VICTOZA® (Liraglutide)

Victoza® is also used for weight loss when clinically appropriate

Victoza® (liraglutide) is a GLP1 medication that was originally approved for type 2 diabetes under the brand-name, “Victoza®,” back in January of 2010. It was later approved for chronic weight management in December, 2014 as “Saxenda.”

In 2024, Victoza®’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, permitted the active ingredient, liraglutide, to become available in a generic form. It can now be obtained under the generic name “Liraglutide” (for weight loss and diabetes type 2) as a daily injection, at a significantly more affordable price compared to Victoza®, the original brand-name.

From a satiety standpoint, individuals taking liraglutide for weight loss experience increased satisfaction before, during, and after meals. They report reduced hunger and quicker satiety. Liraglutide mimics a hormone naturally produced by the body, known as GLP-1, which is released in response to food intake and signals meal completion. With liraglutide treatment, patients are exposed to elevated levels of these hormones consistently.

From the perspective of behavior modification, liraglutide assists patients in achieving better appetite control. This enables them to concentrate more effectively on adhering to a healthy nutrition and exercise regimen without experiencing constant hunger, thereby reducing the distraction caused by food cravings (aka food noise).

If you are 10 years old or older and you have type 2 diabetes, you qualify to be on Victoza® (liraglutide).

Victoza® (liraglutide) can also be used (as off-label) for treating obesity and overweight if you meet the following criteria:

1. BMI 30 or more.
2. BMI of 27 or greater with a related health problem such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, prediabetes, sleep apnea, fatty liver and other weight related health conditions.
3. No personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.
4. No history of pancreatitis.

Victoza® (liraglutide) is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. Studies indicate that it can also lead to weight loss, with an average weight reduction of around 5% for those taking the 1.8mg dose. Data from our clinic, Worthy Weight Loss, has shown that some patients lose up to 8% of their initial weight when Victoza® (liraglutide) is combined with a proper diet and exercise plan.