Liraglutide (Saxenda) vs Semaglutide: How They Compare
Liraglutide is a daily older GLP-1; semaglutide is weekly and newer. The honest comparison.
The short answer
Liraglutide (brand Saxenda for weight, Victoza for diabetes) is an older GLP-1 medication taken as a daily injection. Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) is a newer GLP-1 taken once weekly. In clinical trials of the brand drugs, weekly semaglutide produced larger average weight loss than daily liraglutide, and many people find a weekly shot easier to keep up with.
What the trials suggest
Brand semaglutide 2.4 mg averaged about 14.9% body-weight loss at 68 weeks in STEP 1 (PMID 33567185). Liraglutide 3.0 mg in its trials averaged roughly 8% over about a year, a meaningful but generally smaller result. These studied the brand products; individual results vary, and head-to-head response differs from person to person.
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$199 Skeptics’ Trial, see if it works for you
One month of medical-grade compounded semaglutide, the $119 doctor review, and a free B-12/lipotropic injection. No long-term commitment.
Start the 30-day trialDaily vs weekly, and how to choose
The biggest practical difference is dosing frequency: daily liraglutide vs weekly semaglutide. Tolerability, other medical conditions, cost, and your own response all matter, which is why a physician makes the call rather than a chart of averages.
How this relates to what we offer
We do not dispense Saxenda or Victoza. We offer physician-supervised compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, which use the same active ingredients as their brand counterparts but are not FDA-approved or brand-identical.
What you can start today at New Hope Weight Loss
After a one-time $119 medical review with Dr. Sharma, eligible patients begin physician-supervised compounded semaglutide from $166 a month or compounded tirzepatide from $233 a month, with a $199 one-month Skeptics' Trial. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are prepared by licensed U.S. pharmacies and are not FDA-approved, not brand-identical, and not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. In person in Orange County and by telehealth across California and additional states.
Frequently asked questions
Is semaglutide better than liraglutide?
In brand trials, weekly semaglutide produced larger average weight loss (about 14.9%) than daily liraglutide (about 8%). It is also a weekly rather than daily shot. The right choice still depends on your individual response, tolerability, and cost.
What is the difference between Saxenda and Wegovy?
Saxenda is liraglutide (daily); Wegovy is semaglutide (weekly). Both are FDA-approved for weight management but are different molecules with different dosing.
Is liraglutide still used?
Yes. Liraglutide remains an option, especially for people who do well on it or need a daily titration. A physician weighs it against newer weekly options.
Does New Hope offer Saxenda?
No. We offer physician-supervised compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide (not FDA-approved or brand-identical) after a $119 review with Dr. Sharma.
Which has more side effects?
Both are mostly gastrointestinal and usually ease over time. Daily dosing can mean more frequent timing of side effects; individual tolerance varies.
This article is informational only and not medical advice. Speak with a licensed physician before starting or changing any GLP-1 therapy. Individual results vary. New Hope Weight Loss is a physician-supervised medical weight loss clinic in Costa Mesa, CA. Eligibility for treatment is determined during the medical consultation. Compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not the same products as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, or Zepbound®.