Wegovy vs Saxenda
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Side-by-side comparison based on STEP-1 and SCALE phase 3 trial data plus May 2026 pricing.
Wegovy
Higher efficacysemaglutide (injection)
Peak weight loss14.9%
TrialSTEP-1
Administrationinjection
FDA statusweight-loss
List price$1,349/mo
Saxenda
liraglutide (injection)
Peak weight loss8.4%
TrialSCALE
Administrationinjection
FDA statusweight-loss
List price$1,349/mo
Weight loss comparison (220 lbs starting weight)
% of body weight lost over 18 months, modeled from phase 3 trial data
Monthly cost by payment channel
| Channel | Wegovy | Saxenda | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $63 | $63 | $0 (Saxenda cheaper) |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | $349 | - | - |
| Telehealth: brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $329 | $399 | $70 (Wegovy cheaper) |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $1,349 | $1,349 | $0 (Saxenda cheaper) |
Wegovy pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ FDA-approved specifically for weight loss
- ✓ Robust 14.9% average weight loss in STEP-1
- ✓ Wide telehealth and pharmacy availability
- ✓ Once-weekly injection (good adherence)
Cons
- ✗ High list price ($1,349/mo without coverage)
- ✗ Insurance often denies for weight loss without comorbidity
- ✗ Mild-to-moderate GI side effects common during titration
- ✗ Lower efficacy than tirzepatide-based alternatives
Saxenda pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ Most prescribing experience of any GLP-1
- ✓ Fully covered by Medicare for some indications
Cons
- ✗ Daily injection (vs weekly for newer drugs)
- ✗ Substantially lower weight loss (8.4% vs 14.9–22.5%)
- ✗ Outdated by newer molecules
Common side effects
Wegovy
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Constipation
- • Vomiting
- • Headache
Saxenda
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Constipation
- • Vomiting
- • Headache
Which should you choose: Wegovy or Saxenda?
Choose Wegovy if: you want maximum weight loss (14.9% vs 8.4%).
Choose Saxenda if: you prefer this medication after consulting your prescriber.
Final decisions should always be made with a licensed prescriber. This is educational content only.
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Where to actually buy Wegovy or Saxenda (and the alternatives)
Manufacturer direct prices (LillyDirect, NovoCare) are usually cheapest. Updated May 2026.
| Drug | Insurance | Mfr direct | Telehealth (brand) | Telehealth (compd) | Cash retail | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy 14.9% weight loss | $63 | $349 | $329 | $249 cheapest | $1,349 | Get → |
| Ozempic 11.6% weight loss | $63 | - | $399 | $199 cheapest | $998 | Get → |
| Wegovy (oral 25mg) 13.6% weight loss | $63 | $149 cheapest | $449 | - | $1,349 | Get → |
| Zepbound 22.5% weight loss | $88 | $299 cheapest | $499 | $299 cheapest | $1,059 | Get → |
| Mounjaro 20.9% weight loss | $88 | - | $499 | $299 cheapest | $1,069 | Get → |
| Saxenda 8.4% weight loss | $63 | - | $399 cheapest | - | $1,349 | Get → |
| Foundayo (orforglipron) 14.7% weight loss | $63 | $149 cheapest | - | - | $1,099 | Get → |
Some links are affiliate. We earn a commission at no cost to you. We never recommend a product based on commission. Disclaimer.
Medical disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only based on phase 3 clinical trial data and publicly listed prices. It is not medical advice. Real-world weight loss varies significantly. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication.
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