Switching From Saxenda To Wegovy For Weight Loss

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last updated on : February 2, 2026

Want to lose weight but feel like your current medication is not getting you the desired results? Worry not! You can switch from Saxenda to alternatives such as Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide).

Without a doubt, Saxenda has been proven to be effective in weight management in conjunction with lifestyle changes. If you are wondering whether you can switch, the answer is yes! You just need to follow a set of instructions and precautions outlined in this article for a smooth transition.

Why Am I Not Losing Weight On Saxenda?

Saxenda is an FDA-approved medication with an active ingredient, liraglutide, that prolongs the feeling of fullness and curbs cravings. However, you might not be losing as much weight as you expected due to the following factors:

Dosage – Generally, you start Saxenda on a low dose and gradually, increase it so that the body adjusts well to it. You might not have reached the dosage that works for you yet.
Lifestyle – For any weight loss medication to work, you need to be in a calorie deficit. Thus, you need portion control, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep for weight loss. You might not be mindful of these factors that impact your weight.
Underlying Conditions – Certain health conditions such as thyroid, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and more can also affect its efficacy in inducing weight loss or cause adverse reactions.
Duration – Since weight loss with Saxenda is a gradual process, you need to be patient and consistent with dosage for it to cause weight loss. You might be expecting results too soon.
Individual Response – Each body has a unique biochemistry and responds differently to medications due to factors like genetics, metabolism and more.

Similarities & Differences between Saxenda & Wegovy

Saxenda vs Wegovy

They both:

Are prescribed for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight having weight-related issues
Need dietary modifications and regular physical activity for weight management.
Have side effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Saxenda vs Wegovy

*Parameter*	*Saxenda*	*Wegovy*
*Active Ingredient*	Liraglutide	Semaglutide
*Frequency*	Daily	Weekly
*Method*	Subcutaneous injection	Subcutaneous injection
*Availability*	Prescription-based	Prescription-based
*Medication Class*	GLP-1 receptor agonists	GLP-1 receptor agonists
*Recipient*	Adults & children above 12 yrs	Adults & children above 12 yrs
*Results*	Moderate – 4.5%-6% of initial body weight as per clinical trials	Moderate to significant – 6%-15% of initial body weight as per clinical trials

Potential Advantages of Wegovy

Convenience – Saxenda, at times, becomes a less viable option for people because of its daily dosage schedule. Even doctors themselves recommend the weekly dosage due to its ease of administration. Thus, Wegovy becomes a much more convenient option.

Effectiveness – Clinical trials show that Wegovy is more effective in inducing weight loss and has shown better results than Saxenda. Additionally, Wegovy has been approved to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults with heart disease, obesity, and overweight.

Stopping Saxenda: What to Expect

When you decide to stop Saxenda, the process is usually simple and straightforward. Since Saxenda is not habit-forming, you won’t experience withdrawal symptoms after your last dose. However, it’s common to notice a temporary increase in appetite as your body adjusts to the absence of the medication. This is a normal part of the transition, and being mindful of your diet and exercise routine can help you maintain your weight during this period.

After you stop taking Saxenda, the medication will be fully cleared from your system within about three days. During this time, your appetite may return to its previous levels, so it’s important to stick to healthy eating habits and regular physical activity to prevent regaining weight. If you’re planning to switch to Wegovy, making the transition soon after stopping Saxenda can help minimize any disruptions to your weight management progress. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice on when to start your new medication and how to best support your body during this change.

Switching From Saxenda to Wegovy: Step-by-Step Guide

Switching from Saxenda to Wegovy is relatively effortless due to Saxenda’s short half-life which means it is quickly eliminated from your system.

Schedule a consultation. You must get evaluated by your physician before making the switch.
Review insurance coverage. Before you start on Wegovy, you need to check your insurance coverage for the same as plans may vary.
Wait for a couple of days: It requires only a one-day wait period for the lowest dose (0.6 mg) of Saxenda to exit your system. The higher doses get cleared in two days.

Patients should start low with the first dose of Wegovy and gradually increase the dose as advised by their doctor to ensure safety and minimize side effects.

For example, a patient who takes their last dose of Saxenda on a Monday can start their first dose of Wegovy as early as Wednesday, following their doctor’s instructions to start low and titrate up.

Starting Wegovy: First Steps and Tips

Beginning your Wegovy treatment is an important step in your weight loss journey, especially if you’re switching from Saxenda. Wegovy uses a different active ingredient and offers a once weekly injection, making it an attractive option for those seeking fewer injections and potentially greater weight loss results. When starting Wegovy, your doctor will recommend beginning with the lowest dose (0.25 mg) and gradually increasing it over several weeks. This gradual dose adjustment helps your body adapt to the new medication and reduces the risk of common side effects like nausea, vomiting, and digestive system discomfort.

To transition safely from Saxenda to Wegovy, follow your doctor’s advice closely. Pay attention to how your body responds to the new medication, and don’t hesitate to report any adverse effects. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding high-fat foods can help minimize digestive side effects as your body adjusts. The once weekly injection schedule is not only convenient but also allows for steady progress in your weight loss treatment compared to daily injections.

Remember, every patient’s experience is unique, and your doctor will tailor the dose adjustments to your specific needs and weight loss goals. By starting low and increasing your dose gradually, you can maximize the effectiveness of Wegovy while minimizing side effects. With the right support and practical guidance, switching from Saxenda to Wegovy can help you achieve greater weight loss and continue your journey toward a healthier body.

Other Saxenda Alternatives: Oral Meds

You can also switch to other alternatives that require you to take medications orally such as:

Orlistat (Alli) – This medicine needs to be taken thrice a day. Its mechanism includes blocking the enzyme that breaks down dietary fats into absorbable fatty acids..
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): It is an appetite suppressant with a pill taken once a day for long-term treatment of obesity.
Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave): It acts in hypothalamic brain regions and helps regulate appetite by influencing eating behavior. You have to take a pill once or twice a day.

You can couple any medication with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise for best results.

Making the Best Choice: Saxenda or Wegovy?

If the results aren’t showing with Saxenda after long use, you should consider making the switch to Wegovy or any other suitable alternative mentioned above to effectively lose weight and propel yourself ahead in your fitness journey.

Note: Before you start or switch to any alternative medication – oral or injectable, schedule a consultation with your doctor to discuss its suitability, efficacy, potential side effects and dietary adjustments.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Dr. Kristianne Hannemann is a licensed pharmacist with over seven years of experience in community pharmacy and patient education. She specializes in medical writing and drug information. Dr. Hannemann is passionate about delivering current, evidence-based medication information in a clear, accessible format, empowering patients to confidently navigate their health journey.

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