Imagine walking into a room with two weight loss champions standing at the podium: Saxenda and Zepbound. Each promises to help you shed pounds and get your health back on track.
So, which one should you choose?
The main difference between Saxenda and Zepbound is that Saxenda targets appetite control by mimicking a natural hormone that tells your brain you’re full, while Zepbound activates additional metabolic pathways to further enhance weight loss.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the buzz around these weight loss drugs, you’re not alone. Saxenda, a go-to injectable for chronic weight management, has been on the market for a while.
Zepbound, on the other hand, is a fresh face—packed with innovation and promise, especially for people managing type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Both promise weight loss, but there’s more to the story.
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda, produced by Novo Nordisk, is an injectable medication designed to manage weight.
It contains the active ingredient liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. If that sounds like scientific gibberish, think of it as a hormone look-alike. Liraglutide mimics the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate your appetite by sending a “full” signal to your brain.
It’s approved for use in adults with obesity or who are overweight and have a weight-related health condition, like type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol.
With Saxenda, weight loss isn’t just about diet and exercise—it’s about adding a helper that works with your body’s natural systems.
Potential benefits
Appetite suppression
Saxenda’s top job is to keep your hunger in check. Mimicking that handy GLP-1 hormone helps reduce your appetite, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet without constantly fighting the urge to snack.
Weight loss
It’s no secret that Saxenda’s key selling point is weight loss. Studies show that people using Saxenda lose significantly more weight than those without. Clinical trials found an average weight loss of up to 8% of body weight over a year for people who took the medication alongside lifestyle changes.
Blood sugar control
Saxenda can be particularly helpful for people with type 2 diabetes. It may help lower blood sugar levels, which is a win-win for managing both weight and diabetes.
Lowers heart attack and stroke risk
There’s also some evidence to suggest that Saxenda may help lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially in people with obesity-related conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Uses
Saxenda is typically used for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (or 27 with an additional weight-related condition).
It’s injected daily and combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise for the best results.
Potential side effects
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
These symptoms are usually mild and usually decrease as your body adjusts to the medication.
Serious side effects
On the more serious end of the spectrum, some users might experience issues like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder problems, or low blood sugar levels (especially if you have diabetes).
Saxenda also carries a warning for a potential risk of thyroid cancer, though this is rare and has primarily been observed in animal studies.
What is Zepbound?
Zepbound is the new kid on the block, developed by Eli Lilly.
It’s a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, meaning it affects multiple pathways related to weight management and blood sugar control.
Zepbound is designed for those looking to lose weight, particularly individuals with obesity or a weight-related health condition like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
It’s also administered as a weekly injection, with some users seeing results at higher doses (up to 2 mg).
Potential benefits
Enhanced weight loss
Thanks to its dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors, Zepbound can lead to more substantial weight loss than other medications in its class. Clinical trials have shown promising results, with some users losing up to 15% of their body weight over a year.
Weekly dosing
Unlike Saxenda, which is taken daily, Zepbound is a weekly injection. So if the thought of injecting yourself every day doesn’t thrill you, Zepbound’s once-a-week dosing might be a perk.
Blood sugar control
Zepbound not only helps with weight loss but also manages blood sugar levels, which is great news for those with type 2 diabetes.
Lowers risk of heart disease
Similar to Saxenda, Zepbound might help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and reducing inflammation.
Saxenda vs. Zepbound: Similarities and differences
How they’re similar
Both medications are GLP-1 receptor agonists designed for weight loss and managing weight-related health conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
They also share some common side effects, like nausea and gastrointestinal issues.
How they’re different
The main difference lies in their mechanisms and dosing.
Saxenda is a daily injection, while Zepbound offers the convenience of a weekly shot. Zepbound also goes the extra mile by activating GIP receptors, which may enhance its weight loss effects compared to Saxenda.
Saxenda vs. Zepbound: Is one better than the other?
When to pick Saxenda
If you’re looking for a tried-and-tested option with solid track records for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management, Saxenda could be your pick.
It’s been on the market longer and might be more suitable if you prefer a medication that requires daily commitment.
When to pick Zepbound
Zepbound, with its dual-action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors, could be more effective for those needing more significant weight loss or improved control over blood sugar and metabolic functions.
If you’d prefer fewer injections per week, Zepbound’s weekly dosing is a definite advantage.
The bottom line
Both Saxenda and Zepbound are powerful tools for chronic weight management, but the best choice depends on your health goals, lifestyle, and comfort with injections.
Whether you’re aiming to lower your body mass index or get your blood sugar under control, working with a healthcare provider to find the right fit is key.
