Weight loss
Liraglutide, simplified.
Also called Saxenda, Victoza
Approved RxThe first-generation daily GLP-1 medicine. It works like semaglutide but is shorter-acting and produces less weight loss.
- Size
- 31 amino acids + fatty acid
- How it is taken
- Daily injection
- Status
- FDA-approved prescription
- Available sizes
- Vials: 10 mg, 20 mg
What is it?
Liraglutide copies GLP-1, the gut hormone that signals fullness and slows digestion. A fatty acid attached to it makes it last about a day, so it is taken once daily rather than weekly.
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Official prescribing information
Saxenda and Victoza are FDA-approved. The official label shows how it was dosed in the trials that led to approval, along with warnings and who should not use it.
Doses on the label are for the approved product under a prescriber’s care. Talk with your doctor before starting anything.
What studies show
- In peopleIn a 56-week trial of about 3,700 adults, people lost about 8% of their body weight on average, compared with about 2.6% on placebo.
- In peopleIn people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, it lowered the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart-related death.
- In peopleIn head-to-head trials, weekly semaglutide produced roughly twice the weight loss.
What we don’t know yet
- How it compares long term with newer weekly options for weight maintenance.
Side effects and cautions
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common early on.
- Rare risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems.
- Same thyroid cancer warning as other GLP-1 drugs.
Is it legal?
FDA-approved. Available only with a prescription. Generic versions now exist.
Dosage & schedule evidence
How to read published schedules
FDA-approved products exist for specific indications, and schedules vary by product, indication, and formulation. Follow the current official prescribing information and your clinician's instructions.
| Measurement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 mg | 1,000 mcg (mass) |
| 100 U-100 units | 1 mL (volume, not dose) |
For source context, see third-party published protocols ↗. North Star does not validate these schedules.
Consult your doctor before considering any peptide for personal use. Educational only, not administration guidance.
Common questions
What is Liraglutide?
The first-generation daily GLP-1 medicine. It works like semaglutide but is shorter-acting and produces less weight loss. Liraglutide copies GLP-1, the gut hormone that signals fullness and slows digestion. A fatty acid attached to it makes it last about a day, so it is taken once daily rather than weekly.
What does the research say about Liraglutide?
In a 56-week trial of about 3,700 adults, people lost about 8% of their body weight on average, compared with about 2.6% on placebo. In people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, it lowered the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart-related death. In head-to-head trials, weekly semaglutide produced roughly twice the weight loss.
Is Liraglutide FDA approved?
FDA-approved. Available only with a prescription. Generic versions now exist.
What are the side effects of Liraglutide?
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common early on. Rare risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. Same thyroid cancer warning as other GLP-1 drugs.
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This page explains published research in plain language. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything, and it does not give dosing. Most peptides here are not FDA-approved, and products sold online vary widely in purity. Rules around peptides are changing, so check the current status and talk with a licensed clinician before starting anything. Last reviewed 2026-10-19.