questions about side effects.
How Much Do Saxenda and Ozempic Cost in the Netherlands?
The costs of Saxenda or Ozempic differ considerably, and neither is covered by standard health insurance for weight loss (only for type 2 diabetes in the case of Ozempic).
| Cost Aspect | Saxenda | Ozempic | |------------|---------|--------| | Pharmacy price per month | €150-€300 | €80-€200 | | Pens per month | 5 pens (daily) | 4 pens (weekly, 1 month per pen) | | Annual costs (estimate) | €1,800-€3,600 | €960-€2,400 | | Basic insurance coverage (weight loss) | No | No | | Coverage for type 2 diabetes | Not applicable | Yes |
Exact costs depend on dosage, pharmacy, and any supplementary insurance. View current prices at Go Leaner for a complete overview of treatment costs including medical supervision.
How Does the User Experience of Saxenda Compare to Ozempic?
Beyond efficacy and cost, the daily user experience plays an important role in choosing between both medications.
Administration Frequency and Convenience
The biggest practical difference is injection frequency:
For many patients, the weekly administration of Ozempic is a significant advantage. Research shows that treatment adherence is higher with weekly versus daily injections (Polonsky et al., 2017). This translates to better long-term results.
Pen Usage
Both medications are administered with a pre-filled injection pen with a very thin needle (32G). The injection is virtually painless. Saxenda uses a multi-dose pen (up to 30 days at starting dose), while Ozempic has a pen containing 4 weekly doses.
Storage
Both pens must be stored in the refrigerator (2-8°C) before first use. After opening, Saxenda can be stored at room temperature for 30 days, and Ozempic for 56 days (8 weeks).
Who Is Saxenda or Ozempic Suitable For?
The formal indications differ, although there is overlap in clinical practice.
Saxenda is registered for:
Ozempic is registered for:
Want to know if you qualify? First calculate your BMI and then contact a physician.
Contraindications for Both Medications
Saxenda or Ozempic: Which Is Better for Weight Loss?
Based on available evidence, semaglutide (Ozempic) is superior to liraglutide (Saxenda) for weight loss on virtually all endpoints:
There are situations where Saxenda may still be preferred:
For most adults seeking weight loss, Ozempic or its sister medication Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg, specifically registered for weight loss) is the first choice based on current evidence.
A newer option is Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors and appears even more effective than semaglutide in studies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saxenda or Ozempic
Can I Switch from Saxenda to Ozempic?
Yes, switching is possible under medical supervision. Your doctor will prescribe a new titration schedule. Usually you stop Saxenda and start Ozempic 0.25 mg the next day. A washout period is not necessary.
Can I Use Saxenda and Ozempic Simultaneously?
No, combining two GLP-1 receptor agonists is not recommended. This increases the risk of severe gastrointestinal side effects without proven additional benefit for weight loss.
How Many Kilos Will I Lose with Saxenda vs Ozempic?
At a starting weight of 100 kg, you can expect to lose approximately 8 kg with Saxenda and 15 kg with Ozempic after 12-16 months. Individual results vary based on diet, exercise, and genetic factors.
Do I Need a Prescription for Saxenda or Ozempic?
Yes, both medications are prescription-only in the Netherlands. A doctor must assess whether you qualify based on your BMI, medical history, and any contraindications.
Will I Regain Weight After Stopping Saxenda or Ozempic?
Research shows that most patients regain some of the lost weight after discontinuation. The STEP-4 trial demonstrated that patients regained approximately two-thirds of lost weight within one year of stopping semaglutide. Therefore, long-term treatment is often necessary.
Need Help Choosing?
The choice between Saxenda or Ozempic is a medical decision best made together with a physician. At Go Leaner, you are guided by BIG-registered doctors who advise the most suitable medication based on your personal situation, BMI, and medical history. See how the treatment process works or get in touch for a no-obligation consultation.
This article is informational and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a doctor before starting weight loss medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Saxenda to Ozempic?
Yes, switching from Saxenda to Ozempic is possible under medical supervision. You stop Saxenda and start Ozempic 0.25 mg the next day. A washout period is not necessary, but your doctor will prescribe a new titration schedule.
How much weight do you lose with Saxenda versus Ozempic?
At a starting weight of 100 kg, you can expect to lose approximately 8 kg with Saxenda and 15 kg with Ozempic after 12-16 months of treatment. The STEP-8 trial showed semaglutide is 2.5 times more effective than liraglutide for weight loss.
Can you use Saxenda and Ozempic at the same time?
No, combining Saxenda and Ozempic is not recommended. Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists and simultaneous use increases the risk of severe side effects such as persistent nausea and vomiting, without proven additional weight loss.
Which is cheaper: Saxenda or Ozempic?
Ozempic is cheaper than Saxenda. Monthly costs for Ozempic range from €80-200, while Saxenda costs €150-300 per month. On an annual basis, this amounts to a difference of €800-1,200. Neither is covered by basic health insurance for weight loss.
Is Saxenda or Ozempic better for weight loss?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is more effective for weight loss than Saxenda (liraglutide). In the head-to-head STEP-8 trial, participants lost 15.8% body weight with semaglutide versus 6.4% with liraglutide. Ozempic is also cheaper and requires only a weekly injection.
Do I need a prescription for Saxenda or Ozempic?
Yes, both Saxenda and Ozempic are prescription-only medications in the Netherlands. A doctor must assess whether you qualify based on your BMI (minimum 27-30), medical history, and any contraindications before writing a prescription.
Sources
- 1.Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP-1), Wilding JPH et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2021. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- 2.A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE), Pi-Sunyer X et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2015. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1411892
- 3.Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance (STEP-4), Rubino D et al., JAMA, 2021. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2021.3224
- 4.Effect of Weekly Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight (STEP-8), Rubino DM et al., JAMA, 2022. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2022.18107