What is the difference between Ozempic and Saxenda?

What is the active ingredient difference between Ozempic and Saxenda?

The most important distinction between the two drugs lies in the active substance.

• Ozempic contains semaglutide
• Saxenda contains liraglutide

Both substances belong to the same drug class: the GLP-1 receptor agonists. They mimic the natural gut hormone GLP-1. This hormone regulates appetite and thus helps lower blood sugar levels.

However, they work slightly differently. Semaglutide (Ozempic) has a longer duration of action, so that the body responds to it more stably and the effect on satiety lasts longer. Liraglutide (Saxenda) works for a shorter period of time, so it must be administered daily.

How often should you inject?

An important practical difference is the frequency of administration:

• Saxenda is injected daily
• Ozempic only once a week

This makes Ozempic more user-friendly for many people, especially in the long term. Fewer injection times mean less chance of missing a dose, and often a more stable course of treatment.

With both medicines, you use a pre-filled injection pen that you administer yourself at home. The injection pens have a thin needle and are therefore almost painless and easy to use.

What do studies say about effectiveness?

Clinical trials show that both drugs are effective in weight loss, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. Ozempic generally shows a slightly higher average weight loss than Saxenda, which is associated with the stronger and longer effects of semaglutide.

In addition, studies published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences indicates that GLP-1 medication also has positive effects on blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. In this way, they contribute to better overall health in various ways.

Who are the medicines for?

Saxenda is officially approved for use in obese (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with additional weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

Ozempic was originally developed for people with type 2 diabetes, but is also used in practice as a remedy for obesity. Its effect on appetite and satiety makes it an effective aid in a medically assisted weight loss process. Globally, Ozempic is currently the most used weight loss medicine together with Mounjaro.

At Goodweigh, we always carefully assess which drug best suits your health situation and goals.

How do Goodweigh's treatment programs differ?

At both Ozempic and Saxenda, you start at Goodweigh with a medical intake performed by a BIG-registered doctor. This is followed by a personal treatment plan with:

• guidance in building up the medication,
• online lifestyle coaching,
• progress monitoring via the Goodweigh platform

The difference lies mainly in the practical implementation: Saxenda users administer their injection daily, while Ozempic users do it weekly. The guidance, coaching and monitoring are also identical and completely online.

What are the costs of Ozempic and Saxenda?

The costs differ per product, partly due to the dosing frequency and the active substance. Ozempic is available at Goodweigh for as little as €199 a month, while Saxenda starts at €349 a month. Both are offered within Goodweigh in subscription forms that include medication, medical guidance and lifestyle coaching. By the way, it is good to be aware that you can always stop the subscription immediately and are therefore not tied to anything.

So instead of paying for just the drug, you're investing in a complete treatment program that focuses on lasting results. For example, the program does not only focus on weight loss, but on a permanently healthier lifestyle.

How do you choose between Saxenda and Ozempic?

The choice depends on several factors:

• Medical eligibility: your health, BMI and any disorders.
• Ease of use: inject daily or weekly.
• Experience and preference: some people respond better to one drug than the other.
• Doctor's advice: within Goodweigh, the doctor will decide, in consultation with you, which drug is most suitable.

Which one suits you: Ozempic or Saxenda?

Both drugs work in similar ways, but differ in their use, composition and practical application.
At Goodweigh, we don't just look at the medication, but at the complete picture; your health, goals and lifestyle. This is how we help you choose what really suits you.

Do you want to know which drug best suits your situation? Do the intake check and find out how Goodweigh you can guide you to sustainable weight loss with the right medical support.