Cheaper Alternatives To Saxenda In The UK

In the UK, it is estimated that 1 in 4 adults are living with obesity. Obesity is a complex health condition that can be difficult to manage due to the time it takes to lose weight and the many causes of this disease. Those with obesity or excess weight are at high risk of developing weight-related health conditions.

Saxenda is a popular prescription weight-loss medication administered daily. Due to its popularity and effectiveness, there is currently a global shortage of this medication. This could be a reason why you are looking for Saxenda alternative UK treatment options, a cheaper option, or a treatment in tablet form.

Whatever your reason, we have compiled a guide below comparing medicinal, natural, and other alternative treatments, helping you find a cheaper alternative to Saxenda in the UK.

What Are the Alternatives to Saxenda?

Saxenda is a popular weight loss medication, resulting in a worldwide shortage. Some may be looking for a tablet weight loss medication to avoid having to use needles, while others may require a cheaper option or a medication that does not cause side effects. You may even be considering at natural options such as caffeine, green tea extract, or others.

In this article, we’ll weigh up the features, pros and cons of medicinal, natural and other UK alternatives to Saxenda, including its main prescription medication competitors:

• Wegovy
• Xenical
• Mysimba
• Mounjaro
• Orlistat

What medication is comparable to Saxenda?

Orlistat

Orlistat is the generic version of the brand weight loss medication Xenical. It is used to treat obesity by aiding weight loss. Orlistat works in the digestive system to block at least one-third of the fat from your food from being absorbed by the body.

Active Ingredient

• Orlistat

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Liquid stools
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Increased or urgent need to go to the bathroom (open the bowels)
• Wind (flatulence) with stool discharge
• Soft stools
• Bloating
• Tooth or gum disorder
• Incontinence (stools)
• Tiredness
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Oily stool discharge
• Oily or fatty stools
• Low blood sugar levels
• Liquid stools
• Rectal discomfort or pain

Potential Benefits

By taking Orlistat with a reduced-calorie diet and regular, you can lose up to 5% of your starting body weight in the first three months of treatment.

Reviews

Reviews from real users taking Orlistat 120mg capsules are mostly positive. A real user reported the medication worked well for weight loss. Users highlighted that they needed to reduce the amount of dietary fat in their diet to avoid unpleasant side effects such as stool discharge and very oily stools.

Cost

You can buy Orlistat online from Cloud Pharmacy with prices starting from £17.39 for 42 capsules

Wegovy

Wegovy is a prescription weight loss injection. It has the same active ingredient as Ozempic and is approved for use to treat obesity and excess weight with weight-related health conditions. 

Active Ingredient

Semaglutide 

Common side effects

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea 
• Constipation 
• Headache 
• Dizziness 
• Fatigue 
• Abdominal pain 

Potential Benefits

The Step 1 clinical trial showed taking Wegovy for 68 weeks resulted in significant weight loss. The average body weight loss in patients taking Wegovy was 14.8%. 

Reviews

• Most reviews of Wegovy are positive, with real users reporting that the medication worked very well for them and did exactly as it said. Some users found it expensive, although they said the medication was worth it. 
• One user reported losing 12 lbs in the first month of using Wegovy, while another reported losing 13 lbs in the first five weeks. 
• Real users commented that they experienced common side effects of Wegovy, such as nausea, although they were infrequent and mild.

Cost

• Prices for Wegovy start from £159 and are available online through Cloud Pharmacy.

Mysimba

Mysimba is a prolonged-release tablet containing 7.2mg naltrexone and 78mg bupropion. It is approved to treat obesity or excess weight with weight-related health conditions. The two active ingredients in Mysimba act on the section of the brain that regulates the reward and feedback mechanisms, regulating food consumption and controlling cravings.

Active Ingredient

Naltrexone and Bupropion

Common side effects

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Tremor (feeling shaky)
• Anxiety
• Vertigo or dizziness
• Fatigue, lethargy, or drowsiness
• Pain in the stomach
• Hot flush
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Excessive sweating
• Rash, itching
• Increased blood pressure

Potential Benefits

In three studies, patients treated with Mysimba lost an average of 3.7-5.7% of weight, compared with 1.3-1.9% with placebo. Roughly 13-20% of patients lost at least 10% of their starting weight. Studies found that Mysimba was more effective in patients who completed 56 weeks of treatment.

Reviews

• Real user reviews for Mysimba are generally positive. Common themes include effectiveness, results, side effects, price, and overall satisfaction. Many users reported that Mysimba reduced their appetite and noticed a reduction in their cravings.
• A few users reported they experienced side effects such as headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. One user reported that they had to stop treatment and find an alternative option due to the side effects they experienced.

Cost

• Mysimba is a available to buy online through Cloud Pharmacy. Prices start at £109 for 112 tablets.

Xenical

Xenical is the brand name version of the generic Orlistat. This medication attaches to dietary fat, stopping the body from absorbing at least one-third of it. Xenical, in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise, can help you lose weight more effectively.

Active Ingredient

• Orlistat

Common side effects

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Increased or urgent need to go to the bathroom (open the bowels)
• Wind (flatulence) with stool discharge
• Oily stool discharge
• Oily or fatty stools
• Low blood sugar levels
• Liquid stools
• Rectal discomfort or pain
• Soft stools
• Bloating
• Tooth or gum disorder
• Incontinence (stools)
• Tiredness
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Headache
• Liquid stools

Potential Benefits

Over your 12-week Xenical treatment, you can expect to lose about 5% of your starting weight. It may take a couple of weeks to notice weight loss. It can take up to 12 weeks to lose about 5% of your starting weight.

Reviews

• Xenical has mostly positive reviews. Real users commented that the medication is effective and works well when used in conjunction with a change in diet and increased exercise.
• Real users reported that they needed to reduce the fat content in their diet to avoid side effects such as leaking oily and orange stool. They also had to adjust their diet to avoid the urgent need to go to the bathroom.

Cost

• Prices for Xenical start from £29.98 for 42 capsules and are available to buy online through Cloud Pharmacy 

Mounjaro

Mounjaro is a popular treatment for weight loss. This medication is injected once weekly and works by regulating blood sugar levels and reducing the amount of food consumed. Mounjaro also helps manage cravings.

Active Ingredient

Trizepatide

Common side effects

• Decreased appetite
• Feeling tired
• Fast pulse
• Increases levels of pancreatic enzymes
• Burping
• Low blood sugar
• Flatulence (gas)
• Allergic reaction
• Dizziness
• Indigestion
• Stomach pain
• Reflux or heartburn
• Hair loss

Potential Benefits

When using Mounjaro for weight loss, you can expect to lose around 15-20% of your initial body weight after completing treatment. This is in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Reviews

• Mounjaro has very positive reviews for those using it for weight loss. Real users commented they were able to lose a large amount of weight, allowing them to come off medications that they were prescribed for weight-related health conditions. Users reported experiencing minimal to no side effects when taking Mounjaro.

Cost

• You can purchase Mounjaro online through Cloud Pharmacy. Prices start from £138.99

Natural Saxenda Alternatives in the UK

Natural weight loss aids are available without a prescription. While these supplements advertise their effectiveness, there is limited scientific evidence supporting these claims. Before taking any supplement to help treat obesity and excess weight, it is a good idea to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a naturally occurring compound that stimulates the central nervous system. This increases thermogenesis and fat breakdown. Caffeine can also speed up metabolism, affecting the rate at which calories are burned.

Ingredients

• Caffeine

Research findings

Short-term clinical trials found that there may be a small possible effect on a person's body weight, decreasing weight gain over time.

Side effects

• Nervousness
• Jitteriness
• Vomiting
• Tachycardia

Cost

• Caffeine tablets start from as low as £5.50 for 20 tablets

Garcinia cambogia

Garcinia cambogia is a fruit-bearing tree, with the pulp and rind of its fruit containing high amounts of HCA. It is a common ingredient in weight loss supplements. It works by inhibiting lipogenesis and suppressing the feeling of hunger.

Ingredients

• Garcinia Cambogia (hydroxycitric acid)

Research findings

• Several short-term clinical trials have been conducted, establishing that Garcinia Cambogia has very little to no effect on body weight.

Side effects

• Nausea
• Headache
• Upper respiratory tract symptoms
• Liver damage
• Mania
• Liver damage

Green tea extract

Green tea extract or green tea is a very popular drink that is consumed globally. It is thought to have multiple health benefits. Green tea works by increasing energy expenditure and how fast fat is broken down by the body. It also reduces fat absorption by the body.

Ingredients

• The active compound is caffeine

Research findings

Several clinical trials have been conducted on green tea catechins without or with caffeine. The research suggests a possible effect on body weight.

Side effects

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Liver damage
• Increased blood pressure

Green coffee bean extract

Green coffee beans are coffee beans that have not yet been roasted and have a higher level of chlorogenic acid. Green coffee extract works by stopping fat accumulation in the body via regulating a mechanism called adipogenesis.

Ingredients

• Caffeine and chlorogenic acid

Research findings

• A few clinical trials have been conducted; however, they are of poor methodological quality. Research suggests the possibility of a small effect on body weight.

Side effects

• Urinary tract infections
• Headache

Hoodia

Hoodia is a succulent plant found in Southern Africa. The Khoisan have traditionally used it as an appetite suppressant during long hunts. It has not yet been determined how Hoodia works to suppress the appetite, although it is believed to act on the central nervous system.

Ingredients

Hoodia Gordonii

Research findings: There is very little published research on humans. Available research (one study) found there is no effect on body weight.

Side effects

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Nausea

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is mainly found in beef and dairy products. There are various forms of CLA present in dietary supplements. It suggests CLA works by increasing fatty acid oxidation, increasing lipolysis, and promoting the removal of fatty tissue.

Ingredients

• Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Research findings

• Several clinical trials have been conducted. Research suggests there is a small effect on body fat and body weight.

Side effects

• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain and discomfort
• Loose stools
• Dyspepsia

Glucomannan

Glucomannan is a dietary fibre from the konjac root. It is thought that glucomannan increases the feeling of fullness and slows gastric emptying by absorbing water in the intestines and stomach.

Ingredients

Glucomannan

Research findings

There have been several clinical trials conducted, of varying methodical quality. Research suggests there is little to no effect on body weight.

Side effects

• Loose stools
• Gas
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal discomfort

Berberine

Berberine is found in many plants, such as barberry. Berberine has a history in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. This natural ingredient has recently become a popular topic as a potential weight loss aid. It is thought that berberine helps improve the function of leptin and insulin.

Ingredients

• Berberine

Research findings

While many studies have been conducted, the evidence is not conclusive. In 2022, a review of 18 studies found that there were small effects on body weight; however, these studies had a high risk of bias.

Side effects

• Nausea
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain

Other Alternatives to Saxenda

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is a treatment option for those who are obese. The surgery makes the size of the stomach smaller, restricting the amount of food you can eat, leaving you fuller with less food.

The main types of bariatric surgery are gastric band, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric balloon. These surgeries require a lifetime commitment. Studies have shown that bariatric surgery leads to more significant weight loss and is more effective in treating type 2 diabetes in obese patients than other non-surgical treatments.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A new treatment option for patients with obesity is personalised cognitive-behavioural therapy for obesity (CBT-OB). This treatment combines behavioural therapy for obesity (goal setting, stimulus control, self-monitoring, problem-solving, relapse prevention etc.) with specific cognitive strategies.

The main goals of CBT-OB are to help patients:

• Achieve, accept and maintain a healthy weight loss
• Develop a stable ‘weight-control mindset’
• Adopt a lifestyle that promotes weight control

A study involving 77 patients with morbid obesity completed CBT-OB treatment, achieving an average of 9.9% weight loss after 18 months. This study was conducted in a real-world setting.
CBT therapy is not available on the NHS.

Diet

Healthy eating is a must when trying to lose weight. Talk to your healthcare provider or dietitian if you have special dietary needs or a medical condition such as diabetes. Here are some tips to help you eat healthier:

• Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day
• Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6 to 8 glasses a day)
• Consume dairy or dairy alternatives
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads
• Eat beans, pulses, eggs, fish, and lean meat

If you are unsure where to start, the NHS weight loss plan is a free 12-week diet and exercise plan designed to help you lose weight safely.

Any weight loss diet should follow the golden rule that decreasing daily energy intake by around 500 calories should translate into a weight loss of around 0.5 kg per week, resulting in a weight loss of around 2 kg per month.

Exercise

In order to maintain a healthy weight, you will need to engage in physical activity to burn the energy gained from your diet. Regular physical exercise also has many health benefits and can reduce your chances of developing weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

Your doctor or another healthcare provider will be able to tell you which exercise you should be doing and for how long. They will take into account your fitness level and medical history.

What’s the best alternative to Saxenda in the UK?

If you don’t mind needles, the best alternative to Saxenda is Wegovy. Wegovy is only injected once a week. A clinical trial was conducted to compare weight loss in obese and overweight adults who took Wegovy and Saxenda for 68 weeks. The trial found that Wegovy was more effective than Saxenda.

If needles are not an option for you, Orlistat costs less than Saxenda, and it comes as a capsule that you can swallow with some water. Overall, studies showed that adults taking Saxenda lost over 6% more body weight on average compared to the patients taking Orlistat.

How to switch from Saxenda

Before stopping Saxenda, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about the medication you would like to move to. It is important not to stop your current treatment and move to a UK Saxenda alternative without talking to your prescribing healthcare provider. They can examine your medical history, weight loss goals, and concerns to determine which option best suits your needs.

Final thoughts

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to review your medical history and weight goals to determine which cheaper alternative to Saxenda in the UK will work best for you. It is important also to make lifestyle changes such as implementing regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Alternatively, you can have a free online consultation with a Cloud Pharmacy pharmacist. Cloud Pharmacy is a UK-registered online prescribing service. We will help you determine if Saxenda or a Saxenda alternative is the most appropriate medication to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Your weight loss medication will be dispensed in discreet packaging, with next-day delivery to your UK address. We will also provide you with confidential follow-ups and advice along your weight loss journey.

Click here to start the process of booking a consultation with Cloud Pharmacy.

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