Why Wegovy is better than Saxenda was
Wegovy is a clear upgrade in every measurable way: roughly double the weight loss (15–17% vs ~8%), once-weekly instead of daily dosing, and proven cardiovascular benefits that Saxenda never demonstrated. The only disadvantage is cost — Wegovy is more expensive than Saxenda was.
How to switch from Saxenda to Wegovy
Both are GLP-1 medications, making the transition relatively straightforward. However, you'll need to restart dose escalation from the beginning of Wegovy's schedule (0.25mg, increasing over 16 weeks). Don't assume you can start at a high dose just because you were on a high dose of Saxenda — the molecules are different.
Your doctor will advise on timing. Most recommend starting Wegovy the week after your last Saxenda dose.
If you were on Saxenda: your action plan
- Contact your doctor now if you haven't already — Saxenda has been discontinued since December 2025
- Discuss Wegovy vs Mounjaro — both are superior to Saxenda in every measurable way
- Budget for the transition — both replacements cost more than Saxenda did. Compare telehealth providers for the best price.
- Prepare for dose escalation — you'll start from the beginning of the new medication's schedule regardless of your previous Saxenda dose
- Consider your goals — if you weren't losing enough weight on Saxenda (~8% average), Wegovy (15–17%) or Mounjaro (~21%) should produce significantly better results
The discontinuation of Saxenda is actually good news for patients — you're moving to a more effective, more convenient medication. The only downside is cost.