Ozempic vs Saxenda
Side-by-side comparison based on STEP-2 (T2D) and SCALE phase 3 trial data plus April 2026 pricing.
Ozempic
Higher efficacysemaglutide (injection)
Peak weight loss11.6%
TrialSTEP-2 (T2D)
Administrationinjection
FDA statustype-2-diabetes
List price$998/mo
Saxenda
liraglutide (injection)
Peak weight loss8.4%
TrialSCALE
Administrationinjection
FDA statusweight-loss
List price$1,349/mo
Weight loss comparison (220 lbs starting weight)
% of body weight lost over 18 months, modeled from phase 3 trial data
Monthly cost by payment channel
| Channel | Ozempic | Saxenda | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $63 | $63 | $0 (Saxenda cheaper) |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | — | — | — |
| Telehealth — brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $399 | $399 | $0 (Saxenda cheaper) |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $998 | $1,349 | $351 (Ozempic cheaper) |
Ozempic pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ Often easier to get insurance coverage if you have type 2 diabetes
- ✓ Lower list price than Wegovy
- ✓ Same active ingredient as Wegovy (semaglutide)
- ✓ Strong cardiovascular outcome data (SUSTAIN-6)
Cons
- ✗ Off-label for weight loss — insurance won't cover for that purpose
- ✗ Lower max dose than Wegovy (2.0 mg vs 2.4 mg) means slightly less weight loss
- ✗ Periodic shortages
Saxenda pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ Most prescribing experience of any GLP-1
- ✓ Fully covered by Medicare for some indications
Cons
- ✗ Daily injection (vs weekly for newer drugs)
- ✗ Substantially lower weight loss (8.4% vs 14.9–22.5%)
- ✗ Outdated by newer molecules
Common side effects
Ozempic
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Vomiting
- • Constipation
- • Abdominal pain
Saxenda
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Constipation
- • Vomiting
- • Headache
Which should you choose: Ozempic or Saxenda?
Choose Ozempic if: you want maximum weight loss (11.6% vs 8.4%); cash-pay cost matters most to you; you have type 2 diabetes (insurance is more likely to cover).
Choose Saxenda if: you want a drug FDA-approved specifically for weight loss.
Final decisions should always be made with a licensed prescriber. This is educational content only.
Medical disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only based on phase 3 clinical trial data and publicly listed prices. It is not medical advice. Real-world weight loss varies significantly. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication.