What is the difference between Ozempic and Saxenda for Weight Loss?

Saxenda and Ozempic are both medications used in the treatment of obesity and weight management, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct mechanisms of action.

1. Saxenda: Saxenda is the brand name for liraglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Originally, liraglutide was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the brand name Victoza for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is an injectable medication that mimics the action of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone in the body. GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar levels, reduces appetite, and slows down the emptying of the stomach.

In its weight loss formulation, Saxenda is prescribed as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Saxenda works by reducing hunger, increasing feelings of fullness, and promoting a sense of satiety, which can lead to reduced calorie intake and weight loss.

2. Ozempic: Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, which is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Like liraglutide, semaglutide was initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it was later developed and approved as a medication for chronic weight management under the brand name Wegovy, not to be confused with Saxenda.

Similar to Saxenda, Ozempic is administered by injection and helps regulate blood sugar levels, reduces appetite, and delays gastric emptying. It can be prescribed to adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Ozempic’s weight loss formulation is used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to assist with long-term weight management.

In summary, both Saxenda and Ozempic are GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight management, but Saxenda was originally approved for type 2 diabetes treatment before its weight loss indication, while Ozempic was initially developed for diabetes treatment and later approved specifically for weight management.