leer-ah-GLOO-tide
An earlier GLP-1 weight loss injection — taken daily instead of weekly, with a strong safety track record.
Also known as: Saxenda, Victoza
FDA approved for: Chronic weight management (Saxenda) · Type 2 diabetes (Victoza)
Last reviewed: April 2026
Liraglutide works the same way as semaglutide — it mimics the GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite and improve blood sugar. The main difference is it's taken daily instead of weekly, and it produces slightly less weight loss (about 8–10% vs semaglutide's 15–20%). It has a longer track record with more years of safety data.
Daily injection into belly, thigh, or upper arm
Frequency
Once daily
Pain Level
●○○ Minimal
Self-Administered
Yes — at home
Typical Range
0.6mg – 3.0mg
Week 1–2
Dose titration begins. Mild appetite changes.
Month 1–2
Appetite noticeably reduced. Early weight loss.
Month 6
Average 8–10% body weight loss.
Overall: Mild
Nausea
Most common in first weeks. Gradual dose increase helps.
Constipation
Slower gastric emptying can cause constipation.
Headache
Usually resolves as body adjusts.
• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
• MEN 2 syndrome
• Pregnancy
• History of pancreatitis
• Insulin — may need dose reduction
• Oral medications — delayed absorption possible
• Other GLP-1 agonists — do not combine
Pregnancy: Do not use during pregnancy. Discontinue at least 2 months before conception.
First-generation daily GLP-1 for weight loss. Semaglutide and tirzepatide have largely superseded it due to greater efficacy and weekly dosing.
Semaglutide
A medication that reduces appetite and helps your body lose weight by mimicking a natural gut hormone.
Tirzepatide
A dual-action weight loss medication that mimics two gut hormones at once for enhanced metabolic results.
We don't currently offer this peptide — but we have protocols for similar goals.
Coming Soon →FDA-approved for at least one indication. Your provider will determine if this is appropriate for you.