Saxenda vs Wegovy: Choosing the right weight loss medication
It’s easy to gain weight, but losing it is a big challenge. It requires determination, dedication, and effort. However, some weight loss treatments can help you lose weight more effectively.
Two of the best such treatments approved in the UK are Saxenda and Wegovy weight loss injections. Wegovy has only been approved for commercial use in 2021, while Saxenda has been in the market since 2014. Both of these treatments are fully tested and effective.
This guide explores the similarities and differences between Saxenda and Wegovy to help determine which is better suited to your needs.
What is Saxenda weight loss injection and how does it work?
Saxenda is a weight loss jab taken daily for at least five weeks. It has an active ingredient called Liraglutide, which helps control appetite by making you feel full for longer. This medicine is beneficial for people suffering from obesity caused by underlying medical conditions, like diabetes.
Saxenda tricks your brain into thinking your stomach is full. It works by mimicking the action of GLP-1 (a natural hormone that suppresses your hunger). You will find it easier to get slim when you do not have the urge to eat more.
What is Wegovy weight loss injection and how does it work?
Wegovy weight loss injection is taken one day a week for a minimum of five months. Its active ingredient is Semaglutide, which works similarly to Liraglutide by making you feel full for longer. However, it stays in your system for a much longer period than Saxenda.
Wegovy produces effects similar to GLP-1 (a chemical which naturally suppresses your hunger when you are full). It lowers your hunger and removes the need to eat more. It also slows down your digestive process.
Saxenda vs Wegovy: Which works better?
While countless weight loss drugs have circulated the market for years, hardly any of them are approved or tested. On the other hand, the GLP-1 innovations in weight loss medications are recent and they have created quite a stir in the world.
Studies have shown that both Saxenda and Wegovy are extremely effective in helping people lose weight.
- Saxenda has shown it can help up to 67.5% of people taking this medicine lose an average of 6.4% of their body weight after completing one treatment cycle.
- Wegovy has shown it can help up to 90% of people using it lose almost 16% of their body weight with a single treatment cycle.
Numbers show that people using Wegovy have a higher chance of losing more weight than Saxenda. But it depends on your physical condition, preference, and weight loss goals which treatment would suit you best.
The effectiveness may differ from person to person. Please consult your doctor to help determine which among Saxenda vs Wegovy is better suited for you.
How quickly will you see results?
Saxenda and Wegovy take some time to show their effectiveness. It may take a few weeks to a few months of treatment for either of these medications to show results. Please note that you may start losing weight quicker if you adopt the lifestyle changes as soon as possible.
- Saxenda effectively helps more than two-thirds of patients lose weight within 12 weeks.
- Wegovy helps nine people out of ten lose weight within 6 months of treatment.
What are the similarities between Saxenda and Wegovy?
Saxenda and Wegovy weight loss jabs have many key similarities, such as,
- Both Saxenda and Wegovy work by mimicking the effects of the GLP-1 hormone.
- They work best when combined with regular exercise and diet control.
- The dosage for both these medicines is gradually increased to reduce the risk of side effects.
- Both are suitable for use in children 12 years and above.
- Both are suitable for diabetics.
What are the differences between Saxenda and Wegovy?
These are the key differences between Saxenda and Wegovy weight loss jabs,
- Saxenda is taken daily while Wegovy is taken once a week.
- You can lose up to three times more weight on Wegovy than Saxenda.
- Wegovy comes in higher concentration so it may show more side effects than Saxenda.
- Saxenda injection costs up to three times less than Wegovy, but it finishes faster.
- The active ingredient of Wegovy stays in your system for up to 165 hours, while Saxenda stays for 14-16 hours.
Side effects of weight loss injections
Both Saxenda and Wegovy may cause these side effects,
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
Side effects vary from person to person. For that reason, it’s difficult to say which injection would produce fewer side effects in your case.
How do weight loss injections work best?
When it comes to weight management, weight loss injections can be very effective. But only relying on them without changing your habits reduces
their effectiveness. Saxenda and Wegovy work best when you combine them
with certain lifestyle changes.
Eat better
Avoid unhealthy food options, like barbeque, sugary drinks, and fast food. Develop a healthy schedule for eating your meals and stick to it. Eat slowly and enjoy each bite.
Exercise regularly
Get an hour of physical activity every day as long as the treatment continues. Good old-fashioned strength training is good but you can also do something fun, like dancing, horse racing, kayaking, or swimming.
Drink plenty of water
Limit the amount of fizzy drinks and drink water in their place. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day.
Get a full night’s rest
Make sure you get 6 hours of sleep every night. It will help lose weight quicker.
Where can I buy weight loss injections?
You can get Wegovy and Saxenda weight loss injections in the UK via NHS. You can also order them online with a valid prescription through a trusted pharmacy like Click Pharmacy.
Conclusion
Both Wegovy and Saxenda are very effective in helping you lose weight but their effects vary from person to person. You should consult your doctor or a healthcare professional to help determine which weight loss injection would suit you best.
