Liraglutide
Reviewed by Fat Man in the Arena · Updated March 2026
Key Takeaway
Liraglutide is an older GLP-1 receptor agonist requiring daily injection. Sold as Victoza (diabetes) and Saxenda (weight loss), it has been largely superseded by weekly semaglutide but remains widely prescribed.
How it works
Liraglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor to reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin secretion. It shares the same mechanism as semaglutide but has a shorter half-life requiring daily dosing.
Benefits
- FDA-approved for weight management
- Well-studied safety profile
- Available in daily injection pen format
Side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Low blood sugar risk when combined with insulin
Dosing protocol
Typical Dose
3.0 mg daily
Frequency
Once daily subcutaneous injection
Titrate from 0.6 mg daily, increasing by 0.6 mg weekly.
Key research
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE)
New England Journal of Medicine (2015) — PubMed
8% mean body weight loss over 56 weeks vs 2.6% placebo.
FDA status
FDA Approved for: Type 2 diabetes (Victoza), weight management (Saxenda)
Frequently asked questions
Semaglutide produces roughly twice the weight loss of liraglutide (14.9% vs 8%) and only requires weekly injection versus daily. Most physicians now prefer semaglutide for weight management. Liraglutide remains an option for patients who prefer daily dosing or cannot tolerate semaglutide.
Compare Liraglutide
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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.