Which has fewer dietary restrictions: Wegovy or Saxenda?

Neither Wegovy nor Saxenda requires strict dietary rules. Both are prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, meaning you can choose an eating pattern that works for you without rigid restrictions imposed by the medication itself.

Medicines that support, not replace, lifestyle

Wegovy and Saxenda belong to the same family of medicines, GLP-1 receptor agonists. They work by mimicking a natural hormone that reduces appetite, slows digestion, and helps control blood sugar. Importantly, neither drug comes with a fixed “diet plan” attached. Instead, both are prescribed on the condition that they are used alongside lifestyle changes — usually a calorie-controlled diet and more physical activity.

What clinical trials showed

In the STEP-1 trial, people taking Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) lost about 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks while following a reduced-calorie diet and exercise programme. In earlier SCALE trials of Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg), average weight loss was around 6–8% over a year, again with lifestyle support. These results make it clear: the medicines work best when paired with everyday changes, but they don’t impose specific dietary rules on their own.

Why reduced-calorie diets are advised

NICE guidance specifies that both Wegovy and Saxenda must be offered as part of a specialist weight-management programme. These services include dietary advice, behavioural support, and exercise planning. The goal is not to enforce rigid restrictions but to help people find a pattern they can sustain. This is an important distinction: the medicines help reduce appetite and portion size, but the lifestyle programme ensures the changes are realistic and long term.

Flexibility in food choices

One of the advantages of GLP-1 medicines is that they make it easier for people to cut back on calories without feeling as deprived. There are no rules against specific foods, unlike older treatments such as Orlistat, which requires a low-fat diet to avoid unpleasant side effects. With Wegovy and Saxenda, people are encouraged to adapt their meals to personal preferences, cultural habits, and medical needs, provided overall calorie intake is reduced.

Tolerability and eating patterns

While no foods are formally restricted, many people find their food choices naturally shift on these medicines. Because appetite is reduced and richer meals can trigger nausea, some prefer lighter meals or smaller portions. Doctors often suggest eating slowly, avoiding very fatty foods at the start, and staying hydrated. These are practical tips rather than strict rules, helping people to feel comfortable during treatment.

NHS advice in practice

NHS weight-management services emphasise flexibility rather than rigid plans. For example, a clinician may recommend a Mediterranean-style diet, or simply encourage smaller portions and less processed food, depending on the individual. What matters is sustainability. Both Wegovy and Saxenda are tools to help people succeed with these adjustments, not to impose dietary restrictions themselves.

What this means in practice

Neither Wegovy nor Saxenda requires strict dietary restrictions. Both support weight loss by reducing appetite, and both are most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Unlike some older medicines, they do not punish you for eating certain foods, but instead make it easier to follow a plan that fits your life. The focus is on flexibility and sustainability, not rules for their own sake.