What is Liraglutide for Weight Loss?
Liraglutide (also called Saxenda) is a weight loss medication used as an adjunct to diet and exercise for weight management in overweight or obese adults. It is available in an injection form as a self-injected prefilled pen utilized once daily that can assist adults with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 to lose weight or maintain weight loss. Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that in addition to stimulating insulin release and inhibiting glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying and increases satiety after eating. It helps adults with excess weight (BMI ≥28) who also have weight-related medical problems or those with obesity (BMI ≥30) to lose weight and keep the weight off.
Indications for Liraglutide
Liraglutide is usually recommended to be used alongside a decreased-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with an initial body mass index, BMI of 30 (obese) or 27 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one other chronic health condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. It can also be used in children 12 to 17 years of age with a body weight above 132 pounds or 60 kg and obesity (a body mass of 30 kg/m2 or greater), in addition to exercise and diet. However, Liraglutide is not for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and should not be used with any other glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, such as Byetta and Ozempic.
How Does Liraglutide Work?
Liraglutide, the active substance in Saxenda, is 97% similar to GLP-1 and works in the brain to decrease appetite and thereby reduce food intake resulting in weight loss.
GLP-1 is a naturally produced hormone that is released within the body in response to food intake and acts as a physiological regulator of appetite. Liraglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, functions by mimicking the functions of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). The naturally produced GLP-1 hormone is involved in:
- stimulating the secretion of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels
- suppressing a hormone called glucagon, which can reduce hunger
- increasing feelings of fullness by delaying the emptying of the stomach
When Liraglutide is administered to the body, it mimics the effects of GLP-1, given their similar structures. In other words, by acting on GLP-1 receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) and gastrointestinal tract, it suppresses appetite and delays gastric emptying, promoting a sense of fullness. This, in turn, leads to weight loss.
How is Liraglutide Administered?
Liraglutide is typically self-administered once daily in the form of an injection. Your doctor will start you on a low dose first and gradually increase your dose. You may inject your dose of Liraglutide underneath the skin (subcutaneous injection) in your upper arm, upper leg (thigh), or abdomen (stomach area). You are advised to alternate the site at which the injection is administered. Do not inject Liraglutide into a muscle or vein. Make sure to push the needle all the way into the skin at a 90-degree angle. Inject it by pushing the button at the top of the pen and leaving the syringe in place while you count slowly to 6 to ensure the delivery of the full dose. If the disposable needle found at the tip of the Liraglutide pen bends out of shape while you are trying to use the pen, you should make sure to dispose of the needle and use a fresh one. Never share your Liraglutide pen or needles with another individual. You may give an infection to them, or get an infection from them.
When Should Liraglutide for Weight Loss Be Taken?
Liraglutide for weight loss can be taken at any time of the day, without or with food and drink, but you must stick to taking it at the same time each day such as at bedtime or breakfast. You may choose a time of the day that works best for you. If you forget to take a dose, but remember within 12 hours of when you would normally take it, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours have passed since you would normally take it, skip the dose and continue like normal the next day. Do not take a double dose or increase the dose the following day to make up for the missed dose.
How Effective is Liraglutide for Weight Loss?
Liraglutide has been found to be very effective in reducing weight with the overwhelming majority of individuals who took it. In 56-week-long clinical studies of Liraglutide in over 3,700 adults, 85% of individuals achieved some level of weight loss. The results of the studies indicate that:
- 1 out of 3 patients lost an average of 23 pounds or 10.5 kg, a 10% or more weight loss
- 6% of people lost an average of 47 pounds or 21 kg, a 20% or more weight loss
- 3 out of 5 patients lost an average of 12 pounds or 5.5 kg, a 5% or more weight loss
Risks and Complications of Liraglutide
Like all medicines, Liraglutide can cause side effects too, although not everybody gets them.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Stomach discomfort
Serious side effects (rarely) include:
- Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Persistent and severe pain in the abdomen
