Saxenda and Mounjaro have been making waves for their ability to help with weight management, but which one is right for you?
Both boast impressive weight loss and blood sugar control stats. One’s a daily injection with a long-standing rep, while the other is the new kid on the block with a weekly schedule and a lot of buzz.
The main difference between Saxenda and Mounjaro is that Saxenda is specifically designed for weight loss, while Mounjaro targets both weight loss and type 2 diabetes management.
But there’s more to the story, and we’ll unpack all the details—from how they work to their benefits, side effects, and which might be a better fit for your health goals.
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda, made by Novo Nordisk, is a prescription weight loss medication containing liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist given as a daily subcutaneous injection.
If you’ve heard of GLP-1 before, it’s probably because these medications have been hot topics in the world of weight loss and type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the hormone that tells your brain you’re full, helping reduce appetite and regulate blood sugar levels.
Originally developed under the name Victoza to treat type 2 diabetes, Saxenda was later approved by the FDA in 2014 as a treatment for chronic weight management.
It’s typically prescribed for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more or for those with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have weight-related conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Potential benefits
Significant weight loss
When combined with diet and exercise, Saxenda has been shown to help people lose an average of 5-10% of their body weight. Studies reveal that those who stuck to the regimen lost more weight than those using a placebo.
Improves blood sugar control
As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Saxenda helps regulate blood sugar levels, though it’s not primarily marketed for diabetes treatment. This effect can be helpful, especially for those with insulin resistance.
Reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol
Losing weight has a domino effect on other health markers. Many Saxenda users report improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Promotes long-term weight management
Unlike fad diets that offer quick fixes, Saxenda is designed for sustainable weight loss over time, especially when paired with healthy lifestyle changes.
Uses
Saxenda is FDA-approved for chronic weight management.
It’s often prescribed for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 and up, if they have additional risk factors like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
Clinical trials have also studied its ability to assist in weight loss alongside diet and exercise.
Potential side effects
Common side effects
Like all medications, Saxenda can come with some unwelcome side effects. The most common are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. These symptoms are generally mild and decrease as your body gets used to the medication.
Serious side effects
On the more serious side, some people may experience gallbladder issues, kidney problems, or pancreatitis.
There have also been reports of thyroid tumors in animal studies, though it’s unclear if this applies to humans.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro, created by Eli Lilly, is the new player on the scene.
It’s an injectable medication that uses tirzepatide, which is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. This is where things get exciting because Mounjaro isn’t just tackling weight loss—it’s also designed for people with type 2 diabetes, making it a bit of a two-in-one powerhouse.
Mounjaro is injected once weekly, making it more convenient than Saxenda for some users.
The FDA gave it the green light in 2022, and it’s primarily prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes to help manage blood sugar levels. However, it’s also gaining attention for its significant weight loss effects, even for those without diabetes.
Potential benefits
Significant weight loss
In clinical trials, Mounjaro has shown even more dramatic weight loss results than Saxenda, with some people losing up to 22.5% of their body weight.
This makes it a strong contender for those looking to shed serious pounds.
Blood sugar control
As a treatment for type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro helps lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin release in response to meals.
This makes it highly effective for people needing help with glucose management.
Once-weekly injections
Mounjaro’s weekly dosage might be a game-changer if you’re not a fan of daily injections. One shot a week, and you’re good to go!
Lowers heart disease risk
Similar to Saxenda, weight loss from Mounjaro can reduce other health risks, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and even reduce inflammation that contributes to cardiovascular disease.
Uses
Mounjaro is currently approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but is often prescribed off-label for weight loss due to its impressive results in clinical trials.
It works for individuals with a higher BMI seeking weight loss alongside diabetes management.
Potential side effects
Common side effects
Similar to Saxenda, Mounjaro’s common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. Most people find these issues subside after a few weeks.
Serious side effects
While less common, Mounjaro can cause more severe reactions like pancreatitis or thyroid tumors (again, based on animal studies).
Saxenda vs. Mounjaro: Similarities and differences
How they’re similar
Both medications belong to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists (Mounjaro adds a little extra with its GIP component). They work by curbing appetite and aiding in weight loss; both can help manage blood sugar levels.
How they’re different
Saxenda is a daily injection, while Mounjaro is only once a week. Mounjaro’s tirzepatide might offer more dramatic weight loss and better glucose control than Saxenda’s liraglutide. Mounjaro is approved primarily for type 2 diabetes, while Saxenda is designed specifically for weight loss.
Saxenda vs. Mounjaro: Is one better than the other?
When to pick Saxenda
Saxenda is a good option if your primary focus is weight loss and you’re okay with daily injections. It’s tried and tested for this specific goal.
When to pick Mounjaro
Mounjaro might be your go-to if you want a dual treatment for weight loss and type 2 diabetes.
Plus, the convenience of a weekly injection and the possibility of more significant weight loss results make it a top contender.
The bottom line
When it comes to Saxenda vs. Mounjaro, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Saxenda has a solid track record for weight loss, while Mounjaro offers the exciting prospect of dual benefits for weight and diabetes management.
Either way, both medications can be powerful tools on your weight loss journey—just be sure to consult your healthcare provider to make the best choice for you.
