GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Wegovy and Saxenda, are two medications that belong to this class.
Also known as incretin mimetics, GLP-1s are effective treatments for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Dulaglutide (Trulicity) and semaglutide (Ozempic) are also GLP-1 medications.
Combining Wegovy or Saxenda with behavioural modifications, such as diet and exercise, has been shown to support weight loss.
Wegovy and Saxenda are the two medications I will discuss in this article, along with their dosages and why they are effective. Also, I'll talk about the medication's potential side effects and cost.
The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist. The medicine semaglutide, sold under Ozempic, was approved as a diabetes medication in 2017.
The active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic is semaglutide, but the dose in Wegovy is much higher.
Liraglutide is the active ingredient in Saxenda, a GLP-1 medication.
The weight loss medication liraglutide, sold under the name Saxenda, gained approval as a weight loss medication in 2017 for people with a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher who also have a metabolic health condition.
It is important to note that Saxenda does not treat type 2 diabetes.
Weight loss is supported by Wegovy and Saxenda GLP-1 medications when combined with other lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise.
While both are GLP-1s, they contain different active compounds: Wegovy delivers the active compound semaglutide, whereas Saxenda has liraglutide.
Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company, manufactures both medications as well.
There are many differences between the active ingredients in the medications, but they work similarly in encouraging metabolic health and supporting weight loss.
Liraglutide is the most commonly studied GLP-1 to support weight loss.
After eating, these GLP-1 medications stabilise glucose and insulin levels and improve insulin production in the pancreas.
GLP-1s support weight loss, as they lower insulin levels, reduce appetite, and decrease muscle insulin sensitivity.
Several studies have shown that both medications are safe and effective for supporting weight loss.
Over 16 years of research have shown that GLP-1 medications reduce body weight in obese patients with and without diabetes with promising results.
Taking semaglutide alongside behavioural modifications led to a weight loss of up to 15% for 50% of adults with a BMI of 30 or higher in a double-blind trial.
The results of additional research indicate that Wegovy is not only effective in improving diabetes and weight but may also decrease the risk of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarctions, or non-fatal stroke among patients with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
It has been suggested that semaglutide (the active compound in Wegovy) may be more effective in supporting weight loss than liraglutide (the active compound in Saxenda) based on the results of SUSTAIN (semaglutide unabated sustainability in the treatment of type 2 diabetes) and STEP (semaglutide treatment effect in people with obesity).
However, when researching medication, remembering that what works best for one person may not work for most people under similar circumstances is essential.
Compared with the placebo, Saxenda consistently contributed to patients' weight loss of at least 5-10%, in addition to recommended diet and physical activity.
Also, Saxenda may improve glycemic control and offer long-term cardiovascular benefits.
There is no "quick fix" to weight loss offered by either of these medications.
While on either of these medications, you should work closely with your provider to consistently incorporate lifestyle modifications to maximise their benefits.
Taking these medications long-term and sustainably requires following your provider's diet and exercise recommendations.
It is important to note that Wegovy and Saxenda are typically injected. Saxenda is administered once daily, while Wegovy is administered once every week.
Wegovy is prescribed in low doses and gradually increased over 16-20 weeks until you reach the 2.4 mg delivered once weekly dosage.
The risk of gastrointestinal side effects may be reduced by increasing the dosage gradually.
Saxenda, like Wegovy, will be prescribed to you at 0.6 mg per day, gradually increasing it by 0.6mg per week for four weeks until you reach 3.0 mg per day.
There are side effects associated with both Wegovy and Saxenda. Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common.
74% of those taking Wegovy (semaglutide) reported at least one gastrointestinal side effect. Wegovy has the following side effects most commonly:
Although serious side effects are rare, they can occur. Seek emergency treatment if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Saxenda can cause the following side effects:
Saxenda can also cause serious side effects. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms:
At 68 weeks, semaglutide resulted in significantly more significant weight loss in obese and overweight adults with and without diabetes in the Step 8 Randomized Clinical Trial (phase III trials did not compare the two medications).
Your medical history and current health will determine what is best for you.
Talk to your medical provider about your weight loss medication options for behavioural modifications if you're considering them.
At 68 weeks, semaglutide significantly increased weight loss in obese and overweight adults with or without diabetes in Step 8 Randomized Clinical Trial. Wegovy also resulted in more significant weight loss in trials such as SUSTAIN (Semaglutide Unabated Sustainability in Type 2 Diabetes) and PIONEER (Peptide Innovation for Early Diabetes). Nevertheless, what works for you may differ from what has been tested in these trials.
Two antidiabetic medications, Wegovy and Saxenda, are approved for weight management. Both are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, but their active ingredients differ. Saxenda contains liraglutide, while Wegovy contains semaglutide.
While under your provider's supervision, you may switch from Saxenda to Wegovy.
Semaglutide is the active compound in Wegovy, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1s). Others include liraglutide (Saxenda), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and semaglutide (Ozempic).
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