A recent study reveals that Ozempic and its related medication, Wegovy, outperform Saxenda, another drug targeting the same appetite-regulating hormone. According to research published in JAMA Network Open on September 13, Ozempic (semaglutide) resulted in significant weight loss for a higher percentage of users compared to Saxenda (liraglutide).
The study found that 61% of obese patients taking Ozempic or Wegovy lost 10% or more of their body weight within a year, compared to just 29% of those on Saxenda. For individuals using these medications to manage type 2 diabetes, 23% of those on semaglutide achieved the same level of weight loss, while only 12% of those on liraglutide reached this benchmark.
Achieving a weight loss of 10% or more is recognized for its substantial health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, potential remission of diabetes, better cholesterol levels, and enhanced cardiovascular health, according to the National Institutes of Health.
The research, led by Hamlet Gasoyan from the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Value-Based Care Research, analyzed data from nearly 3,400 adults who were prescribed either Ozempic or Saxenda between 2015 and 2022. The study found that semaglutide, approved for diabetes in 2017 and for obesity in 2021, led to an average weight loss of 13% in patients using it for obesity and 7% for those using it for diabetes. In contrast, liraglutide, which has been on the market since 2010 for diabetes and 2014 for obesity, resulted in a 6% weight loss for obesity patients and 3% for those with diabetes.
The research highlighted several factors influencing weight loss effectiveness: adherence to the medication regimen, higher initial BMI, and female gender were associated with better outcomes. Higher doses of the medications also corresponded to greater weight loss.
It’s important to note that this study did not include Zepbound (tirzepatide), the newest entrant in this class of weight-loss drugs, which was approved by the FDA in November 2023.
Dr. Gasoyan emphasized that understanding these real-world results can help manage expectations for patients and healthcare providers regarding the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Saxenda. Persistence with these medications is crucial for achieving significant weight loss and associated health benefits.
For personalized advice, patients should consult with their healthcare providers to determine the most suitable treatment for obesity or diabetes management.
