Saxenda (Liraglutide): Complete UK Guide
How it works, clinical results, costs, side effects, and verified UK providers.
8.0%
Average weight loss (3mg dose)¹
Daily
Injection frequency
From £155
Per month (UK providers)
GLP-1
Mechanism of action
What Is Saxenda?
Saxenda (liraglutide 3mg) is a once-daily prescription injection for weight management, manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight loss in the UK and received NICE approval (TA664) in 2020.²
Unlike Mounjaro and Wegovy which are injected weekly, Saxenda requires a daily injection. It works by activating the GLP-1 receptor to reduce appetite and calorie intake.
In the SCALE clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, participants taking liraglutide 3mg lost an average of 8.0% of their body weight over 56 weeks.¹ While this is less than Mounjaro (22.5%) or Wegovy (14.9%), Saxenda remains a useful option for patients who prefer daily dosing or cannot tolerate other GLP-1 medications.
Dosing Schedule
Saxenda is escalated over 5 weeks to the full 3mg maintenance dose, per the SmPC.³
Who Is Eligible?
Adults aged 18 or over
BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27+ with weight-related comorbidity
Available as a private prescription from GPhC-registered pharmacies
NICE recommends stopping treatment if less than 5% weight loss after 12 weeks on 3mg
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Side Effects
MHRA Safety Alert: Risk of acute pancreatitis with GLP-1 treatments. Read the MHRA guidance →⁴
How Much Does Saxenda Cost in the UK?
Saxenda is available from UK online pharmacies with prices starting from around £155 to £175 per month. As a daily injection it uses more pens than weekly alternatives, which can make it more expensive in the long term compared to Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Important Medical Information
This website provides general information about weight loss medications for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your GP or qualified healthcare professional before starting any weight loss medication. Individual results may vary.
WhichWeightMeds.org is an independent comparison platform and is not affiliated with any pharmacy, manufacturer, or healthcare provider. We do not prescribe, sell, or dispense medications.
Sources & References
- 1A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE) — New England Journal of Medicine, 2015 (Accessed February 2026)View source
- 2Liraglutide for weight management — NICE Technology Appraisal TA664 — National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Accessed February 2026)View source
- 3Saxenda (liraglutide) Summary of Product Characteristics — Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) (Accessed February 2026)View source
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