Is Ozempic more effective for weight loss than Saxenda?

Yes, semaglutide generally produces greater average weight loss than liraglutide. However, the strongest comparison studied semaglutide 2.4 mg, not the standard doses typically sold under the Ozempic brand.

Ozempic and Saxenda are GLP-1 receptor agonists. Both medicines can reduce appetite, slow digestion and help you feel full for longer. They do have varying active ingredients, however. They have different approved uses and schedules for injection, too.

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a prescription medicine that contains a medicine called semaglutide, which is a drug known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It impacts on food intake, digestion and blood sugar control. Consequently, many people feel content with smaller portions and are less likely to have hunger cues.

The main indication for Ozempic is for adults who have type 2 diabetes. While weight loss is a frequent side effect of the drug, it’s not a universal side effect, and the term “Ozempic” is not synonymous with “Wegovy”. Both have active ingredients called semaglutide, and their indications and dosages are different.

Ozempic is given once a week. Our physicians prescribe it at the dosage of 0.25 mg weekly for four weeks after which it is raised to 0.5 mg. A clinician can then increase the dose to 1 mg or a maximum of 2 mg per week to manage diabetes. 

What Is Saxenda?

Saxenda is a prescription GLP-1 injection made of a drug called liraglutide. It will suppress hunger, promote satiety and help lower calorie consumption. Unlike Ozempic, Saxenda is a prescription drug that is specifically indicated for chronic weight management in qualified patients who are on a diet and exercise plan.

Saxenda is taken into the body once a day. The typical adult dose regime is to start weekly at 0.6 mg, then escalate to 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg and 2.4 mg, before reaching the maintenance dose of 3 mg per week. Treatment is reviewed after 16 weeks and recommended to stop if the adult has not lost at least 4% of their starting weight.

Ozempic vs Saxenda | Comparison

Ozempic is mainly prescribed to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It may also offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits to certain eligible patients.

One of the consequences of the “Ozempic” phenomenon is weight loss. But, the current label for Ozempic isn’t even the first approved use.

Saxenda contains liraglutide. It is particular for long-term weight management for qualified patients. Medicines are always given in conjunction with lifestyle changes. The availability and approved uses also differ in various countries.

Which Injection Works For More Weight Loss?

The best direct comparison is the STEP 8 randomized clinical trial. The weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg was compared to daily liraglutide 3.0 mg. Participants were adults without diabetes, but with overweight or obesity. The average weight loss estimates were:

• 15.8% with semaglutide 2.4 mg
• 6.4% with liraglutide 3.0 mg
• 9.4 % points more with semaglutide

Around 70.9% of participants receiving semaglutide lost at least 10% of their initial body weight. Only 25.6% of participants receiving liraglutide achieved the same result.

Note, however, that the trial was conducted with semaglutide 2.4 mg. This is the obesity dose not the regular ‘Ozempic’ dose of Wegovy. Patients should not count on the same results from each dose of Ozempic.

Why Might Semaglutide Be More Effective?

Semaglutide remains active in the body longer than liraglutide. This enables it to be given once a week. Normally Saxenda is injected into the body every day. Treatment may be more convenient for some patients if it is done weekly. Other factors that influence weight-loss results include:

• Starting body weight
• Body mass index
• Metabolic health
• Treatment dose
• The way people eat and exercise.
• Sleep quality
• Existing medical conditions
• Treatment consistency
• Response to medications

Both injections do not provide immediate weight loss or definite weight loss. A balanced diet, exercise and continued clinical supervision are best combined with medical treatment to achieve the best results.

Where Does Fat Reduce With Ozempic & Saxenda?

Ozempic and Saxenda do not target fat in a specific area, but rather promote overall weight loss. Patients may find fat loss from the:

• Abdomen and waist
• Face and neck
• Upper arms
• Hips and thighs
• Back
• Chest

The places where people lose weight first differ among people. Genetics, hormones, age, sex and natural fat distribution can all affect the results. Waist circumference is one area many patients see a decrease in, but none of the medicines ensure specific loss of belly fat.

Ozempic and Saxenda can’t specifically target fat in the chin, arms, thighs and other chosen areas. These options do not work as fat dissolving injections or body-contouring or liposuction.

The injections can go under the skin into the:

• Abdomen
• Thigh
• Upper arm

Injection sites should be alternated with the provider’s directions. The medicine will not first burn off the abdominal fat when it is injected into the abdomen. The injection site only indicates the place of entry into the body.

Benefits of Ozempic and Saxenda From RCS-PK

Some possible benefits are:

• Less hunger and less craving for food.
• Improved satiety and earlier and prolonged satiety after eating.
• Weight loss that makes a difference for the patient.
• Reduced waist circumference
• Weight reduction makes for better mobility and confidence.
• Support for healthier size amounts
• Some better markers of metabolism related to weight were seen.
• A method of treatment that does not involve surgery.

Ozempic & Saxenda Side Effects

Both options typically have gastrointestinal side effects. These symptoms might be more prominent at the onset of treatment or when doses of the medicine are increased. This can be accompanied by a range of side effects, such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Abdominal discomfort
• Reduced appetite
• Indigestion

If symptoms are severe or lasting, patients should seek their health care provider’s advice.

There are serious risks such as pancreatitis, gall bladder issues, kidney damage from dehydration and bad allergic response.

People who have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma may not be able to take these medicines. They also tend not to be used in those who have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and pregnancy plans should be communicated prior to treatment.

They should also bring up diabetes medications and any thyroid, pancreatic, kidney, gall bladder and digestive issues.

Which Treatment Could Be Better For You?

Ozempic may be a viable option if the main health concern is the management of type 2 diabetes. Decisions about using semaglutide must be made by a trained health care provider.

Saxenda may be used in an eligible patient who is a person that is looking for a treatment that is designed specifically for chronic weight management.

Medicines that result in more average weight loss are not necessarily the most safe medicines to use for all patients.

A proper assessment should consider:

• Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference
• Weight-related health conditions
• Current medications
• Previous weight-loss attempts
• Personal treatment goals
• Possible contraindications
• The ability to keep the treatment going.
• The risk of side effects 

If you are exploring other clinical options, our guide on the best injectable treatments for weight loss provides a broader overview of what suits different metabolic profiles. 

Guaranteed Weight Loss Injection In Islamabad F7

At Royal Cosmetic Surgery Clinic Islamabad, you will find consultations for weight management strategies, Saxenda injections, and weight management strategies, including those for the Ozempic injection.

The clinic will be on the 3rd Floor Ammar Center Jinnah Super market F-7 Markaz Islamabad.

Dr. Ayusha Khan is considered to be the best injector in Islamabad and can be contacted during the search.

Dr. Ayusha Khan is a top aesthetic physician having a rich experience of over a decade. She went to Rawalpindi Medical College for her MBBS. After that she had a training course in MCPS at CMH Malir in Karachi.

Dr. Ayusha Khan has also done an Observership in Dermatology at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Her aesthetic training has been done at Sheffield Aesthetics and Laser Clinic in the United Kingdom.

Her specialties are injectable treatments, weight-loss, fillers, Botox, lasers and customized aesthetic care.

At your consultation, the medical team can discuss your medical history and any concerns about weight.

They can also discuss what they think will happen, any potential dangers and if you might be a good candidate for the treatment of Ozempic or Saxenda.

What Is Ozempic vs Saxenda Cost in Islamabad, Pakistan?

In Islamabad, Cost varies based on Dose, Pen Strength, Treatment Duration, Availability, Import Costs, Consultation and Monitoring. 

• Ozempic: Starts from PKR 80,000 per month. The price varies depending on the level of dosage desired (either lower or maintenance).
• Saxenda: Average price for the basic monthly course of treatment is approximately PKR 80,000.

Several Factors That Affect The Cost:

• Type of injection
• Prescribed dosage
• Number of pens required
• Treatment duration
• Product availability
• Imported or local stock
• Consultation charges
• Follow-up appointments
• Required medical tests 

Final Verdict!

Semaglutide 2.4 mg produced considerably greater average weight loss than liraglutide 3.0 mg in a direct clinical trial. Overall, semaglutide seems to be more effective. But, it is important to note that obesity dose semaglutide is not the same as all doses or all uses of Ozempic. Your health, medical history and treatment goals should be the basis of your final decision. Call Royal Cosmetic Surgery Clinic Islamabad on 0332-5488777 to book an appointment to discuss your cosmetic surgery options in detail.