Saxenda vs Mounjaro: What’s the Difference?

GLP-1 medications are a popular way to help manage type 2 diabetes symptoms and, more recently, to help you lose weight. There are a lot of different options out there, and they all come with positive and negative aspects that may make one a better fit for someone than another. Two popular GLP-1 medications are Saxenda and Mounjaro, but what exactly are the differences between the two drugs?

If you’re interested in starting a GLP-1 medication and are curious about your options, here is everything you need to know about the differences and similarities between Mounjaro and Saxenda.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 receptor agonists, also known as GLP-1 RAs, are a drug that mimics the natural GLP-1 hormones your body naturally produces whenever you eat. These hormones help control your blood sugar levels, help with insulin production and release, and make you feel full after you’ve eaten. The artificial GLP-1s provided by medications do all the same things to help your body regulate itself after eating.

GLP-1 RAs were originally invented to help people with type 2 diabetes regulate blood sugar levels and insulin production, but in recent years, they’ve become popular due to how they also help people lose weight. Now, you can get prescriptions for GLP-1 RA medications regardless of if you have type 2 diabetes or not, because drug manufacturers have made variations of their diabetes medications specifically for weight loss.

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda was the first ever GLP-1 to be approved for weight loss rather than type 2 diabetes by the FDA in 2014. Saxenda is produced by Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company that also makes other GLP-1 RAs like Victoza, which is the type 2 diabetes medication alternative to Saxenda, and Wegovy.

Saxenda is taken in increasing doses until you achieve the maintenance dose, which is the constant dose taken to maintain weight loss. The dose schedule is as follows:

• Week 1: 0.6 mg
• Week 2: 1.2 mg
• Week 3: 1.8 mg
• Week 4: 2.4 mg
• Week 5 and onward: 3 mg

Saxenda requires a daily injection, which sets it apart from many GLP-1 RAs that are only needed once per week.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection for people with type 2 diabetes that helps control blood sugar levels and manage diabetes symptoms. It is produced by Eli Lilly and was FDA-approved in 2022. Mounjaro uses terzepatide as its active ingredient, which acts as both a GLP-1 RA and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).

Mounjaro is available in six different dosing options:

• 2.5 mg
• 5 mg
• 7.5 mg
• 10 mg
• 12.5 mg
• 15 mg

When starting Mounjaro, your doctor will most likely give you the lowest starting dose to begin and increase it every four weeks until reaching the 15 mg maintenance dose.

Similarities Between Saxenda and Mounjaro

• Both medications are injectable and can be administered in the stomach, thighs, or upper arms.
• Both medications can lead to weight loss.
• Both medications have a lot of similar side effects.

Differences Between Saxenda and Mounjaro

Despite having similar uses, Saxenda and Mounjaro do have a number of differences that set them apart. These differences include

• Saxenda’s active ingredient is liraglutide, while Mounjaro’s active ingredient is terzepatide
• Saxenda requires daily injections, while Mounjaro requires weekly injections
• Saxenda is approved for weight loss, while Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes
• Saxenda is manufactured by Norvo Nordisk, while Mounjaro is manufactured by Eli Lilly

Saxenda vs Mounjaro: Side Effects

Side effects are normal in just about every medication you can take. Here is what you need to know about possible side effects.

Similar Side Effects Between Saxenda and Mounjaro

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Indigestion
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Injection site reactions
• Headaches

Different Side Effects Between Mounjaro and Saxenda

Mounjaro Side Effects

• Alopecia (hair loss)
• Acid reflux or heartburn

Saxenda Side Effects

• Fever
• Dizziness
• Change in lipase levels in your blood
• Tiredness and fatigue

How to Reduce the Risk or Severity of Side Effects

There are measures you can take to reduce the risk or severity of side effects while taking medications. These include things like:

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overeating.
• Avoiding eating high-fat, greasy, or spicy foods that may upset the stomach.
• Staying hydrated throughout the day.
• Taking injections as prescribed and taking them at roughly the same time every day or week.
• Increasing your dose size as recommended by your doctor so you don’t put too much stress on your body too quickly.

Effectiveness of Mounjaro and Saxenda

Studies have shown that GLP-1 RA medications containing liraglutide, like Saxenda, typically lead to an average weight loss of around 6.4% of total body weight. GLP-1 RAs that contain tirzepatide, however, lead to an average weight loss ranging anywhere from 15% to 21% of total body weight, depending on the dosage size prescribed, with larger doses leading to more weight loss on average.

It’s theorized that the increased effectiveness of Mounjaro may be because it works in two ways: as both a GLP-1 and as a GIP. Another theory as to Mounjaro’s success is that it works long-term in the body, which is why it only needs to be injected once a week instead of once daily like Saxenda.

Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Use Saxenda or Mounjaro?

Several groups of people are not recommended to use a GLP-1 RA medication like Saxenda or Mounjaro. These include:

• People with a personal or family history of thyroid conditions like medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN-2)
• People with severe allergic reactions to any of the ingredients used in either medication
• People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are trying to become pregnant
• Children under the age of 12
• People with a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal diseases, or other serious organ dysfunctions that could be worsened by taking the medications

Drugs like Mounjaro and Saxenda are not recommended for all people

How to Access Medications

To begin either Saxenda or Mounjaro, you’ll need a prescription from a healthcare provider who evaluates your medical history, weight, BMI, and overall health. Because of how the drugs are approved, Mounjaro is more likely to be covered by insurance when prescribed for type‑2 diabetes, and it may be denied for off-label uses.

If your insurance does cover Mounjaro, you might pay as little as $25 for a one‑ to three‑month supply using the manufacturer’s savings card, assuming your plan is commercial and meets eligibility rules. Without insurance, a month of Mounjaro can cost $1,000 to $1,200 or more.

For Saxenda, the price can vary anywhere from $1,300 to $1,600 for people without insurance. If you do have insurance that covers the drug, the price will be dependent on the plan and provider you have.

If you want to take a GLP-1 medication but don’t have coverage for it, talk with a provider familiar with obesity medicine and look out for savings tools from the manufacturers. Savings cards and coupons can potentially save you hundreds of dollars if your pharmacy accepts them.

Mounjaro or Saxenda: Which is Right For You?

When it comes to choosing between Saxenda and Mounjaro, there’s no clear winner that works for everyone. Saxenda’s daily dosing, weight‑management approval, and particular side effect profile may suit some people better, while Mounjaro’s weekly schedule, dual hormones, and greater potential weight loss may be more appealing for others. Your lifestyle, health history, insurance, and how your body responds will all matter.

If you’re weighing the pros and cons, you don’t have to do it alone. Sign up to speak with a registered dietitian at no cost to you and get personalized guidance on which medication might fit best, how to use it safely, and how to build a sustainable plan around it.

Mounjaro vs Saxenda FAQ

Can I Use Saxenda or Mounjaro if I am Pregnant or Trying to Become Pregnant?

GLP-1 medications are generally not recommended during pregnancy. They have not been studied enough in pregnant people for weight loss, and there could be risks to the fetus. If you’re trying to become pregnant or find out you are pregnant, you should discuss pausing the medication with your healthcare provider.

How Long Should I Expect to Stay on Either Medication?

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some people use them long‑term to maintain weight loss or control of blood sugar, while others may taper off under medical supervision once goals are met. The risk of weight regain is possible if stopping suddenly without lifestyle plans in place.

What Kinds of Lifestyle Changes are Necessary to Support Saxenda or Mounjaro?

Diet and exercise remain key. Both medications work best when paired with healthy eating, regular physical activity, sleep, and stress management. The medications help with appetite and weight, but lasting results often depend on sustainable lifestyle habits.

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

It depends on which medication you’re using. For Mounjaro (weekly dosing), you may often take it as soon as you remember within a certain window, but consult your provider. For Saxenda (daily), missing one dose is usually not catastrophic, but consistency matters. Always follow your prescriber’s guidance.

Does Either Medication Affect Mental Health?

Both can affect mood in some people. There are case reports and trials where mood changes, depressive symptoms, or anxiety occur. If you have a history of psychiatric conditions, it’s especially important to monitor your mental health and communicate with your provider.