How do patient satisfaction rates compare between Wegovy and other GLP-1 receptor agonists?

Survey and trial follow-ups suggest people report higher satisfaction with Wegovy than older GLP-1 drugs, mainly because of greater weight loss and once-weekly dosing. However, side effects such as nausea still influence whether people stay on treatment long-term.

Why satisfaction matters

When it comes to long-term treatments, how people feel about their medicine is just as important as the clinical data. Adherence — sticking with treatment — depends not only on how effective a drug is, but also on whether people find it manageable and worthwhile in their daily lives. That’s why researchers and health services pay attention to patient satisfaction alongside trial outcomes.

What the trials revealed

In the STEP programme, which tested Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly), follow-up surveys reported high satisfaction levels. People valued the noticeable weight reduction — around 15% on average over 68 weeks — and the convenience of a once-weekly injection compared with older daily options. These features were often cited as reasons participants said they would continue treatment if given the chance.

Comparison with older GLP-1 drugs

By contrast, earlier medicines such as Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg daily) were less popular. The need for daily injections was often seen as inconvenient, and the weight loss achieved — typically 6–8% over a year — was more modest. While still useful, Saxenda tended to score lower on satisfaction surveys because people found it harder to sustain both the routine and the results.

Side effects and tolerability

Despite strong results, satisfaction with Wegovy is not universal. Gastrointestinal side effects — nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation — are common, particularly in the first weeks of treatment. Some people tolerate these well, while others find them disruptive enough to stop treatment. Similar side effects are seen with Saxenda and other GLP-1 receptor agonists, though Wegovy’s higher dose may make the early symptoms more noticeable for some.

NHS and real-world experiences

In NHS specialist services, clinicians note that many patients are highly motivated by the early results they see on Wegovy, which boosts satisfaction and adherence. At the same time, staff prepare patients for possible side effects and stress the importance of gradual dose escalation. By managing expectations, the chances of people staying on treatment improve. Real-world data from countries where Wegovy has been in use longer also show higher persistence rates compared with daily GLP-1 treatments.

The balance of convenience and results

Convenience plays a key role in satisfaction. Once-weekly pens like Wegovy and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are generally preferred over daily injections like Saxenda. People often describe the weekly routine as easier to remember and less intrusive, making long-term use more practical. Combined with stronger average weight loss, this helps explain why Wegovy is rated more favourably.

Key takeaways

Overall, surveys and trial follow-ups indicate that people tend to be more satisfied with Wegovy than with older GLP-1 receptor agonists, thanks to greater weight loss and the ease of weekly dosing. Side effects remain a limiting factor for some, but structured NHS support helps many to manage them and continue treatment. Satisfaction is ultimately shaped by a balance of effectiveness, tolerability, and convenience — areas where Wegovy often has the advantage.