Liraglutide
GLP-1 receptor agonist · Subcutaneous injection · Sold as Saxenda, Victoza
The original once-daily GLP-1 (Saxenda for weight loss, Victoza for diabetes) — now largely superseded by weekly drugs but still relevant, including as a generic.
Last reviewed 2026-10-05 by the Top GLP-1 Editorial Team
Educational, not medical advice. This page explains GLP-1 medications in general terms. Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide what's right for you.
Key takeaways
- Once-DAILY injection (unlike weekly semaglutide/tirzepatide).
- Saxenda = weight loss; Victoza = diabetes.
- More modest average weight loss (~5–8%).
- Generic versions have begun to lower cost.
Liraglutide was one of the first GLP-1 medications used for weight loss. Unlike the newer weekly injections, it's taken once daily. It's sold as Saxenda for weight management and Victoza for type 2 diabetes.
Average weight loss is more modest than semaglutide or tirzepatide — around 5–8% in trials — and the daily injection is less convenient. As a result it's used less often now, but it remains an approved, well-understood option and has become available as a lower-cost generic in some markets.
How liraglutide works
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist like semaglutide, but with a shorter duration of action, which is why it's injected every day rather than weekly. It reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, and improves blood-sugar control through the same core mechanism.
How well it works
~5–8% average weight loss over roughly a year.
In the SCALE weight-management trials, adults on 3.0 mg daily liraglutide lost an average of about 8% of body weight versus ~2–3% on placebo. Effective, but generally less than the newer weekly agents.
Dosing schedule
Saxenda escalates weekly to a 3.0 mg daily maintenance dose.
Maintenance dose.
- Victoza (diabetes) is typically dosed up to 1.8 mg daily.
- Daily injection is the main practical drawback versus weekly options.
Side effects & safety
Common
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Constipation
- • Vomiting
- • Low blood sugar when combined with certain diabetes drugs
Serious (uncommon)
- • Pancreatitis
- • Gallbladder disease
- • Thyroid C-cell tumor boxed warning
Side effects mirror other GLP-1 drugs and improve with slow escalation. The daily schedule means some people find side effects more constant.
What it costs
- Branded (cash)
- $1,300+/month list for Saxenda; generic liraglutide is cheaper where available
- Insurance
- Coverage patterns resemble other GLP-1 drugs — diabetes indications are covered more readily than obesity.
Who it's for — and who should avoid it
Often a good fit
- People who can't tolerate or access weekly agents
- People who prefer or need a generic, lower-cost GLP-1
Not recommended for
- People wanting maximum weight loss (weekly drugs outperform it)
- Standard GLP-1 contraindications (thyroid tumor history, pregnancy)
Common questions
How liraglutide compares
Sources & references
Clinical figures on this page trace to peer-reviewed trials and official regulators. We link the primary record so you can verify it yourself.
- 1.Pi-Sunyer X, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):11–22.Clinical trialNew England Journal of Medicine
- 2.
- 3.U.S. Food & Drug Administration. FDA's Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss.RegulatoryU.S. Food & Drug Administration
Where to get liraglutide
Telehealth programs we rate highly for accessing this medication.
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Simple online GLP-1 care with brand-name access
Treatments offered
Semaglutide · Tirzepatide
Starting price
Membership + medication (insurance-dependent)
- Licensed providers review every treatment plan
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- Convenient online follow-ups and support
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Clinician-reviewed access to branded GLP-1 medications and insurance coordination.
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Good
Up to $100 off your membership plan
Treatments offered
Semaglutide · Tirzepatide
Starting price
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Membership + medication (up to $100 off)
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GLP-1 medications paired with behavior coaching; works with major insurance.
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Very Good
Clinician-led GLP-1 with insurance coordination
Treatments offered
Semaglutide · Tirzepatide
Starting price
Membership (branded, insurance-dependent)
- Clinician-led GLP-1 telehealth from WeightWatchers
- Insurance coordination and prior-auth support
- Integrated WeightWatchers behavioral program
Membership (branded, insurance-dependent)
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Branded GLP-1 access with prior-authorization help and behavioral support.
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