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.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Liraglutide | Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Liraglutide | Semaglutide |
| Brand names | Saxenda, Victoza | Wegovy, Ozempic |
| Maker | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
| How it is taken | Daily injection | Weekly injection |
| FDA-approved for | Weight management | Weight management |
| Average brand-trial weight loss | About 8 percent | About 14.9 percent |
| At New Hope Weight Loss | Not offered | Compounded, from $166 a month |
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.
Ready to start?
$199 Skeptics' Trial, see if it works for you
One-time $199 trial with physician evaluation and, only if a prescription is approved and the dispensing pharmacy can fulfill it for the patient's location, one month of compounded semaglutide; the pharmacy confirms packaging and shipping details before fulfillment. No long-term commitment. Standard care starts with a $119 physician review; medication is separate, and compounded semaglutide programs start at $166/month.
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. The dispensing pharmacy label identifies the compounded preparation as semaglutide or tirzepatide. It is a different product from FDA-approved brands, is not FDA-approved or brand-identical, and results vary.
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 not FDA-approved or brand-identical and have not undergone FDA premarket review for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Results vary. Any prescription depends on individualized medical review and lawful pharmacy fulfillment for the patient's location. In person in Orange County and by telehealth for eligible patients in California.
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®.