Evidence-graded answer
How does Wegovy compare to Saxenda?
Both are GLP-1 agonists from Novo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide, weekly) produces ~15% mean weight loss; Saxenda (liraglutide, daily) produces ~6-8%. Wegovy is also cheaper per kg-lost, more convenient, and has cardiovascular outcome data (SELECT trial). Saxenda was first approved for adolescents (2020); Wegovy followed in 2022 — both are available for ages 12-17.
STEP-1 (Wegovy 2.4 mg weekly): mean weight loss 14.9% at 68 weeks vs 2.4% placebo.
SCALE (Saxenda 3.0 mg daily): mean weight loss 8.0% at 56 weeks vs 2.6% placebo. Daily injection burden is the main downside.
Saxenda is FDA-approved for adolescents 12-17 with obesity; Wegovy is approved 12+ since 2022 but Saxenda has the longer track record in this group.
Source: STEP-1 NEJM 2021 vs SCALE NEJM 2015, NEJM