Alternatives
Best alternatives to Saxenda
If Saxenda isn't right for you — too expensive, unavailable, or you want a different mechanism — here are the top alternatives.
- Top pick1Editor's Choice
FDA-approved tirzepatide for weight loss
- Highest reported weight loss of any approved GLP-1 (avg ~21% in SURMOUNT-1)
- Dual GIP + GLP-1 mechanism
- FDA-approved for OSA + obesity (2024)
FDA-approvedBrand-nameOnce-weekly injectionDual GIP / GLP-1Insurance eligible8.2/10Editorial scoreiEditorial score — our drug ranking, weighted for clinical outcome (effectiveness and safety lead). Telehealth services also carry a separate Service scorecard (shown on the services pages), so the same brand can show a different number there.See reviewTrue cost · maint.$549/mo · 10mg+$150 - 2Runner-up
Tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes
- Significant A1C reduction
- Substantial weight loss as side benefit
Off-label useOnce-weekly injectionDual GIP / GLP-1Insurance eligible8.1/10Editorial scoreiEditorial score — our drug ranking, weighted for clinical outcome (effectiveness and safety lead). Telehealth services also carry a separate Service scorecard (shown on the services pages), so the same brand can show a different number there.See reviewTrue cost · maint.$549/mo · 7.5mg+$150 - 3Also great
Semaglutide approved for type 2 diabetes
- Strong A1C reduction in T2D
- Often covered by insurance for diabetes indication
Off-label useOnce-weekly injectionGLP-1 receptor agonistInsurance eligible8.1/10Editorial scoreiEditorial score — our drug ranking, weighted for clinical outcome (effectiveness and safety lead). Telehealth services also carry a separate Service scorecard (shown on the services pages), so the same brand can show a different number there.See reviewTrue cost · maint.$499/mo · 1mg - 4Best for editor's choice#1· Editor's ChoiceEditor's ChoiceBest for CV Risk
FDA-approved semaglutide for chronic weight management
- Average 15% weight loss in clinical trials (STEP 1)
- FDA-approved with extensive safety record
- Weekly dosing
FDA-approvedBrand-nameOnce-weekly injectionGLP-1 receptor agonistInsurance eligibleMost transparent pricing8.0/10Editorial scoreiEditorial score — our drug ranking, weighted for clinical outcome (effectiveness and safety lead). Telehealth services also carry a separate Service scorecard (shown on the services pages), so the same brand can show a different number there.See reviewTrue cost · maint.$499/mo · 2.4mg