Everything You Need to Know About Liraglutide: The Key to Weight Loss Success

Liraglutide is a clinically proven treatment that has helped many people reach and maintain their weight loss goals. [1] Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, it has since become an approved medication for long-term weight management.

Backed by large-scale clinical trials, liraglutide works by targeting the GLP-1 receptor, a hormone involved in hunger and metabolism. Like all medications, it comes with potential side effects, but when used correctly under medical supervision, it can be a powerful and safe tool to support sustainable weight loss.

Here's everything you need to know about using liraglutide for weight loss.

What is liraglutide?

Liraglutide is a prescription medication often prescribed to support weight loss in people with obesity or overweight people with weight-related health issues. It was originally developed to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, but was found to have a powerful impact on body weight, which led to it being approved as a weight management treatment.

Liraglutide is available under the brand names Saxenda and Victoza, but is also available as 'Compounded* Liraglutide with B12'. Along with a similar medication called semaglutide, it belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic a natural hormone in the body (GLP-1) that helps control appetite and regulate blood sugar, making it easier to eat less and lose weight.

What you need to know about Levity's Compounded Liraglutide with B12

State-licensed pharmacies can compound medications using the same active ingredients as brand-name versions. This makes liraglutide, which can be expensive, more affordable. Levity's Compounded* Liraglutide with B12 gives you the power of Saxenda® for up to 90% less.

Understanding weight management challenges

Over time, carrying excess weight increases the risk of developing serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and gallbladder problems. [2] Even with a consistent reduced-calorie diet and exercise routine, some people struggle to lose weight or to keep it off long-term. This is because all our bodies are different, and genetics, metabolism and other health factors make it harder for some people than others to lose weight.

In these cases, weight loss medications like liraglutide are a powerful tool for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. When combined with a healthy, active lifestyle, liraglutide helps with sustainable weight management. [3]

The science behind liraglutide and how it works for weight loss

Understanding GLP-1

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a natural hormone that regulates appetite. It’s released in the gut after eating and tells the brain that the stomach is full, slows down how quickly food leaves the stomach, and stimulates insulin production to regulate blood sugar and prevent cravings. GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide are synthetic versions of this hormone that mimic its effects.

How liraglutide works: targeting the GLP-1 receptor

Liraglutide activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain and digestive system. This enhances the body’s natural responses to food intake: reducing hunger signals, making you feel full, and releasing insulin. The effect is reduced appetite and fewer cravings, which make it easier to eat less, lose weight and keep it off.

How liraglutide influences appetite and satiety

Because liraglutide reduces appetite and cravings and makes you feel full and satisfied after eating, it becomes much easier to reduce portion sizes and resist snacking. This helps people reduce ‘food noise’ (that persistent inner chatter about food, such as what to eat, when to eat, and what has been eaten, even when not hungry), and stick to a calorie-controlled diet consistently. Over time, this reduced caloric intake results in steady weight loss, especially when combined with a healthy diet and physical activity. [3]

Impact on gastric emptying and blood sugar control

Liraglutide also slows down gastric emptying (the rate at which food leaves the stomach), which helps regulate appetite and extends the feeling of fullness after meals. It also helps stabilize blood sugar by releasing insulin and reducing glucagon release after eating. This not only aids in weight management but also makes liraglutide an effective treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes. [3]

The clinical evidence for liraglutide's role in weight loss

Scientific research has proved liraglutide's effectiveness for weight management.

The SCALE clinical trial looked at the impact of liraglutide on body mass index (BMI) and long-term weight management in people who are obese or overweight, and found that participants lost an average of 8% of their body weight over 56 weeks. [1]

How much weight can I expect to lose with liraglutide?

Everybody is different, but clinical trials have shown that people using liraglutide for weight loss can expect to lose an average of 8% of their body weight in the first year of treatment. [1]

People see the best weight loss results when they combine liraglutide treatment with a healthy, calorie-controlled diet and regular physical exercise. Healthy habits not only help people lose weight, but maintain their results long-term. [4]

Beyond weight: liraglutide’s impact on other health markers

Weight loss with liraglutide improves overall health and reduces the risk of developing weight-related health conditions. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce waist circumference, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, and improve liver function, helping to reduce the likelihood of developing liver disease or gallbladder disease. [5]

Who can use liraglutide?

Liraglutide is prescribed to adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (which is classified as obese) or to those with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

Who shouldn't use liraglutide?

Liraglutide should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Even if you meet the eligibility criteria above, your medical history, current medications, and overall health profile will be reviewed to make sure liraglutide is suitable for you.

People with a history of thyroid conditions, pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease, liver or kidney problems may not be able to use liraglutide.

Liraglutide should also not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

How to get the most out of using liraglutide

People see the best weight loss results from liraglutide when they pair treatment with healthy lifestyle choices. Regular physical activity and a calorie-controlled diet significantly enhance its effectiveness, and clinical trials have shown that people who adopt these lifestyle changes alongside treatment lose more weight and keep it off more easily compared to those who use the medication alone. [4]

Simple changes like increasing your daily step count and movement, eating balanced, nutritious meals rich in whole foods, and being mindful of portion sizes can boost your weight loss results.

Using liraglutide

If you've been prescribed liraglutide for weight loss, your healthcare professional will tailor your treatment plan based on your unique needs, and it's important to follow their guidance closely. From dosing to injection technique, every step is designed to maximize results while reducing the risk of side effects.

Dosing and titration

Treatment begins at a low dose to help your body adjust and minimize the risk of uncomfortable side effects. The dose is gradually increased over several weeks (this is called titration) to reach a maintenance dose for maximum results. Your prescriber will monitor your progress closely and may adjust your dose depending on how your body responds.

How to administer liraglutide

Liraglutide is self-injected daily under the skin using a disposable needle. Your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how to administer the self-injections at home, but here's a quick guide to how it works.

1. Start by washing your hands.
2. Gather your medication vial, alcohol swab, disposable needle and sharps bin on a clean surface. 
3. Check your medication for signs of damage or expiration.
4. Choose an injection site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) and clean the area with an alcohol swab. Remember to choose a new injection site each time you inject to prevent  irritation at the injection site.
5. Remove the needle cap and draw up the prescribed dose into the syringe. 
6. Remove any air bubbles by flicking the syringe lightly.
7. Inject the medication by inserting the needle into your injection site at a 90-degree angle and slowly push the plunger down.
8. Dispose of the needle in a hard, plastic container.

Storage and handling

To make sure your medication is safe and effective, it’s important to store and handle it correctly. Follow these best practices to protect the quality of your medication:

• Store unused liraglutide pens in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Once in use, pens can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C / 86°F) for up to 30 days
• Do not freeze liraglutide, or use it if it has frozen
• Store it in a dark place, as light can affect the medication
• Check the solution before each use: it should be clear and colourless. Never use expired or discoloured medication
• Use a new needle for every injection
• Dispose of used needles safely in a sharps container

What are the side effects of liraglutide?

Like all prescription medications, liraglutide can cause side effects, though most are mild and manageable, and most commonly occur during the initial weeks of treatment while your body adjusts to the medication. The most common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Headaches

These can often be eased by eating smaller, more frequent meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding greasy or spicy foods. [3]

Rare but serious side effects

In rare cases, liraglutide may cause more serious issues such as pancreatitis (severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting), gallbladder disease (pain under the ribs, nausea, fever), kidney injury, or allergic reactions (Swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing)

If you experience any of these symptoms, stop treatment and seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or going to the emergency department. [3]

Everything you need to remember about using liraglutide for weight loss

If you're considering using liraglutide for weight loss or have already started treatment, it's helpful to understand what to expect. Below is a quick summary of the most important points to remember, from how the medication works, what the side effects might be, and how to get the best results.

• Liraglutide supports weight loss by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which reduces appetite and slows digestion.
• Clinical trials show that people using liraglutide can lose 8% of their body weight on average in one year.
• Best results are seen when liraglutide is paired with regular physical activity and a calorie-controlled diet.
• Side effects are usually mild and manageable but can include nausea, constipation, or headaches. Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention.
• Liraglutide isn't suitable for everyone. Your healthcare provider will assess your suitability.
• Safe self-injection and proper storage of the medication are essential for maintaining its effectiveness and safety.

Start your free consultation today to see what treatment is best for you. 

*Compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law but are not FDA-approved and do not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or quality.

References:

1. Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, Greenway F, Halpern A, Krempf M, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2015 Jul 2;373(1):11–22. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1411892

2. Pi-Sunyer X. The Medical Risks of Obesity. Postgraduate Medicine [Internet]. 2009 Nov;121(6):21–33. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2879283/

3. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION These highlights do not include all the information needed to use SAXENDA® safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for SAXENDA. SAXENDA (liraglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use Initial U.S. Approval: 2010 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• [Internet]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/206321s007lbl.pdf

4. Murat Sedef A, Kose F, Taner Sumbul A, Dogan O, Kursun E, Yurdakul Z, et al. Prognostic value of procalcitonin in infection-related mortality of cancer patients. Journal of BUON : official journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology [Internet]. 2016;21(3):740–4. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27569098/

5. Gottesman II, Laursen TM, Bertelsen A, Mortensen PB. Severe Mental Disorders in Offspring With 2 Psychiatrically Ill Parents. Archives of General Psychiatry [Internet]. 2010 Mar 1;67(3):252. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/210642