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Compare Alli vs. Saxenda

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Alli, Xenical (orlistat) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are both used to help with weight loss, but they work in different ways and are taken differently. Orlistat is an enzyme that blocks the absorption of fats from the foods you eat and is taken three times daily. It's available both over-the-counter (Alli) and by prescription (Xenical). On the other hand, Saxenda is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that makes you feel less hungry by slowing down your digestion. It's injected once daily under the skin and is only available with a prescription. Orlistat can cause side effects like oily stools and gas, while Saxenda can cause nausea and vomiting. Additionally, Saxenda has a risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if taken with insulin, which orlistat does not have. Both medications work best when combined with a well-balanced diet and increase physical activity.

  • Orlistat
    Saxenda (liraglutide)
  • Orlistat
    Saxenda (liraglutide)

  • Summary of Alli vs. Saxenda

    Summary for Lipase inhibitor

    Orlistat is a medication that works alongside diet and exercise to increase weight loss in people who are overweight or obese. It needs to be taken three times a day and is available with a prescription in a higher dose (Xenical) or over the counter in a lower dose (Alli).

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Saxenda (liraglutide) is used along with a balanced diet and exercise to help with weight loss in certain adults and children. This prescription weight loss medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by slowing down your gut and making you feel less hungry. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prefilled pen of medication that's injected once daily under the skin on the stomach or thighs. You can inject Saxenda (liraglutide) at home by yourself after your healthcare professional (HCP) trains you on how to prepare and use it. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Alli vs. Saxenda

    Indications for

    Xenical (orlistat):

    Obesty management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of:

    •30 kg/m^2^ or greater or
    •27 kg/m^2^ or greater and at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol)

    Alli (orlistat):

    Weight loss in adults when combined with a lower-calorie and low-fat diet

    Indications for
    •To help with weight management along with a lower-calorie diet and exercise in:
    •Adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2, or greater than 27 kg/m2 with a weight-related health problem (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
    •Children 12 years of age and older who weigh over 132 lbs and have a high BMI

  • Pros and Cons of Alli vs. Saxenda

    Pros and Const for Lipase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well to block a portion of the fat you eat
    •Xenical is approved for people ages 12 years and older.
    •Available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms
    Cons
    •Still need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine
    •Must remember to take with each fat-containing meal
    •Only available as a brand medication so it can be expensive
    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Can help you lose weight in addition to balanced nutrition and exercise
    •Can take with or without food
    •Safe to use for children 12 years of age and older (with certain BMI)
    Cons
    •Must be given as once-daily injections under the skin
    •Can cause stomach upset
    •Not safe for use for people with personal or family history of thyroid cancer

  • Common Side Effects of Alli vs. Saxenda

    Common Side Effects for

    Xenical (orlistat):

    •Oily spotting on underwear (4-27%)
    •Gas with anal discharge (2-24%)
    •Urge to have a bowel movement (3-22%)
    •Fatty or oily stool (6-20%)
    •Having more bowel movements (3-11%)
    •Difficulty controlling bowel movements (2-8%)

    Alli (orlistat):

    •Gas with oily spotting
    •Loose stools
    •More frequent stools that are hard to control
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Nausea (39%)
    •Diarrhea (21%)
    •Constipation (19%)
    •Vomiting (16%)
    •Redness, itching, and other injection site reactions (14%)
    •Headache (14%)
    •Low blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes (13%)
    •Indigestion (10%)

    Children 12 years of age and older:

    •Nausea (42%)
    •Vomiting (34%)
    •Diarrhea (22%)
    •Low blood sugar levels (15%)
    •Dizziness (10%)

  • Warnings of Alli vs. Saxenda

    Common Side Effects for
    •Medication interactions
    •Liver injury
    •Higher oxalate levels in the urine
    •Gallstones
    •Other causes of obesity
    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible risk for thyroid cancer
    •Inflamed pancreas
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Low blood sugar
    •Faster heart rate
    •Kidney problems
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Possible risk for self-harm

  • Prices with our coupons for Alli vs. Saxenda

    Learn more about Orlistat
    Learn more about Saxenda

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