Semaglutide and Liraglutide: Which Is Better for Weight Loss
Semaglutide and Liraglutide belong to the same class of drugs- GLP-1 receptor agonists. These groups of drugs have received Food and Drug Administration approval to manage weight loss along with type 2 diabetes in the US. While obesity is a worldwide concern, the US alone has roughly two out of three adults overweight or obese, as stated in the Harvard School of Public Health. These statistics mark the importance of proper weight management in the country.
Here comes the option of taking Semaglutide and Liraglutide (also known under the brand names- Wegovy and Saxenda respectively) for weight loss management. So, if you are looking to buy Saxenda online, knowing the weight loss differences between these two drugs is important. Read our post to get all the information.
Difference Between Semaglutide and Liraglutide
With all the similarities between the drugs, effects, and manufacturer, along with prescription requirements, it sometimes becomes difficult to decide which of the two weight loss medications is best suited for your health, needs, and weight goals. To find out the crucial differences between the two medications, check out the below factors:
Dosage
Semaglutide and Liraglutide, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, differ in dosage and shelf life. The weekly Wegovy weight loss injections start with a small dose of 0.25 mg each week. Then, over time, your doctor might increase it up to 2.4 mg a week for the best results. On the other hand, Liraglutide injections start at 0.6 mg daily and can be increased to 3 mg.
The dosage for both the injectable medications gradually increases to allow the body to adapt accordingly. This is essential to lower the potential and severity of an adverse event. However, it is important to note that the dosage rate is increased with consultation with your doctor to monitor any bad reactions in your body.
Weight Loss
While both drugs help protect against cardiometabolic risks, control blood sugar, and maintain weight, their weight loss results may vary with a good diet and exercise routine. As posted by the JAMA Network (Journal of the American Medical Association), when researchers compared the results of the two treatments, it showed that over a 68-week period, Semaglutide leads to more significant weight loss compared to Liraglutide. Adults on this drug lost about -15.8% of their body weight, while those on Liraglutide experienced around -6.4% loss.
The result concluded a -9.4% weight loss difference between the two drugs. As a result, Semaglutide offers more effective weight loss. However, the 5% weight reduction with Liraglutide is even enough to enhance your overall health. So, while this drug may be more effective for weight loss, Liraglutide or Saxenda injections still offer significant benefits.
Side Effects
Semaglutide and Liraglutide, like all medications available in the best Canadian online pharmacy, have various side effects. Due to their different mechanisms of action on diverse bodies, they can affect individuals differently. In the study from JAMA Network, most people in both the Semaglutide and Liraglutide groups (84.1% and 82.7%, respectively) had stomach problems like nausea and diarrhea. These issues were usually mild or moderate and got better on their own.
However, more individuals discontinued Liraglutide (12.6%) compared to Semaglutide (3.2%) due to serious issues like ongoing medical conditions or cancer. These severe side effects were reported at 7.9% for Semaglutide and 11% for Liraglutide. Additionally, there was a slight increase in psychological issues like anxiety and depression in the Liraglutide group (5.5%) compared to the Semaglutide group (2.4%).
Wegovy (Semaglutide) Vs Saxenda (Liraglutide): Which One Is Better
Wegovy pens offer a longer duration of action, requiring once-weekly dosing compared to Liraglutide's once-daily regimen. As stated in the studies cited above, it is concluded that Wegovy may lead to greater reductions in HbA1c levels [blood sugar (glucose)] and weight loss.
However, the latter has a longer history of clinical use and a well-established safety profile; stating which one is better is a difficult task. Additionally, choosing between the two drugs depends on individual patient factors, preferences, and tolerability.
Semaglutide and Liraglutide Together
Combining both GLP-1 receptor agonists is not a standard treatment and lacks clinical trials to support its efficacy and safety. The two drugs are used for lowering blood sugar levels, and interaction between the two could result in a high risk of gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Medical professionals should closely monitor patients if such combination therapy is considered.
Can You Switch from Liraglutide to Semaglutide?
If you are thinking of switching your medication, seek assistance from your healthcare provider to discuss your options and treatment suitable for your body's health. Generally, it is advisable to switch between the medications as long as you remember the duration of your last injection. If you're switching from Liraglutide (Saxenda) to Semaglutide (Wegovy pens), you can begin your injections the day after your last Saxenda dose.
Conversely, if you're transitioning from Wegovy to Saxenda, you should wait a week, following the usual gap between injections, before starting Saxenda. Remember, your treatment plan might vary based on your individual situation. Moreover, it is important to always follow the guidance provided by your doctor during medication changes as they consider your health and specific circumstances when prescribing.
[Note: If you are looking to buy Saxenda injectables, always look for the best online pharmacy to order drugs from Canada.]
Conclusion
Semaglutide and Liraglutide are two medications approved by the FDA for their effective management of type 2 diabetes and weight. Although the Semaglutide drug shows promising results with impressive results in reduced HbA1c levels and weight loss, the latter drug also didn't step back in showing its effective results in weight loss. Regardless of the various clinical studies, choosing between the two medications completely depends on individual factors.
While people can not combine the medicines, they can surely switch between Saxenda and Wegovy weight loss injections to achieve their health goals- be it weight loss or diabetes. However, it is important to follow medical guidance, ensuring smooth and successful treatment outcomes.
