GLP-1 receptor agonist · Also known as Victoza, Saxenda
One of the first GLP-1 receptor agonists approved for both type 2 diabetes (as Victoza) and chronic weight management (as Saxenda). It mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite, slow digestion, and improve blood sugar control.
Liraglutide was originally developed by Novo Nordisk for type 2 diabetes and later approved at a higher dose for weight management. In the landmark SCALE clinical trials, the 3.0 mg daily dose produced an average of 8% body weight loss at 56 weeks, with roughly 63% of participants achieving at least 5% weight loss. While it has been largely eclipsed by newer weekly injectables like semaglutide and tirzepatide, liraglutide remains a well-established and widely prescribed option with one of the longest safety track records among GLP-1 agonists.
Liraglutide is a modified version of human GLP-1 with a fatty acid chain attached, which allows it to bind to albumin in the blood and resist enzymatic breakdown. This extends its half-life to about 13 hours, enabling once-daily dosing. It activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain to promote satiety, in the pancreas to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion, and in the gut to slow gastric emptying.
By keeping GLP-1 signaling active for much longer than the natural hormone (which lasts only minutes), liraglutide helps reduce caloric intake and improve postprandial blood sugar spikes. At the 1.8 mg dose (Victoza), it primarily targets diabetes management. At the 3.0 mg dose (Saxenda), the stronger appetite suppression drives meaningful weight loss.
0.6 mg/day
Week 13.0 mg/day (Saxenda) or 1.8 mg/day (Victoza)
After 5-week titrationMost side effects tend to improve as your body adjusts.