Liraglutide vs Semaglutide (Nevolat vs Wegovy): What’s Best for Weight Loss?

If you’re trying to lose weight, you may already be aware of weight loss medications like liraglutide and semaglutide (commonly known as Nevolat and Wegovy). These work by suppressing appetite and reducing calorie intake, and can be valuable weight management tools for those who are overweight or obese. Many people are familiar with weight loss injections by their brand names, but the active ingredients are less widely understood.

Despite their similarities, there are important differences in the usage and effects of liraglutide vs semaglutide. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the most suitable treatment plan for your needs and maximising the benefits of weight loss medication. Let’s get started.

What are Liraglutide and Semaglutide?

Liraglutide and Semaglutide are Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. They mimic the effects of a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, which is produced in the small intestine and has several digestive functions. These include slowing the movement of food through the stomach and producing a feeling of satiety, or ‘fullness,’ after eating.

By mimicking these functions, GLP-1 agonists like liraglutide and semaglutide can reduce appetite and, therefore, calorie intake. This could promote significant weight loss, with studies reporting weight reductions of up to 15% among participants.

GLP-1 agonists also stimulate the release of insulin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels. Therefore, the treatments can be highly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Whether you’re looking to lose weight or combat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 agonists can help you achieve your health goals. However, liraglutide and semaglutide have slightly different effects in terms of weight management and blood sugar control.

What is the Difference Between Liraglutide and Semaglutide?

Liraglutide and semaglutide are similar drugs with comparable applications in the treatment of diabetes and obesity. However, there are some key differences in their usage and their potency as weight loss aids.

Dosing Frequency

The main difference between semaglutide vs liraglutide is how frequently they are administered. Liraglutide is injected daily, starting with a dose of 0.6 mg per day for the first week. The dosage is then increased each week, rising to 1.2 mg in week 2, 1.8 mg in week 3, 2.4 mg in week 4, and 3 mg per day from week 5 onwards.

Semaglutide is administered as a weekly injection, with a starting dosage of 0.25 mg for the first four weeks. This is steadily increased to 0.5 mg for weeks 5 through 8, 1 mg for weeks 9 through 12, 1.7 mg for weeks 13 through 16, and 2.4 mg from week 17 onwards.

Effect on Blood Sugar Control

GLP-1 agonists, such as liraglutide and semaglutide, lower blood glucose levels, which is key to their efficacy in treating type 2 diabetes. However, research suggests that semaglutide is more effective for blood sugar control than liraglutide and may be the better choice for patients with the condition.

Effect on Weight Loss

Research into the effects of liraglutide vs semaglutide for weight loss is limited, but some studies suggest that semaglutide may be a more effective option. One study found that patients using weekly semaglutide injections lost significantly more weight after 68 weeks than those on a daily dose of liraglutide. In this case, semaglutide patients showed a 15% weight loss at week 68, compared to a 6% weight loss for those taking liraglutide.

Similarities Between Semaglutide and Liraglutide

Because liraglutide and semaglutide belong to the same class of drugs, there are several similarities between the two:

• Liraglutide and semaglutide are both administered by injection
• Both medications have been proven to control blood sugar levels
• Either can promote significant weight loss in people who are overweight or obese
• As both are GLP-1 agonists, liraglutide and semaglutide produce similar side effects

Wegovy

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews

• Approved Weight Loss treatment
• Weekly injection
• Reduces risk of heart attack & stroke

• Discreet delivery next working day
• Online prescription - No doctor visit

Prices from £139.99 Review More Prices

Start Order More Info

Get Started

Start Order More info

Liraglutide vs Semaglutide Side Effects

Like all medications, liraglutide and semaglutide have the potential to produce side effects. The most common side effects of GLP-1 agonists are gastrointestinal symptoms. For example, the side effects of semaglutide treatments like Wegovy include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain

These side effects are very common and affect at least 5% of people using semaglutide injections. More serious, but less common, side effects include pancreatitis, changes in vision, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney problems, and allergic reactions.

Liraglutide treatments, such as Nevolat, also cause gastrointestinal issues as a common side effect. At least 5% of patients using liraglutide medications experience:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Constipation

In rarer cases, liraglutide can cause more serious side effects such as pancreatitis, hypoglycemia, kidney problems, gallbladder issues, and allergic reactions.

Liraglutide and semaglutide produce similar side effects at similar rates, the most common of which are gastrointestinal symptoms. One study reported that 84.1% of semaglutide patients reported gastrointestinal issues, compared to 82.7% of those on liraglutide. 

Semaglutide vs Liraglutide: What’s Most Effective for Weight Loss?

Both semaglutide and liraglutide have been clinically proven to promote weight loss, with studies reporting weight reductions of up to 15% among patients. However, semaglutide treatments (such as Wegovy) may be a more effective weight loss drug than liraglutide.

One study comparing the weight loss benefits of semaglutide and liraglutide found that, by week 68, semaglutide patients lost 15.8% of their body weight, on average. This was significantly higher than the weight reduction seen among liraglutide users, who lost an average of 6.4% by week 68.

The reasons for this aren’t fully understood, but it may be due to how these medications affect the brain. Researchers have observed that semaglutide affects larger brain areas that control hunger than liraglutide, which may translate to greater appetite reduction. Therefore, semaglutide is likely a more effective weight loss drug than liraglutide and offers significantly better value for money.

Nevolat vs Wegovy: Which is Cheaper?

Nevolat (liraglutide) is cheaper than Wegovy (semaglutide). This is because Nevolat is a generic version of the now-discontinued brand, Saxenda, whereas Wegovy is a brand-name drug. A 1-month supply of a maintenance dose of Wegovy (i.e., one 2.4 mg dose per week) costs £253.99 with Prescription Doctor. 1 month of Nevolat injections at a maintenance dose of 3 mg daily costs £199.99.

Currently, there are no generic versions of semaglutide available. However, if such a medication becomes available, it will likely be a more cost-effective choice than liraglutide, as it is administered weekly rather than daily.

Nevolat

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews

• Approved Weight Loss treatment
• Once-daily injection
• More affordable than branded treatments

• Discreet delivery next working day
• Online prescription - No doctor visit

Prices from £64.99 Review More Prices

Start Order More Info

Get Started

Start Order More info

Liraglutide vs Semaglutide Frequently Asked Questions

When comparing liraglutide vs semaglutide, several common queries arise, including whether it's safe to switch from one to the other and how to purchase them. Here are the most frequently asked questions about Nevolat and Wegovy:

Can I Take Semaglutide and Liraglutide Together?

Liraglutide and semaglutide are both GLP-1 agonists and have similar effects, but it is not safe to take these medications together. This is because GLP-1 agonists lower blood sugar, and using two at once can increase your risk of hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as dizziness, tiredness, lightheadedness, confusion, irritability, irregular heartbeat, and headache. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures and loss of consciousness.

Can I Switch From Liraglutide to Semaglutide?

You can switch from liraglutide to semaglutide, and it may be beneficial for improved blood sugar control and increased weight loss. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medications.

If you want to swap your daily liraglutide for a weekly semaglutide injection, the general advice is to start using semaglutide the day after your last dose of liraglutide. Speak with a doctor before making the switch to ensure the new treatment plan is suitable for your individual needs.

Can I Buy Semaglutide and Liraglutide Online?

You can buy semaglutide and liraglutide online from reputable online pharmacies such as Prescription Doctor.

To order from us, first find your preferred treatment and request a consultation. You’ll then be asked to complete a medical questionnaire, so our expert prescribers can assess your suitability for the medication. If approved before 3pm on weekdays, your order will be dispatched in discreet packaging and delivered the next day.

What Weight Loss Alternatives Are Available?

Liraglutide and semaglutide are popular choices for people interested in weight loss injections, but they aren’t the only options. Mounjaro (which contains the active ingredient tirzepatide) mimics GLP-1 and another hormone, called GIP, to reduce appetite and control blood sugar.

Mounjaro

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews

• Approved Weight Loss Treatment
• Suitable for adults with a BMI of +30kg/m²
• Pre-filled injection pen

• Discreet delivery next working day
• Online prescription - No doctor visit

Prices from £159.99 Review More Prices

Start Order More Info

Get Started

Start Order More info

Oral weight loss medications, like Xenical (Orlistat), can also be an effective alternative to weight loss injections. Orlistat works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat and can promote weight reductions of up to 5% after 12 weeks of use. Other oral weight loss aids, such as Mysimba, work by reducing appetite and making it easier for patients to adhere to a calorie-controlled diet.

Effective Weight Loss Support from Prescription Doctor

If you’re curious about comparing liraglutide vs semaglutide to determine which option is right for your circumstances, you can rely on Prescription Doctor for help. Since our inception in 2013, we’ve supported countless individuals throughout their weight loss journey, and we’re ready to do the same for you.

Simply fill out our online medical questionnaire and our expert clinicians will assess your case to determine whether your chosen medication meets your requirements. If approved before 3pm on a weekday, your order will be dispatched for delivery the next day via trackable courier and in discreet packaging.

In addition to providing weight loss medication, we also offer essential guidance, including diet advice and information on how the treatments work. This means you can be totally confident you’re in safe hands.

Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? Start a consultation today. 

Authored By

Kate Latham

Medical Content Writer

Kate has been a scientific content writer since 2017. With a BSc in Biology and a background in cancer research, she is adept at identifying the latest findings in medical research and utilising these

Published on: 18/06/2025

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 18/06/2025