Liraglutide
Also known as: Victoza, Saxenda
Key Facts: Liraglutide
- Category
- Weight Loss
- FDA Status
- FDA Approved
- Clinical Status
- FDA Approved - Diabetes (Victoza) and weight loss (Saxenda)
- Administration
- Subcutaneous injection daily
- Typical Dose
- 1.8-3 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Evidence Level
- FDA Approved
- Duration
- Long-term / chronic use
What to Expect
An FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. The predecessor to semaglutide with daily dosing.
Mechanism of Action
Liraglutide has 97% homology to native GLP-1 with modifications for extended half-life. It slows gastric emptying, increases insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, and acts on brain appetite centers to reduce hunger.
Research Summary
SCALE trials showed 5-10% weight loss. LEADER trial demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in diabetics. Extensive long-term safety data available. First GLP-1 approved specifically for weight management (Saxenda).
FDA Approval Studies
This peptide is FDA approved. Below are the key clinical trials that supported its approval.
SCALE Program (Satiety and Clinical Adiposity - Liraglutide Evidence)
Novo Nordisk • Phase 3
5,000+ participants across SCALE trials
56 weeks
Percent change in body weight from baseline
- ✓SCALE Obesity: 8.0% weight loss vs 2.6% placebo
- ✓SCALE Diabetes: 6.0% weight loss vs 2.0% placebo
- ✓63% of participants achieved 5%+ weight loss
- ✓Improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors
LEADER Trial (Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes)
Novo Nordisk • Phase 3
9,340 participants
3.8 years median follow-up
Time to first major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE)
- ✓13% reduction in major cardiovascular events
- ✓22% reduction in cardiovascular death
- ✓Significant reduction in nephropathy progression
- ✓Established cardiovascular benefit for GLP-1 class
Dosing Information
Typical Dosingⓘ
Community experience
1.8-3 mg daily
0.6-3 mg daily
Once daily
FDA-approved GLP-1. Daily injection. Victoza (diabetes) or Saxenda (weight loss). Titrate up weekly.
Research Dosingⓘ
Scientific studies
FDA-approved dosing
Doses from Studies
0.6mg daily (starting)
1.2-1.8mg daily (Victoza)
3.0mg daily (Saxenda)
Duration
Long-term / chronic use
Administration
Subcutaneous injection daily
Timing & Administration
Best Time to Take
Morning or evening, consistent daily
Once daily at consistent time
Food Recommendation
With or without food
Why This Timing?
Daily GLP-1 that should be taken at the same time each day for stable levels.
Possible Side Effects
Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.
- ●Nausea (common)
- ●Vomiting
- ●Diarrhea
- ●Constipation
- ●Headache
- ●Hypoglycemia (with insulin/sulfonylureas)
- ●Pancreatitis
- ●Gallbladder disease
- ●Acute kidney injury
- ●BOXED WARNING: Thyroid C-cell tumors
- ●FDA approved (Victoza, Saxenda)
References
Related Peptides
Peptides commonly compared with Liraglutide or used in similar applications.
Semaglutide
FDAA GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. One of the most effective pharmaceutical weight loss interventions available.
Weight LossCagrilintide
Clinical TrialsA long-acting amylin analog developed by Novo Nordisk for obesity treatment. Works through a different mechanism than GLP-1 agonists, targeting amylin receptors in the brain to reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying. Shows enhanced weight loss when combined with semaglutide (CagriSema).
Weight LossTirzepatide
FDAA dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist representing the next generation of incretin-based therapies. Shows superior weight loss compared to semaglutide in head-to-head trials.
Weight LossDulaglutide
FDAAn FDA-approved weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes. Fused to an Fc antibody fragment for extended duration of action.
Weight LossExenatide
FDAThe first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for diabetes. Derived from Gila monster saliva. Available in twice-daily and weekly formulations.
Weight LossRetatrutide
Clinical TrialsA triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. Represents the next evolution beyond dual agonists like tirzepatide, showing unprecedented weight loss in trials.
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Educational Information Only
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers before making any decisions about peptides or other substances. The protocols listed reflect doses observed in research studies, not recommendations.