Liraglutide
A daily injection that activates a natural fullness signal in the brain
Brand names: Saxenda
Quick read · 5 min
People who tend to consider this:
- ✓Need a GLP-1 option approved for adolescents (age 12+)
- ✓Already using liraglutide for diabetes and want to continue
- ✓Looking for a GLP-1 with a long safety track record
This may not be right if:
- ✕You prefer weekly over daily injections
- ✕You want higher weight loss than newer GLP-1 drugs provide
- ✕You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Not a complete list. Whether this treatment is right for you depends on factors only your doctor can assess.
Weight loss — what trials show
In the main 56-week trial, people lost an average of about 8% of their body weight — roughly 18 lbs for a 220 lb person. About 63% of participants lost more than 5% of their body weight, compared to 27% in the dummy-pill group. Liraglutide has one of the longer published track records in this drug class.
These are averages from clinical trials — individual results vary. Trials compare the drug against a dummy pill, not against other weight loss drugs.
See the full trial data →How this compares
Average weight loss in clinical trials. Not a ranking — individual results vary.
Averages from clinical trials at highest approved dose. Not everyone achieves these results.
What to expect — week by week
Many people notice reduced hunger or feeling full sooner. This varies between people.
Most people start to see measurable weight loss during this period.
Side effects often settle around this point. Measurable weight changes are becoming more visible.
This is when most of the weight loss typically happens. Side effects usually settle.
Rate of loss slows as your body approaches equilibrium.
What happens if you stop?
Weight regain after stopping is expected, as with other GLP-1 drugs. No large randomised withdrawal study has been published for the obesity indication.
Weight trajectory — during treatment and after stopping
Pattern estimated — no large randomised withdrawal trial published for this drug.
Most of the lost weight returns within a year of stopping — this is the body returning to its defended weight, not a failure. Long-term use or maintenance therapy can help preserve results.
Side effects
Frequencies from SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes. Most stomach and gut side effects are mild-to-moderate and peak during the dose increase period (first 12–16 weeks).
Percentages from SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes. Source: trial publication.
- •In animal studies, liraglutide caused thyroid tumours. It is not prescribed to people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer.
- •Stop taking and contact your doctor if you develop severe abdominal pain — this may indicate pancreatitis.
- •Liraglutide increases resting heart rate by approximately 2–3 beats per minute. This should be monitored in people with heart conditions.
This is not a complete list. Your doctor can advise based on your full medical history.
Muscle and lean mass
No large body composition substudy has been published for liraglutide specifically for obesity. The lean mass loss profile is assumed similar to other GLP-1 drugs — proportional to total weight lost.
What does the lost weight consist of?
Resistance training (weight lifting, bodyweight exercises) can significantly reduce the lean mass portion. Aim for 2–3 sessions per week during weight loss.
Source: SCALE Obesity body composition data
Cost & access
Brand (Saxenda): ~$1,000–$1,349/month. Generic liraglutide (Teva, approved August 2025): typically $135–$200 less than brand. Check pharmacy pricing.
Requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Prices vary. Ask your doctor about savings programs.
~$1000–$1400/moper month (list price)
Generic liraglutide became available in 2025 — ask your pharmacist about generic pricing in your area.
How to take it
- •Inject under the skin of your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm — once daily at the same time each day
- •Starting dose is 0.6mg for the first week. Your doctor increases it weekly until reaching 3mg
- •Store in the refrigerator (36–46°F). Do not freeze.
- •Each pen is reusable — attach a new needle for each injection
How it works
A GLP-1 analogue with a half-life of approximately 13 hours (requiring daily injection). Reduces appetite by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain's appetite centres and slows gastric emptying.
Cardiovascular & other benefits
The LEADER trial (type 2 diabetes) showed cardiovascular benefit. In the obesity indication (SCALE trials), metabolic improvements including blood pressure and lipid reduction were observed, but no dedicated CV outcomes trial has been completed for the obesity indication.
- ✓Approved for adolescents aged 12 and over (SCALE teens programme)
- ✓Generic liraglutide now available (Teva, August 2025) — reducing out-of-pocket cost
- ✓Reduced waist circumference and blood pressure in SCALE trials
- ✓Improved glycaemic control — useful in prediabetes
Community insights
These are personal experiences shared in public online communities — not medical advice.
“Many people find the daily injection less disruptive than expected after the first couple of weeks — the needle is very small.”
“Saxenda is often the first GLP-1 that insurers approve before allowing semaglutide or tirzepatide — some members 'step through' it for insurance purposes.”
Common questions
After reading this page, most people compare this with other medications, check if they qualify, or learn about side effects in more detail.
Next step most people take
Based on clinical trials · No rankings · Every claim linked to source
Last reviewed: March 2026