Liraglutide

The first-generation GLP-1 for weight loss — a daily injection with roughly 8% average weight loss. Now available as a lower-cost generic, it mainly matters today as a budget or adolescent option.

What liraglutide is Liraglutide is the GLP-1 that proved the concept. Approved for diabetes in 2010 (Victoza) and weight management in 2014 (Saxenda), it is a shorter-acting molecule than semaglutide, which is why it requires daily rather than weekly injections. ## The evidence - SCALE trial program: adults on liraglutide 3.0 mg lost an average of ≈8% of body weight at 56 weeks versus ≈2.6% on placebo. - LEADER trial: cardiovascular benefit demonstrated in type 2 diabetes patients. - Approved for adolescents 12+ (Saxenda), where it was for several years the only GLP-1 option. ## Where it fits in 2026 Honestly, third line. Semaglutide and tirzepatide produce roughly double to triple the weight loss with weekly rather than daily dosing. Liraglutide still matters for three groups: 1. Cost-driven patients — generic liraglutide can undercut brand-name weekly GLP-1s, and some insurance plans cover it more readily. 2. Patients who tolerated it well previously and prefer the devil they know. 3. Situations where the shorter half-life is a feature — side effects wash out within days of stopping, versus weeks for semaglutide or tirzepatide. ## Side effects in brief Class-typical: nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea — by some comparisons slightly more GI-intense than weekly agents because of daily peaks. Same boxed warning (rodent thyroid C-cell tumors; contraindicated with MTC/MEN 2 history) and pregnancy contraindication. Gallbladder events and rare pancreatitis as with the rest of the class.