TL;DR
For each dimension where one drug clearly wins, we name the winner. When the answer is "depends on your situation," the verdict text below the table explains why.
| Dimension | What the data says | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Liraglutide (Saxenda) vs semaglutide (Wegovy) | Wegovy |
| Schedule | Daily (Saxenda) vs weekly (Wegovy) | Wegovy |
| Trial weight loss at max dose | Saxenda 8.0% vs Wegovy 14.9% | Wegovy |
| Pediatric indication (12-17) | Saxenda yes; Wegovy adolescent indication 2022 | Tie |
| Insurance formulary breadth | Saxenda on more formularies due to longer market presence | Saxenda |
| Real-world effectiveness | Wegovy preferred when both available | Wegovy |
Verdict
For most adult patients with both options on the formulary, Wegovy is the better choice: greater average weight loss, weekly injection instead of daily, similar side effect profile. Saxenda's role in 2026 is narrower: adolescents on the pediatric indication, patients whose insurance covers Saxenda but not Wegovy and patients who specifically tolerate liraglutide better than semaglutide.
Trial efficacy compared
The headline numbers are not from the same study, so direct comparison is approximate.
| Wegovy | Saxenda | |
|---|---|---|
| Registration trial | STEP-1 (NEJM, 2021) | SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (NEJM, 2015) |
| Duration | 68 weeks | 56 weeks |
| Mean weight loss (max dose) | 14.9% | 8% |
| Effect vs comparator | 12.4 pp vs placebo | 5.4 pp vs placebo |
| Patients losing ≥5% | 86.4% | 63.2% |
| Patients losing ≥15% | 50.5% | 14.4% |
2026 cash-pay cost compared
Both have a direct cash channel (NovoCare for Wegovy, NovoCare for Saxenda) that is dramatically cheaper than the retail pharmacy cash price. Telehealth programs add a membership fee on top of medication cost.
| Channel | Wegovy | Saxenda |
|---|---|---|
| Retail cash | $1,349/mo | $1,349/mo |
| Manufacturer DTC | $149/mo pill (starter dose) or $199/mo injection intro (through 6/30/26 then $349) / $299 maintenance via NovoCare | $199-$299/mo via NovoCare (dose-tier dependent) |
| With insurance + PA | $25-$50/mo with prior authorization | $25-$50/mo with prior authorization (broader coverage than newer GLP-1s) |
| Compounded | $175-$199/mo via 503A pharmacies | Compounded liraglutide is unusual; most patients moving off Saxenda switch to semaglutide or tirzepatide. |
When to choose Wegovy
Choose Wegovy if: (1) both are on your insurance formulary at similar tiers; (2) you prefer weekly to daily injection; (3) you want the higher expected weight loss. For most adults this is the default choice in 2026.
When to choose Saxenda
Choose Saxenda if: (1) you are an adolescent 12-17 and need the pediatric indication; (2) your insurance covers Saxenda but not Wegovy; (3) you specifically tolerate liraglutide better than semaglutide (uncommon but real); (4) you have a clinical reason to prefer daily dosing (titration control, prescriber preference).
Programs that prescribe each
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Top Wegovy programs
Top Saxenda programs
FAQ
Why is Saxenda still available?
Is Saxenda safer because it's older?
Can I switch from Saxenda to Wegovy?
Which is cheaper?
Read the full drug profiles
Editorial disclosure
GLP Chart is an editorial comparison site. We do not dispense, prescribe or fulfill medications. Trial data is from the cited NEJM publications. Pricing reflects publicly verified rates as of June 22. Talk to a licensed clinician about which medication is appropriate for you.
