Saxenda vs Xenical: Which Weight Loss Drug Is Right for You?

When it comes to managing weight, Saxenda, a daily injectable medication containing liraglutide that mimics a natural hormone to reduce appetite and Xenical, an oral pill that blocks fat absorption in the gut are two of the most prescribed options. Both are FDA-approved for long-term weight loss, but they work in completely different ways. Saxenda targets your brain’s hunger signals, while Xenical stops about 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed—what you eat literally passes through you. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and choosing between them depends on your body, your habits, and what side effects you’re willing to live with.

People often confuse these two because they’re both used for obesity, but liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda, is also used in diabetes treatment, making it a dual-purpose drug. It slows digestion and makes you feel full longer, which helps cut calories naturally. Xenical, on the other hand, contains orlistat, a fat-blocking agent that doesn’t enter your bloodstream. That means it works locally in your intestines, but it can cause oily stools, frequent bowel movements, and even leakage if you eat fatty meals. If you’re someone who loves cheese, fried food, or creamy sauces, Xenical might be more of a punishment than a solution. Saxenda doesn’t care what you eat—it just tells your brain you’re full sooner.

Cost and convenience matter too. Saxenda comes in a pen you inject once a day, and while it’s pricier upfront, many users find they eat less overall, which can offset grocery bills. Xenical is cheaper per pill but requires you to take it with every meal that contains fat—three times a day, no exceptions. Miss a dose and you’re back to absorbing fat. Studies show Saxenda leads to slightly more weight loss on average—around 8-10% of body weight over a year—compared to Xenical’s 5-7%. But Saxenda also has more common side effects: nausea, dizziness, and sometimes headaches, especially when you first start. Xenical’s side effects are messy but not dangerous, and they usually fade as you adjust your diet.

If you’ve tried diet and exercise and still struggle, these drugs aren’t magic—they’re tools. Saxenda works best if you’re also cutting calories and moving more. Xenical forces you to eat less fat, which can be a wake-up call for your eating habits. Neither is for casual use. Both need a doctor’s approval, regular check-ins, and honesty about your goals. You’re not just picking a pill or a pen—you’re picking a lifestyle adjustment. Below, you’ll find real comparisons from users who’ve tried both, plus insights on which one fits different body types, budgets, and daily routines. No fluff. Just what actually matters when you’re trying to lose weight and keep it off.