Ozempic vs Saxenda Comparison - Weight Loss Uses, Dosage, Cost, Pros and Cons

Ozempic vs Saxenda: How These Newer Diabetes Drugs Compare for Weight Loss

With rising obesity levels worldwide, there is increasing interest in prescription medications that can aid weight loss. Two of the newer drugs used for this are Ozempic and Saxenda. But what are the similarities and differences between these two injectable medicines? Let's take a closer look at how Ozempic and Saxenda compare.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic (with the generic name semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication originally approved in 2017 for treating type 2 diabetes. It helps improve blood sugar control by regulating insulin production and suppressing appetite.

Ozempic is administered once weekly by injection pen just under the skin. The dosage is gradually increased over 5 weeks until reaching a 1 mg maintenance dose. It was developed and is marketed by Novo Nordisk.

How Ozempic Promotes Weight Loss

While Ozempic is prescribed primarily for diabetes management, one of its side effects is appetite suppression and weight loss. By acting on appetite regulation receptors in the brain, it helps users feel fuller faster and longer.

In clinical studies, Ozempic users lost an average of 15 pounds over 56 weeks of treatment. This weight loss effect makes it appealing for those struggling to reduce body weight through diet and lifestyle alone.

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is also an injected medication developed by Novo Nordisk containing the active ingredient liraglutide. It was originally approved in 2014 strictly for chronic weight management in obese patients, unlike Ozempic's initial diabetes indication.

Saxenda is self-injected once daily into the abdomen, thigh, or arm. The dosage is increased weekly until reaching a 3 mg maintenance dose. Saxenda and Ozempic have a very similar molecular makeup and mechanism of action in the body.

How Saxenda Aids Weight Loss

Like Ozempic, Saxenda is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works to regulate appetite by impacting brain receptors involved in hunger and fullness signals. The result is increased feelings of satiety that reduce calorie intake.

In trials, those taking Saxenda lost around 7.5% of their body weight after 12 months. This significant weight loss has made it an appealing prescription option for weight management.

Direct Comparison of Ozempic vs Saxenda

Since Ozempic and Saxenda are both injectable weight loss medications from Novo Nordisk, how exactly do they differ? Here is an overview of the key similarities and differences:

Mechanism of Action

Ozempic and Saxenda have the exact same mechanism of action, targeting the body's GLP-1 receptors to stimulate insulin production and suppress appetite.

Active Ingredient

While they have minor molecular differences, semaglutide (Ozempic) and liraglutide (Saxenda) have a very similar makeup and effects on the body.

Original Approval

Ozempic was originally approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, while Saxenda was specifically developed and approved for chronic weight management.

Dosing Frequency

Ozempic is injected once per week, compared to Saxenda which is injected once daily.

Dosage Amount

The maintenance dosage for Ozempic is 1 mg, while Saxenda has a higher 3 mg dosage at steady state.

Expected Weight Loss

Users lost approximately 15 pounds on average taking Ozempic compared to around 7.5% baseline weight loss for Saxenda users in trials.

Cost

Saxenda tends to be slightly more expensive than Ozempic, likely owing to the higher dosage amount.

Side Effects

Given their very similar action, Ozempic and Saxenda come with the same set of possible side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

Pros and Cons of Ozempic vs Saxenda

Weighing the pros and cons of Ozempic and Saxenda can help determine which may be a better choice:

Ozempic Pros

• Less frequent weekly dosing
• Lower 1 mg maintenance dose
• Potentially lower cost
• Already approved for diabetes

Ozempic Cons

• Slightly less average weight loss
• Not approved specifically for weight loss

Saxenda Pros

• Higher weight loss results in trials
• Specifically FDA approved for weight loss

Saxenda Cons

• Daily injection regimen
• Higher 3 mg maintenance dosage
• Typically more expensive
• Not approved for diabetes treatment

Completely shared pros are appetite suppression and clinically proven effectiveness for weight management. The decision between the two drugs depends largely on individual factors like desired weight loss, dosing preferences, existing diabetes, and out-of-pocket medication costs.

Candidacy for Ozempic and Saxenda

Like any prescription medication, Ozempic and Saxenda are only appropriate for certain patients and situations. Here is an overview of candidate criteria for each drug:

Who is a Candidate for Ozempic?

Ozempic may be prescribed for patients who:

• Have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
• Need help regulating blood sugar levels
• Have a BMI over 30 (or 27+ with weight-related disease)
• Have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone
• Are motivated and ready to modify lifestyle habits

Who is a Candidate for Saxenda?

Saxenda may be prescribed for patients who:

• Are considered obese with a BMI over 30
• Do not have type 2 diabetes
• Have tried and failed to sustain weight loss through other means
• Are prepared to make appropriate lifestyle changes
• Do not have a personal or family history of certain cancer types

Those with diabetes looking to lose excess weight may fit the Ozempic profile, while strictly weight loss patients are more aligned with Saxenda's original purpose.

The Bottom Line

In summary, while Ozempic and Saxenda share many similarities they also have some notable differences that may make one more suitable than the other under certain circumstances. Together, they represent additional pharmacological options for managing obesity and weight-related chronic health conditions.

Patients should thoroughly discuss all factors including effectiveness, safety, cost, and dosage regimen with their provider when determining if trying Ozempic, Saxenda, or other weight loss medications may be appropriate for their needs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.