Yes — trials show Wegovy users lose more weight earlier than with Saxenda, thanks to its stronger appetite effect and weekly dosing. That said, both require steady use over months for results to build. The two medicines at a glance Wegovy and Saxenda belong to the same family of medicines, GLP-1 receptor agonists. They help people feel fuller sooner, reduce appetite, and support healthier eating. The difference lies in the active ingredient and how they are dosed: Wegovy cont

In many cases, Wegovy can be used as the main weight loss medicine, especially when diet and exercise alone haven’t worked. However, switching or replacing other drugs should always be guided by a clinician, as some combinations may still be appropriate depending on health needs. Wegovy as a first-choice option Since its approval by NICE in 2023, Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly) has become the leading option for medical weight management in the UK. Clinical evidence from th

Both Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) and Trulicity (dulaglutide) improve blood sugar, but semaglutide generally produces greater reductions in HbA1c and body weight. NICE recommends semaglutide more widely for people needing weight-focused management. Two GLP-1 medicines, one key difference Wegovy and Trulicity both belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist family of medicines. They mimic the hormone GLP-1, which reduces appetite, slows digestion, and stimulates insulin release when b

The most common side effects with Wegovy are gastrointestinal, such as nausea and diarrhoea, and these often lessen over time. Other medicines have different risks: Orlistat can cause oily stools, Mysimba may raise blood pressure, and phentermine (not used in the UK) carries cardiovascular risks. Understanding risk in context All weight-loss medicines come with benefits and risks. Doctors weigh these carefully before prescribing, taking into account a person’s health conditio

Yes, Wegovy has strong evidence in people with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnoea, where weight loss can improve outcomes. Other drugs may be chosen if semaglutide is unsuitable, but few have shown the same range of benefits across multiple health conditions. Why certain conditions matter Weight-related health problems often go beyond the number on the scales. People with obesity are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sl

No, even though both contain semaglutide, they are licensed for different uses and come in different devices and doses. Doctors may...

The SELECT trial showed semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy) reduced the risk of major heart problems in people with overweight or obesity and cardiovascular disease. Orlistat, while useful for modest weight loss, has not shown the same scale of cardiovascular benefits in large outcome studies. Two very different medicines Wegovy and Orlistat are both prescribed for weight management, but they work in completely different ways. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that red

In the UK, coverage depends on NHS commissioning rather than insurance, and NICE now recommends Wegovy within specialist services. Saxenda has more limited NHS use. In private healthcare or in other countries, coverage varies by insurer, but newer guidance tends to prioritise Wegovy because of its stronger results. The UK context: NHS commissioning, not insurance Unlike in the United States, where health insurance policies determine which drugs are covered, the UK relies on t

Wegovy works directly on appetite signals in the brain, helping people feel full sooner and think less about food. Other medicines act...

Wegovy has shown sustained weight loss of around 15% at 68 weeks, and many participants maintained benefits at two years. Qsymia (not...

Survey and trial follow-ups suggest people report higher satisfaction with Wegovy than older GLP-1 drugs, mainly because of greater...

Yes, NICE guidance states that Wegovy can be offered to adults with a BMI over 35 and at least one weight-related condition, or sometimes with a BMI over 30 if criteria are met. Other drugs, like Saxenda or Mysimba, have similar but slightly different BMI thresholds, while diabetes drugs like Trulicity are prescribed on blood sugar criteria instead. Wegovy and its eligibility rules In the UK, NICE sets out clear criteria for who can be prescribed Wegovy. It is recommended for

Trials such as STEP-1 and SELECT showed Wegovy not only reduced weight but also improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and markers of heart health. Other medicines, like Saxenda, also improve some metabolic measures but to a smaller extent, and drugs like Orlistat mainly affect fat absorption rather than broad cardiometabolic outcomes. Why metabolic health matters Weight management is not just about the number on the scales. Many of the health risks linked to excess weight — i

Neither Wegovy nor Saxenda requires strict dietary rules. Both are prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical...

In STEP trials, people using Wegovy started to see weight changes within the first 4–8 weeks, with maximum effects building over about a year. Ozempic, studied mainly for diabetes, also showed early improvements in blood sugar and weight within weeks, but average weight loss was smaller because of its lower doses. Early signs of progress One of the most common questions people ask is how soon results can be seen. In clinical trials of Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg), participants

Wegovy is taken once weekly via an injection pen, with doses stepped up over 16 weeks. Saxenda requires a daily injection, Mounjaro is a...

After first use, a pen can usually be kept below 30 °C (cap on, away from light) for up to 6 weeks — then it must be discarded, even if medicine remains. Unopened pens belong in the fridge; if they have been kept at room temperature on purpose, many packs allow a limited period out of the fridge — your leaflet sets the exact limit. Never freeze, never overheat (hot cars, radiators, direct sun), and never store with a needle attached. Why storage rules matter Wegovy (semagluti

Phentermine can produce modest, short-term weight loss, but it is not licensed in the UK for obesity treatment. In contrast, semaglutide...

Since both contain semaglutide, their side-effect profiles are similar — most commonly nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Wegovy uses a...

In major STEP trials, Wegovy led to about 15% weight loss over 68 weeks. Contrave (called Mysimba in the UK) generally achieves around 6–9% across pivotal studies. This means semaglutide tends to provide greater weight reduction than naltrexone/bupropion combinations. Two very different approaches Although both Wegovy and Contrave are prescribed for weight management, they work in completely different ways. Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces ap