Liraglutide (Liraglutide (GLP-1 Receptor Agonist / Saxenda))
The first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management (as Saxenda at 3.0mg). A 97% homolog of native GLP-1 with fatty acid modification for once-daily dosing.
How it works
Binds and activates the GLP-1 receptor, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite through hypothalamic signaling.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: 3,751 Da
- Half-life: 13 hours
- Bioavailability: ~55% (subcutaneous)
- Storage: Refrigerated 2-8°C. In-use: room temperature up to 30 days.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: 0.6-3.0 mg
- Frequency: Once daily
- Duration: Ongoing
- Route: Subcutaneous
Reported benefits
- Proven weight loss (5-10%)
- Long safety track record
- Cardiovascular benefit
- Improved glycemic control
- Reduced food intake
Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Pancreatitis (rare)
Research
- SCALE Obesity: Liraglutide 3.0mg for weight management (2015): Liraglutide 3.0mg produced 8.0% weight loss vs 2.6% placebo with 63% achieving 5%+ loss at 56 weeks.
- LEADER cardiovascular outcomes trial (2016): Liraglutide reduced major cardiovascular events by 13% and cardiovascular death by 22% in T2DM patients.
Compare Liraglutide
Community discussions about Liraglutide
- Recent look at liraglutide's long‑term data – what stands out? - 4 comments
- FDA Tightens Grip on Compounded GLP‑1s: What That Means - 8 comments
- FDA move to pull semaglutide from compounding list – what it means for us - 4 comments
- Liraglutide’s New Weight‑Loss Study: Real Gains or Just Hype? - 8 comments
- Liraglutide GI side effects hitting harder in week 2, normal? - 4 comments
- Ask the community about Liraglutide
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.