Semaglutide vs. Liraglutide
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
In the constantly evolving landscape of medical weight loss, two names frequently emerge at the forefront of the conversation: semaglutide and liraglutide. Both part of the GLP-1 agonist family, these medications represent promising options for individuals struggling to lose weight through traditional means.
In this article, we’ll compare and contrast semaglutide and liraglutide to help you decide which medication best suits you.
What Is Semaglutide and How Does it Work for Weight Loss?
As a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide mimics the action of the GLP-1 hormone to lower blood sugar levels and suppress appetite. When introduced into the body, semaglutide slows gastric emptying, which means it takes longer for the stomach to empty after eating.
Furthermore, semaglutide affects the brain’s appetite centers, promoting a feeling of fullness. The combination of these mechanisms makes the medication an effective tool for weight loss, particularly when it’s combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Semaglutide for weight loss is administered once a week through subcutaneous injections.
What Is Liraglutide and How Does it Work for Weight Loss?
Liraglutide is also a GLP-1 agonist that mimics the action of the GLP-1 hormone to lower blood sugar levels, slow gastric emptying, and suppress appetite.
In this way, liraglutide helps individuals feel fuller for longer and reduces their overall food intake. The medication is administered through daily subcutaneous injections.
What Is the Difference Between Semaglutide and Liraglutide?
Some key differences between semaglutide and liraglutide for weight loss include:
- Efficacy for Weight Loss: Studies suggest that semaglutide generates more weight loss than liraglutide. More specifically, patients on semaglutide tend to lose a higher percentage of their body weight.
- Dosage and Administration: Semaglutide is typically administered once a week, whereas liraglutide is administered daily.
- Side Effects: Research into the side effects of these medications is conflicting. Some studies indicate liraglutide causes more severe side effects, while others indicate the opposite.
- Cost: Though the cost of each medication can vary, studies indicate semaglutide offers a better value for weight loss than liraglutide.
Read More about: Semaglutide vs. Phentermine
What Are the Side Effects of Semaglutide vs. Liraglutide?
Semaglutide and liraglutide are both GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight management, but they have different side effect profiles.
Semaglutide Side Effects
Common side effects of semaglutide for weight loss include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
Less common but more severe side effects of semaglutide include:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney problems
- Thyroid tumors
- Allergic reactions
- Liraglutide Side Effects
Common side effects of liraglutide for weight loss include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
Less common but more severe side effects include:
- Pancreatitis
- Thyroid tumors
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney injury
- Allergic reactions
- Irregular heartbeat
- Suicidal thoughts
Do You Lose More Weight on Liraglutide or Semaglutide?
Studies have demonstrated that semaglutide helps patients lose more weight than liraglutide. This can be attributed to semaglutide’s longer half-life, which enables it to remain active in the body for longer.
However, individual responses to these medications can vary, and the answer as to which will be more effective for you will depend on several factors, including your medical history, current conditions, and personal reaction to each medication. Be sure to consult a doctor before using any weight loss medications.
Read more about: Semaglutide vs. Dulaglutide
Can I Take Semaglutide and Liraglutide Together?
Due to their similar mechanisms of action, taking semaglutide and liraglutide together is not recommended. Combining them does not increase their efficacy, and it may increase your risk of unwanted side effects.
Consult a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate weight loss plan for you.
Can You Switch from Liraglutide to Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
You can switch from liraglutide to semaglutide for weight loss, but you should only do so under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Individual responses to each medication can vary, and before you make the switch, you should consider factors such as your current weight, the effectiveness of your liraglutide treatment plan, and the side effects of semaglutide.
Conclusion
In the realm of medical weight loss, both semaglutide and liraglutide stand out as powerful tools. While they share a common mechanism of action, distinct differences exist in their dosing, efficacy, side effects, and cost. It’s important to have a thorough conversation with your doctor to decide which medication aligns best with your health profile and weight loss goals.
If you’re looking to participate in a semaglutide weight loss program, the Sanctuary Wellness Institute can help. One of our doctors can evaluate you and, if they determine you’re eligible, prescribe weight loss injections. Participants in our program get their injections delivered for self-administration and attend regular follow-up appointments online.
Book an evaluation today to discover whether you’re eligible for weight loss injections.
How we reviewed this article:
- UCLA Health (2023). Semaglutide for weight loss – what you need to know
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/semaglutide-weight-loss-what-you-need-know - GoodRx (2024). Saxenda
https://www.goodrx.com/saxenda/what-is - Patricia Weiser (2023). Ozempic vs. Victoza: Which Is Better for Me?
https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/ozempic-vs-victoza - Domenica M. Rubino, Frank L. Greenway and Usman Khalid (2022). Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2787907 - Zeyu Xie, Sensen Yang, Weishang Deng, Jinjian Li, and Jisheng Chen (2022). Efficacy and Safety of Liraglutide and Semaglutide on Weight Loss in People with Obesity or Overweight: A Systematic Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9738168/ - Joseph Azuri, Ariel Hammerman, Enis Aboalhasan, Ben Sluckis, Ronen Arbel (2023). Liraglutide versus semaglutide for weight reduction-a cost needed to treat analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37203328/ - Zuri C. Hawkins-Jarrett (2023). 19 Side Effects of Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes and Weight Loss
https://www.goodrx.com/ozempic/semaglutide-side-effects - Cleveland Clinic (2024). Liraglutide Injection (Weight Management)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18595-liraglutide-injection-weight-management
Current Version
May 13, 2024
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
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Jake Peter received his journalism degree from Emerson College and has been writing content for the Sanctuary Wellness Institute since 2021. He is passionate about all things cannabis.
