Wegovy vs Saxenda
A side-by-side look at two weight management medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Wegovy | US Saxenda | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | semaglutide | liraglutide |
| Drug class | GLP-1 Receptor Agonist | GLP-1 Receptor Agonist |
| Treats | Chronic weight management, cardiovascular risk reduction | Chronic weight management |
| Category | Weight Management | Weight Management |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
| Year approved | 2021 | 2014 |
| FDA warning | Black box warning | Black box warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $380M | — |
| Common side effects | Nausea, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Constipation | Nausea, Diarrhea, Constipation, Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (boxed warning) |
Frequently asked questions
Is Wegovy or Saxenda better?
Neither is universally "better." Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are both used for weight management, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Saxenda?
Wegovy is a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist made by Novo Nordisk, while Saxenda is a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist made by Novo Nordisk. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Wegovy has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.