Liraglutide Vs Semaglutide: Which Weight Loss Medication Is Right For You?

If you’re struggling to manage your weight and diet, and exercise hasn’t been effective, you’re not alone. As part of a treatment plan overseen by our clinicians, weight loss medications can be a powerful tool in helping you achieve your health goals.

Two of the best-known medications in this category are liraglutide and semaglutide. But what’s the difference between the two, and how do you know which one is right for you? This guide breaks down the similarities and differences between liraglutide and semaglutide to help you make informed decisions together with your healthcare provider. 

What are liraglutide and semaglutide?

Liraglutide (known by the brand name Saxenda) and semaglutide (also known as Wegovy and Ozempic) are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. This means they mimic a naturally occurring hormone in the body (called GLP-1) that helps to regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. 

Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, both drugs are approved as weight management medications. Research has shown that, when paired with a healthy lifestyle, they can be a powerful aid in achieving and sustaining a healthy weight.

How do liraglutide and semaglutide work?

Subcutaneous liraglutide and semaglutide are taken by injection and work by mimicking the effects of the GLP-1 hormone in the body. 

GLP-1 agonists help you lose weight by:

• Reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness 
• Slowing the speed at which the stomach empties 
• Helping to regulate blood sugar [1, 2]

Is liraglutide better than semaglutide for weight loss?

Although both work in the same way, semaglutide binds more strongly to GLP-1 receptors and lasts longer in the body than liraglutide [2]. Because of this, semaglutide is taken as a once-weekly injection, while liraglutide is taken as a once-daily injection. Although weekly injections may be more convenient, the daily dose of liraglutide in the body makes it easier to manage, monitor and adjust treatment as needed. 

The main differences are:

• Dosing: Semaglutide injections are taken weekly, while liraglutide injections are taken daily.
• Effectiveness: Clinical trials have shown that in just over a year of use, semaglutide led to an average loss of 14.9%, while liraglutide led to an average loss of 8%. [2, 11, 12] 
• Clinical and real-world use: Semaglutide is relatively new, while liraglutide has been researched and used for longer, with a proven track record.
• Cost and availability: With Levity, compounded liraglutide is available at $179 a month, with $50 off your first month. Semaglutide is available (under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic) at $1,149, with $50 off your first month. 

Who can use semaglutide or liraglutide?

Originally developed to help diabetes patients manage their weight, liraglutide and semaglutide are now being used for adults with obesity without diabetes who want to lose weight, or those seeking to manage their weight. GLP-1 agonists have been clinically proven to support sustained weight loss and improve overall health for people struggling with their weight. [3]

For individuals with obesity, GLP-1 agonists can offer more than just a reduction in body weight — they can also help to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Even for people who are struggling with obesity without diabetes, GLP-1 agonists are a powerful tool for supporting long-term body weight management. This makes them a valuable option for people who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.

When and why should someone consider using GLP-1 medications for weight loss?

Once-daily liraglutide and once-weekly semaglutide are prescribed to manage the weight of adults with obesity who haven't achieved results through lifestyle changes alone. Even in cases of obesity without diabetes, these medications are helpful for people with a high BMI or who are at risk of weight-related health issues.

Studies have shown that GLP-1 medications can lead to significant reductions in body weight, improve overall health profiles, and lower the risk of health issues related to blood pressure and cholesterol. [3] By boosting reductions in body weight under medical supervision, people who are at risk of health issues because of their weight can improve their overall health and achieve weight loss when diet and exercise alone haven’t worked. 

How long can I take liraglutide or semaglutide for weight loss?

As long as they remain effective, well-tolerated, and there are no adverse events, GLP-1 agonists can be used for long-term weight loss management. [4] Treatment should always be supervised by a qualified healthcare provider who will monitor your progress and how the body is reacting to the medication. Liraglutide and semaglutide have both been approved for chronic weight management, meaning they're not limited to short-term use, and stopping the medication too early can lead to weight regain.

Can I switch between liraglutide and semaglutide?

It is possible to switch between liraglutide and semaglutide, but this should only be done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. If you’re not achieving results with one type of medication, or you want to try a different dosing schedule, your health care provider will be able to advise you on how and when to change medications successfully. 

Comparing the cost: semaglutide vs. liraglutide

At Levity, we’re able to provide Compounded* Liraglutide with B12 at a fraction of the cost of other brand-name weight loss medications, such as Saxenda, Wegovy and Ozempic. Subscriptions are available for just $179 a month, with $50 off your first month, while other weight loss injections can cost up to thousands of dollars each month. 

At this more affordable price, we can offer longer-term treatment without disruption.

What are the potential side effects of using semaglutide and liraglutide?

At Levity, weight loss medication is introduced at a low dose and gradually increased over time to minimize potential side effects. The typical side effects are similar across both medications, and usually temporary while the body adjusts to the drug. 

Side effects can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Headache [5,6]

Rarely, more serious side effects have been reported, such as:

• Allergic reactions
• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Kidney problems [5, 6]

If you have a personal or family history of certain conditions, you shouldn’t take any GLP-1 receptor agonist [7] — speak to your healthcare provider about this before starting. 

How can I get the best weight loss results while using GLP-1 medication?

While semaglutide and liraglutide can be powerful weight loss tools, people see the best results when they use the medication as part of a healthy, active lifestyle and careful food intake. [10]

The key cornerstones of this are:

• A balanced, nutritious diet, with a conscious caloric intake
• Regular physical activity
• Sleep and stress management
• Ongoing support from a healthcare provider like Levity

Although semaglutide and liraglutide share many similarities, clinical trials and real-world studies have shown that in just over a year, semaglutide led to an average loss of 14.9%, while liraglutide led to an average loss of 8%. [11, 12] 

Liraglutide has been in use for longer than semaglutide and is a safe, effective option with a strong track record and a better-established safety profile over time. [13] It’s also consistently available, more affordable, and associated with fewer side effects. [9]

The medication that is best for you will depend on a whole range of factors, including your lifestyle, unique bodily needs, budget, and health background.

Start a free consultation with our qualified experts to find out about your medicated weight loss options today. 

*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. Wadden TA, Hollander P, Klein S, Niswender K, Woo V, Hale PM, et al. Weight maintenance and additional weight loss with liraglutide after low-calorie-diet-induced weight loss: The SCALE Maintenance randomized study. International Journal of Obesity. 2013 Jul 1;37(11):1443–51.
2. ‌Singh G, Krauthamer M, Bjalme-Evans M. Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. Journal of Investigative Medicine [Internet]. 2023 May 25;70(1):jim-2021-001952. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8717485/
3. Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, Hesse D, Greenway FL, Jensen C, et al. Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA [Internet]. 2021 Apr 13;325(14):1414–25. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777886
4. ‌Semaglutide (Ozempic) for weight loss. The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics [Internet]. 2021 Apr 5;63(1621):53–4. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33830968/
5. Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, Hesse D, Greenway FL, Jensen C, et al. Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA [Internet]. 2021 Apr 13;325(14):1414–25. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777886
6. ‌‌Secher A, Jelsing J, Baquero AF, Hecksher-Sørensen J, Cowley MA, Dalbøge LS, et al. The arcuate nucleus mediates GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide-dependent weight loss. The Journal of Clinical Investigation [Internet]. 2014 Oct 1;124(10):4473–88. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4215190/
7. ‌Ladenheim E. Liraglutide and obesity: a review of the data so far. Drug Design, Development and Therapy [Internet]. 2015 Mar;9:1867. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4386791
8. ‌João Carlos Locatelli, Juliene Gonçalves Costa, Haynes A, Naylor LH, P. Gerry Fegan, Yeap BB, et al. Incretin-Based Weight Loss Pharmacotherapy: Can Resistance Exercise Optimize Changes in Body Composition? Diabetes Care. 2024 Apr 30;
9. ‌Wadden TA, Hollander P, Klein S, Niswender K, Woo V, Hale PM, et al. Weight maintenance and additional weight loss with liraglutide after low-calorie-diet-induced weight loss: The SCALE Maintenance randomized study. International Journal of Obesity. 2013 Jul 1;37(11):1443–51.
10. ‌Lundgren JR, Janus C, Jensen SBK, Juhl CR, Olsen LM, Christensen RM, et al. Healthy Weight Loss Maintenance with Exercise, Liraglutide, or Both Combined. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021 May 6;384(18):1719–30.
11. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Rosenstock J, Tran MTD, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Zeuthen N, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. 
12. Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, Greenway F, Halpern A, Krempf M, Lau DC, le Roux CW, Violante Ortiz R, Jensen CB, Wilding JP; SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes NN8022-1839 Study Group. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. N Engl J Med. 2015 Jul 2;373(1):11-22. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1411892.
13. ‌Secher A, Jelsing J, Baquero AF, Hecksher-Sørensen J, Cowley MA, Dalbøge LS, et al. The arcuate nucleus mediates GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide-dependent weight loss. The Journal of Clinical Investigation [Internet]. 2014 Oct 1;124(10):4473–88. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4215190/