Wegovy, Saxenda, and Ozempic are three prescription medications authorized by the FDA for weight loss. All three drugs are injectable and work by suppressing appetite, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss.
However, each medication has its own unique features and benefits. This article explores the differences between Wegovy, Saxenda, and Ozempic.
Wegovy
A glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, is sold under the trade name “Wegovy.” The FDA has approved it as a once-weekly injection for adults who are obese or overweight and need chronic weight management.
Wegovy functions by simulating GLP-1, a hormone that the body naturally produces to control blood sugar levels and appetite. It slows down the stomach’s emptying, which causes a sensation of fullness and less food consumption.
One of the key benefits of Wegovy is its high efficacy in achieving weight loss. Clinical trials have shown that patients who took Wegovy lost an average of 15 percent of their initial body weight.
This is significantly higher than the weight loss achieved by other weight loss medications or lifestyle interventions.
Another benefit of Wegovy is its once-weekly dosing schedule. This makes it more practical for those who might struggle to stick to a daily medication schedule.
Wegovy is just a prescription medication; thus, it can only be taken in accordance with a doctor’s instructions. This is a crucial point to remember. Wegovy is still under the process of registration in malaysia , we are expecting the demand to spike once it’s available to the market.
Saxenda
Saxenda is a brand name for liraglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist. The FDA has approved it as a once-daily injection for adults who are obese or overweight and need chronic weight management. It is by far the most popular variant among the three discussed today .
Saxenda works in a similar way to Wegovy by suppressing appetite and reducing food intake. However, it is administered as a daily injection, which may be more challenging for some patients to adhere to.
One of the benefits of Saxenda is its long-term safety and efficacy. Clinical trials have shown that patients who took Saxenda for up to 56 weeks achieved significant weight loss and maintained it over the long term.
Another benefit of Saxenda is its ability to improve other health outcomes, such as blood sugar control and blood pressure. This makes it a useful medication for patients who may have other comorbidities along with obesity.
Ozempic
Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Wegovy. The FDA has approved a once-weekly injectable for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Despite not being expressly licenced for weight loss, Ozempic has been demonstrated to significantly affect body weight. Clinical trials have demonstrated that patients who took Ozempic lost an average of 4-5 per cent of their initial body weight. AS this medication is considered off label use for weight loss, users and practitioners have to be very cautious on the indications and will require close monitoring of the side effects.
One of the benefits of Ozempic is its ability to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. It works by stimulating insulin secretion and reducing glucose production in the liver.
Another benefit of Ozempic is its once-weekly dosing schedule, which makes it more convenient for patients to use. However, only under the supervision of a healthcare professional should Ozempic be used, as it is only available via prescription.
Conclusion
Each medication has its own unique features and benefits, including dosing schedule, efficacy, and safety. Patients should discuss their options with a healthcare provider to determine which medication may be most appropriate for their individual needs and goals.
As with any medication, patients should follow the recommended dosing and monitoring guidelines to ensure safe and effective use.
Cleo Clinic is your best option if you want to enhance your appearance with aesthetic procedures and treatment regimes, including acne scar treatment and face laser treatment.
We’re a premium aesthetics practice based in Kuala Lumpur, providing services that include aesthetic treatments, dermatology, and body treatments. Book your appointment with us today!
