Liraglutide: How It Works for Diabetes & Weight Loss (2025)

What Is Liraglutide?

Liraglutide is a prescription medication used to help manage type 2 diabetes and support weight loss in individuals with obesity or conditions related to excess body weight. It is available under the brand names Victoza® and Saxenda®.

Liraglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). These drugs mimic the action of the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, appetite, and digestion.

Treatment with liraglutide is typically combined with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and other medications based on individual health needs.

Hand holding Liraglutide injection pen on table for weight management treatment.

Liraglutide Mechanism of Action: How Does It Work?

Liraglutide works by supporting the body’s natural processes that control blood sugar levels and appetite:

Stimulates insulin secretion when blood sugar levels are high, helping the body move glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy.
May suppress glucagon release, which reduces the liver’s production of glucose, stabilising blood sugar levels.
Slows gastric emptying, so food stays in the stomach longer, helping you feel full for longer and reducing blood sugar spikes.
Reduces appetite by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain’s hunger centres to help lower food intake and support weight management.

These effects help improve glycaemic control and support weight loss, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity.

Liraglutide vs Other GLP-1 Medications

Liraglutide is one of several GLP-1 receptor agonists available for managing type 2 diabetes and weight.

While all medications in this class share a common mechanism of action through GLP-1 receptor activation, they differ in how often they are taken, whether they target other receptors, and the conditions they are approved to treat.

Medication	Receptor Targets	Dosing Frequency and Route	Used For
Liraglutide (Victoza® / Saxenda®)	GLP-1 only	Daily injection (subcutaneous)	Type 2 diabetes (Victoza), weight management (Saxenda)
Semaglutide (Ozempic® / Wegovy® / Rybelsus®)	GLP-1 only	Weekly injection (subcutaneous)	Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic), weight management (Wegovy)
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)	GLP-1 only	Weekly injection (subcutaneous)	Type 2 diabetes
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)	GLP-1 + GIP	Weekly injection (subcutaneous)	Type 2 diabetes, weight management

Liraglutide Uses

Liraglutide is prescribed under two different brand names, each approved for a specific medical purpose: Victoza for managing type 2 diabetes and Saxenda for long-term weight management.

Type 2 Diabetes Management (Victoza) – Used to improve blood sugar control in adults and adolescents aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes, particularly when other medications do not provide adequate control.
Weight Management (Saxenda) – At higher doses, liraglutide is used together with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for long-term weight management in adults with:
- A BMI ≥30 (obesity), or
- A BMI ≥27 (overweight) with weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.

Person using glucose monitor for type 2 diabetes management with Liraglutide.

Liraglutide Dosage and Administration

Liraglutide is given once daily as an injection under the skin, usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Victoza (For Type 2 Diabetes) – The initial dose is typically 0.6 mg once daily, gradually increased to 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg to improve glycaemic control.
Saxenda (For Weight Management) – The dose is usually increased weekly, starting from 0.6 mg and rising by 0.6 mg each week, up to a maintenance dose of 3.0 mg daily, if tolerated.

Dosage and titration schedules (how it is adjusted over time) may vary depending on your medical condition and how you respond to treatment. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions, as they will determine the most appropriate dosing plan for your needs.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general medical reference and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding your individual treatment.

Potential Liraglutide Side Effects

As with all medications, liraglutide may cause side effects, particularly during the initial phase of treatment. Common side effects include:

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, or abdominal discomfort.
Loss of appetite or changes in taste.
Fatigue or feeling unusually tired.
A mild increase in heart rate.
Injection site reactions, such as redness, itching, or swelling.

These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve as your body adapts to the medication. However, you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Persistent or severe abdominal pain, which may indicate pancreatitis.
Signs of gallbladder issues, such as pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
Symptoms of an allergic reaction, including rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Disclaimer: This is not a complete list of side effects. Always consult your doctor if you notice anything unusual or if you have concerns during treatment.

Who Should Not Use Liraglutide?

Liraglutide may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or risk factors. It is generally not recommended for:

Individuals with type 1 diabetes, as liraglutide relies on the body’s ability to produce insulin.
People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), due to a possible risk of thyroid C-cell tumours.
Those with severe gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastroparesis, as liraglutide slows stomach emptying.

It is best to consult your doctor, who can assess your medical history and determine whether liraglutide is appropriate for you.

Doctor holding clipboard with Type 1 diabetes diagnosis showing Liraglutide is not recommended.

Is Liraglutide Available Over the Counter in Singapore?

No, liraglutide is a prescription-only medication in Singapore. It cannot be purchased over the counter and must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider following a medical consultation.

A consultation is essential to evaluate your health condition, determine the suitability of liraglutide, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Routine follow-up is also necessary to monitor your response and make dosage adjustments if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Liraglutide helps with weight loss by reducing hunger, slowing how quickly food leaves the stomach, and helping you feel full for longer. These effects can lead to eating less and consuming fewer calories over time. It works by acting on areas of the brain that control appetite. When used together with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, liraglutide can support gradual and sustained weight reduction.

Liraglutide is not the same as Ozempic; they are both GLP-1 receptor agonists but contain different active ingredients. Liraglutide is the active ingredient in Victoza® and Saxenda®, while Ozempic® contains semaglutide. Although both medications help manage type 2 diabetes and support weight loss, they differ in dosage, frequency, and clinical indications.

Potential disadvantages of liraglutide include gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, and a mild increase in heart rate. Some individuals may also experience fatigue or injection site reactions. There is a potential risk of pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, or thyroid-related concerns in certain individuals. It is advisable to consult a doctor to weigh the benefits and risks of liraglutide based on your specific medical profile and treatment goals.

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the action of the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 to regulate blood sugar and appetite. It helps stimulate insulin release, suppress glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying, and reduce hunger, making it beneficial for type 2 diabetes management and weight reduction.

Exenatide and liraglutide are both GLP-1 receptor agonists used for type 2 diabetes, but they differ in dosing, structure, and formulation. Liraglutide is taken once daily, while exenatide is available in twice-daily and once-weekly forms. Liraglutide may offer additional benefits for weight management and cardiovascular outcomes in some patients.

Liraglutide may support gradual weight loss within the first month, though results vary depending on your response to the medication, dietary habits, and level of physical activity. Some individuals may notice early changes, while others may take longer. It is important to focus on consistent lifestyle changes alongside treatment. Consulting a doctor can help set realistic expectations and determine whether liraglutide is appropriate for your weight management plan.

Saxenda® may contribute to overall body fat reduction, including abdominal fat, as part of total weight loss. It does not specifically target belly fat but may help reduce visceral fat when combined with dietary changes and regular physical activity. The extent of abdominal fat loss varies between individuals. Consulting a doctor can help determine whether Saxenda is appropriate for your weight management plan and body composition goals.

Ozempic and Saxenda are both GLP-1 receptor agonists and have distinct safety profiles based on their dosages and approved uses. While both are generally well-tolerated, side effects and tolerability can differ between individuals. The choice between them should consider your medical history, treatment goals, and potential risks. It is advisable to consult a doctor to determine which option is more suitable and closely monitor any side effects during treatment.

The cost of liraglutide in Singapore varies depending on the brand (Saxenda® or Victoza®), clinic pricing, and any applicable subsidies. Saxenda, used for weight management, tends to be more expensive than Victoza, which is prescribed for type 2 diabetes. As pricing can differ significantly between clinics, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider or clinic directly for accurate and up-to-date cost information based on your treatment needs.

Saxenda® is not commonly associated with sleep disturbances, but some individuals may report insomnia or fatigue as side effects during treatment. These symptoms are generally mild and may subside as the body adjusts to the medication. If you notice persistent sleep changes while using Saxenda, it is advisable to consult a doctor to assess whether these effects are related and explore possible adjustments to your treatment plan.

Liraglutide is not known to cause direct liver damage, but it may affect liver enzymes or interact with liver function in individuals with existing liver conditions. It may also indirectly benefit liver health by supporting weight loss, which can improve fatty liver disease. However, its use in those with severe hepatic impairment requires caution. It is advisable to consult a doctor to evaluate your liver function and determine whether liraglutide is appropriate for you.

Liraglutide has been shown in clinical studies to support blood sugar control and weight loss, particularly when combined with dietary and lifestyle changes. Success varies between individuals, with many experiencing sustained weight reduction and improved glycaemic outcomes over time. The degree of response depends on factors such as dosage, adherence, and overall health. Consulting a doctor can help determine if liraglutide aligns with your treatment goals and how likely you are to benefit from it.

There are no specific foods that must be avoided while taking Saxenda®, but high-fat, greasy, or overly rich meals may worsen gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. A balanced diet with moderate portions and controlled calorie intake supports better tolerance and results. Maintaining hydration and eating slowly may also help reduce discomfort. It is advisable to consult a doctor or dietitian for personalised dietary guidance while on Saxenda to enhance your treatment outcomes.

Liraglutide may be taken for weight loss under the brand name Saxenda® if you meet the clinical criteria, such as having a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions. It is used in combination with diet and exercise for long-term weight management. It is a prescription medication that requires a consultation with a doctor, who can assess your medical history and determine whether it is suitable as part of your weight management plan.

Liraglutide and semaglutide are both GLP-1 receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and support weight loss, but they differ in how they are structured, how often they are taken, and their clinical outcomes. Liraglutide is taken daily, while semaglutide is usually taken weekly. Both are prescribed for similar purposes but may suit different individuals. Consulting a doctor can help determine which prescription medication is more appropriate for your needs.

Liraglutide: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects Explained