Saxenda (liraglutide 3mg) was the first GLP-1 medication specifically licensed for weight loss in the UK. For years, it was the gold standard. But with the arrival of Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Saxenda now faces stiff competition. Many UK patients are asking: should I switch?
Saxenda vs Wegovy: The Headline Numbers
The clinical data tells a clear story:
| Metric | Saxenda (Liraglutide 3mg) | Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4mg) | |--------|--------------------------|---------------------------| | Average weight loss | ~8% body weight | ~15% body weight | | SCALE trial result | 8.4% | — | | STEP-1 trial result | — | 14.9% | | Injection frequency | Daily | Weekly | | Duration of treatment | Ongoing | Ongoing | | Typical UK cost/month | £100–£150 | £140–£270 |
Wegovy is approximately twice as effective for weight loss and requires only one injection per week versus Saxenda's daily injection.
Why Do People Still Use Saxenda?
Despite weaker efficacy data, Saxenda remains a valid option in certain situations:
- Stock availability — Wegovy and Mounjaro have experienced supply shortages due to unprecedented demand. Saxenda has been available more consistently
- Tolerability — some patients find liraglutide easier on their digestive system than semaglutide at higher doses
- Cost — in some cases, Saxenda's monthly cost is lower, particularly at prescription-only comparison prices
- Clinical familiarity — some UK prescribers who have been working with Saxenda since 2017 are highly adept at managing its side effects
Switching from Saxenda to Wegovy: How It Works
If you are currently on Saxenda and want to switch to Wegovy, here is what to expect:
- Inform your prescriber — do not simply stop Saxenda and start Wegovy without guidance
- Observe a washout period — most UK prescribers recommend a gap of at least 7 days after your last Saxenda dose before starting Wegovy 0.25mg
- Start at the lowest Wegovy dose (0.25mg) regardless of what Saxenda dose you were on — your tolerance doesn't transfer
- Titrate normally through the Wegovy maintenance protocol
Can You Switch to Mounjaro Instead?
Yes — and for many patients, switching from Saxenda directly to Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may deliver even stronger results. The same principle applies: stop Saxenda, observe a week's washout, then start Mounjaro 2.5mg.
What About Cost When Switching?
Switching medication may mean starting over at the introductory price tier. Many UK providers offer first-month discounts specifically for new starters — so switching can actually be a cost-effective moment.
Providers like:
- UK Meds — first-month Wegovy or Mounjaro from their lowest dose price
- EverydayMeds — FIRST40 discount code applies to new medication initiations
- Voy — pricing stays consistent regardless of which medication you switch to within their platform
The Verdict
For most UK patients, Wegovy is significantly superior to Saxenda on all the metrics that matter: weight loss, convenience (weekly vs daily injection), and increasingly on price. Mounjaro is even stronger still on efficacy.
If you are on Saxenda and plateauing, or struggling with the daily injection routine, it is worth having a frank conversation with your prescriber about switching. The evidence strongly supports semaglutide and tirzepatide as the superior choices in 2025.