Liraglutide: The Daily GLP-1 Injection
Liraglutide was the first GLP-1 medication approved for weight loss, in 2014, and in 2025 it became the first to go generic. It produces less weight loss than semaglutide or tirzepatide, but its daily dosing and lower cost keep it useful for the right patient.
What liraglutide is
Liraglutide is a once-daily GLP-1 injection. It is sold as Saxenda (3 mg, for weight management), as Victoza (up to 1.8 mg, for type 2 diabetes), and, since August 2025, as an FDA-approved generic liraglutide injection for weight management that is typically far cheaper than the brand. Like the other GLP-1 medications it reduces appetite and slows stomach emptying; because it is a shorter-acting molecule, it must be injected every day rather than once a week.
What the trials showed
In the 56-week SCALE trial, adults without diabetes lost an average of 8.0% of body weight on liraglutide 3 mg compared with 2.6% on placebo. That is a real, useful result, but it is roughly half what semaglutide and tirzepatide achieve, so at BeLite liraglutide is a considered choice rather than a default.
Who can benefit from liraglutide
- Patients whose insurance covers liraglutide or generic liraglutide but not the newer medications.
- Patients who did well on Saxenda in the past and want to return to it.
- Patients who prefer the control of a daily dose that can be paused quickly, for example around a procedure.
- Adolescents 12 and older with obesity, for whom liraglutide and semaglutide are the approved GLP-1 options.
Liraglutide is not used by anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2, is not combined with other GLP-1 medications, and is not used in pregnancy.
How it is taken
One injection under the skin every day, at whatever time is convenient, with or without food. The dose starts at 0.6 mg and increases by 0.6 mg each week to the 3 mg maintenance dose. A missed dose can be taken if it is within 12 hours of the usual time; otherwise skip it. If more than three days are missed, the dose is restarted lower.
Side effects
Nausea is the most common, especially in the first weeks; constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and headache also occur. Pancreatitis and gallbladder disease are rare but serious. Report severe abdominal pain or a rapid heartbeat promptly.
Liraglutide at BeLite
A BeLite provider will tell you honestly whether liraglutide or one of the stronger medications is the better fit for your goals and budget. Patients who start on liraglutide and plateau can move to Wegovy or Zepbound.
Ready to find out which medication fits you? BeLite Medical Center’s medical providers have been prescribing weight-loss medication in Fairfax since 1995. Schedule online 24/7 at belitecom.simplybook.me or call or text (703) 359-9200. The consultation is free for new patients; the $150 new-patient fee applies only if you enroll.
Disclaimer
This page is general information, not medical advice. Whether any medication is right for you depends on your health history and can only be decided by a licensed medical provider after an evaluation. Prescription medications are prescribed only after an in-person visit at BeLite Medical Center, 3923 Blenheim Blvd, Suite 61A, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Sources (verified September 7, 2026)
- Pi-Sunyer X et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE). N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):11-22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26132939/
- Teva press release, August 28, 2025: FDA approval and launch of generic Saxenda (liraglutide injection). https://www.drugtopics.com/view/fda-approves-first-generic-glp-1-liraglutide-for-weight-loss
Medications
Saxenda
The brand-name liraglutide pen for weight management.
Wegovy
The weekly semaglutide injection — roughly twice the weight loss.
Zepbound
The weekly tirzepatide injection — the most effective option.
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