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Two injectable weight loss medications now dominate conversations in UK clinics and gyms alike — Saxenda and Wegovy. Both are clinically proven, both are available in the UK, and both work in fundamentally different ways despite belonging to the same broad drug family. If you’re trying to decide between them, or simply want to understand what your GP or specialist might recommend, this guide cuts through the noise with clinical accuracy and real-world experience.
Wegovy is generally the more effective option for weight loss, producing average reductions of 15–17% body weight versus Saxenda’s 5–10%. However, Saxenda has broader NHS prescribing pathways in some areas and may suit those who cannot tolerate higher semaglutide doses. Your best choice depends on your BMI, medical history, local NHS eligibility, and budget. Always consult a qualified prescriber before starting either medication.
Sarah’s clinical experience: I have supported clients through both Saxenda and Wegovy journeys. In my experience, Wegovy tends to produce more significant weight loss — one client achieved 14% body weight reduction over 9 months on Wegovy after plateauing on Saxenda. The daily injection requirement of Saxenda is also a practical barrier many clients struggle with long-term, while Wegovy’s once-weekly dose improves adherence considerably. That said, individual responses vary — always discuss with your GP or specialist before switching.
Saxenda vs Wegovy: Side-by-Side Comparison
The table below summarises the key differences between both medications as of 2026. Prices reflect approximate private prescription costs and may vary by provider.
| Feature | Saxenda | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Active drug | Liraglutide | Semaglutide |
| Drug class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Injection frequency | Daily | Once weekly |
| Maximum dose | 3.0mg daily | 2.4mg weekly |
| Average weight loss | 5–10% body weight | 15–17% body weight |
| NHS availability | Specialist weight management services (some ICBs) | Specialist services; NICE-approved rollout ongoing |
| Approximate private monthly cost | £150–£200 | £200–£295 |
| MHRA licensed for obesity | Yes | Yes |
| Cardiovascular benefit data | Moderate evidence | Strong evidence (SELECT trial) |
How Both Medications Work
Both Saxenda and Wegovy mimic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone naturally released in the gut after eating. They signal to the brain that you feel full, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite-driven food intake. Neither is a stimulant, and neither “burns fat” directly — they work by making it considerably easier to maintain a calorie deficit consistently over time.
The meaningful clinical difference is duration of action. Liraglutide (Saxenda) has a half-life of approximately 13 hours, which is why daily injections are required. Semaglutide (Wegovy) has a half-life of roughly one week, allowing once-weekly dosing and sustaining steadier blood levels — a factor that likely contributes to its superior average weight loss outcomes.
NHS Eligibility: What You Actually Need to Qualify
NHS prescribing for both medications is primarily through specialist weight management services, not standard GP surgeries, though this is evolving as NHS England’s structured rollout continues.
For Wegovy, NICE guidance (TA875) recommends it for adults with a BMI of 35 kg/m² or above with
