Liraglutide – Full Rundown

What is Liraglutide?

Liraglutide is a medication used for managing type 2 diabetes and for aiding weight loss in people with obesity. It belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of drugs, mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. It’s administered as a once-daily injection.

How Liraglutide Works

Liraglutide mimics the action of GLP-1, a natural hormone released after eating. It helps lower blood sugar by:

• Stimulating insulin release
• Reducing glucagon production
• Slowing gastric emptying
• Acting on appetite centers in the brain to promote fullness

This combination helps with both glucose control and weight reduction.

Who Might Use It

Liraglutide may be prescribed for:

• Adults with type 2 diabetes who need additional blood sugar control
• Adults or adolescents with obesity, or overweight individuals with weight-related health problems

It is not typically used for type 1 diabetes or in people with pancreatitis history.

Available Brands and Formulations

Liraglutide is marketed under two brand names:

• Victoza® – used for type 2 diabetes (daily injection)
• Saxenda® – used for chronic weight management (higher dosing, daily injection)

Both are administered subcutaneously via a prefilled injection pen.

Clinical Trial Evidence

LEAD Trials (Victoza)

Demonstrated reductions in HbA1c and modest weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes.

SCALE Trials (Saxenda)

Showed 8–10% average body weight loss over 56 weeks in people without diabetes.

Liraglutide also reduced the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease (LEADER trial).

Side Effects and Safety

Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Headache

Symptoms usually decrease after the first few weeks.

Serious Risks

• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (in animals)

It is not recommended for those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.

Dosing and Administration

Liraglutide is injected once daily. Dosing differs based on the brand:

• Victoza: Starts at 0.6 mg/day, increased to 1.2 or 1.8 mg
• Saxenda: Starts at 0.6 mg/day and gradually increases to 3.0 mg/day for weight loss

It should be injected at the same time each day.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Costs vary:

• In Australia, Saxenda is available but not subsidised under the PBS
• Victoza may be covered for diabetes under some insurance plans
• In the U.S., out-of-pocket costs can exceed $1,300/month without insurance

Check local coverage or manufacturer support programs for availability.

Where It’s Available

Liraglutide is approved in:

• Most developed countries for diabetes (Victoza)
• United States, EU, UK, Canada, and others for weight loss (Saxenda)

It is widely available globally, though coverage varies.

Before and After: What the Research Shows

• Saxenda users lost around 8% of body weight over one year
• Victoza lowered HbA1c by about 1.0–1.5%, depending on the dose

Weight loss and blood sugar improvements were maintained with ongoing use.

Alternatives to Liraglutide

Other GLP-1 receptor agonists include:

• Semaglutide (weekly injection or tablet)
• Dulaglutide (weekly injection)
• Exenatide (twice-daily or weekly injection)
• Tirzepatide (dual-agonist, weekly injection)

Liraglutide is the only daily GLP-1 used for both diabetes and obesity.

Common Questions About Liraglutide

Is Saxenda the same as Liraglutide?
Yes. Saxenda is the brand name for Liraglutide used for weight loss at a higher dose.

How long does it take to lose weight on Saxenda?
Weight loss typically starts within a few weeks, with full results developing over several months.

Why is it taken daily?
Liraglutide has a shorter half-life than newer GLP-1 drugs, requiring daily use.

Can Liraglutide be taken long-term?
Yes, it’s approved for ongoing use as long as it remains effective and well tolerated.

Does it work without diet and exercise?
Lifestyle changes improve outcomes. It’s most effective when combined with diet and physical activity.