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Semaglutide vs. Liraglutide

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Semaglutide vs. Liraglutide

There are multiple weight loss drugs available, now more than ever before. It can be overwhelming to research every option and compare them to determine what is the best fit for you.

If you are comparison shopping for a medication to help you with your weight loss goals, you are probably wondering – in a battle of semaglutide vs. liraglutide – which comes out on top?

What is a GLP-1?

Liraglutide (brand name Saxenda) and semaglutide (brand name Wegovy) are members of the GLP-1 class of medications. These two medications have liquid formulations that are injected into a fatty portion of the arm, stomach, or thigh.

GLP-1, first and foremost, is an acronym for a hormone made naturally in our bodies, “glucagon-like peptide-1.” GLP-1 is secreted by the intestines and has multiple roles in our bodily functions.

GLP-1 also refers to a class of medications that are analogous (similar in structure and function) to the GLP-1 that is made naturally in our body. These medications were first used as a treatment for Type II Diabetes as an agent to lower blood sugar and improve the way our body responds to insulin, an important hormone in weight management and blood sugar regulation.

How does a GLP-1 medication cause weight loss?

The exact way that a GLP-1 medication causes weight loss is unknown. However, the primary effects most likely to cause weight loss are as follows:

  1. GLP-1 medications slow down the movement of the intestinal tract. Keeping food in the stomach longer keeps you full for longer.
  2. Act on the brain to decrease hunger, increase satisfaction, and alter the food-reward system (changing food preferences in favor of healthier options.)
  3. Improves the body’s response to insulin, a term called “insulin sensitivity,” which has a positive effect on both blood sugar levels and weight loss.1

For a more detailed explanation of how GLP-1 medications work to cause weight loss, you can check out our article “What does semaglutide do to the body?”.

How often is each medication injected?

One notable difference between liraglutide and semaglutide is the frequency that the medications must be injected.

Liraglutide for weight loss may be better known as its brand name, Saxenda. Saxenda has been available as an FDA approved medication for use in adults since 2014 as a once daily injectable medication. It was approved for use in teens 12 – 17 years old in 2020 and is a once daily injectable medication. 2

Semaglutide for weight loss, also known by its brand name Wegovy, was approved by the FDA for use as in adults in 2021 and is a once weekly injectable medication. Semaglutide is in trials for use in teens but has not yet been approved as of the publication of this article.3

How much weight can I lose with liraglutide?

Three studies have been performed on liraglutide for weight loss in adults. At the conclusion of the three studies, results were reported as follows:

  1. Average weight loss: 5.9% of starting weight among 3,122 participants across three studies. For example, in a person weighing 200 lbs. at starting, this would be an 11.8 lb. weight loss.
  2. 27.2% of participants lost more than 10% of starting weight across three studies. For example, in a person weighing 200 lbs. at starting, this would be a 20 lb. weight loss or more.

There was no information reported about participants losing more than 10% of their starting body weight and since we do not dispense liraglutide here at Rivas we don’t have any in-clinic results to share.4

How much weight can I lose with semaglutide?

Four studies have been performed on semaglutide for weight loss in adults. For simplicity, I am including results reported in studies 1-3.
At the conclusion of the first 3 studies, results were reported as follows:

  1. Average weight loss: 13.5% of starting weight. For example, in the average person weighing 200 lbs. at starting, this would be a 26 lb. weight loss.
  2. 42.1% of participants lost more than 15% of starting weight. For example, in a person weighing 200 lbs. at starting, this would be a 30 lb. weight loss or more.

In our practice, I routinely see people lose 20% or more of their starting body weight in those who adopt lifestyle modifications that promote healthful weight loss.5

What are the side effects?

Since semaglutide and liraglutide are in the same medication class, the side effects are going to be very similar.

Most patients experience some mild nausea, headache, diarrhea, or constipation early on in treatment.

Occasionally our patients on semaglutide have episodes of vomiting, but we do our best to avoid this by increasing the dosage of the medication slowly according to the individual tolerance of the patient.

More rarely, severe side effects such as severe nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis, or gallbladder inflammation may occur.

Which medication is more effective?

To put things simply, the average person on liraglutide may lose roughly 5.9% or more of their starting body weight by taking daily injections.

The average person on semaglutide may lose around 13.5% or more of their starting body weight by taking weekly injections.

If you were 200 lbs. at starting, that would be either an 11.8 lb. loss with liraglutide or a 26 lb. loss with semaglutide.

Of course, these are simply averages and may or may not be your personal results. You may lose more or less than these examples.

However, strictly using the information that was reported in the studies – semaglutide outperforms liraglutide for weight loss and is injected less frequently. Our patients on semaglutide routinely lose 20% or more of their starting weight and many reach their desired weight loss goals whether that is 20, 50, 70 or more pounds.

Why don’t you offer liraglutide at Rivas?

At Rivas clinics we offer semaglutide only. Due to the need for once-daily injections with liraglutide and the decreased effectiveness compared to semaglutide we have opted not to offer liraglutide at this time.

Ready to get started?

At Rivas Medical Weight Loss we offer non-branded semaglutide injections at an affordable cost compared to branded Wegovy. If you’d like to speak to one of our providers about whether semaglutide is right for you, call your nearest clinic to schedule a consultation.

Kristi Perry

Author

2023-05-24T05:57:11+00:00

About the Author:

Dawn Fisher
Dawn Fisher
1685638944
Easy appointment set up. Quick, on time appointment. Conscience of phone initial appointment. Overall great experience.
Anthony Cook
Anthony Cook
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Great service. Great results.
Melissa Delawder
Melissa Delawder
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The medical staff is so kind and really listens to you. Sophia takes her time asking questions and making sure you are successful with the process. So glad my Dr. Recommended this practice
Jeannine L
Jeannine L
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Been there twice. Staff are friendly and nurses care about your weight loss. Will continue to go here, until waldorf location opens..
Judy Oconnor (Judy2200)
Judy Oconnor (Judy2200)
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Peoples are very nice. You are in & out in less than 15 minutes. I’ve been getting the B12 shots along with my semagultide. So far things have been great.
Brenda Hose
Brenda Hose
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I came to Rivas after leaving another weight loss center located in Virginia. I was told at the Virginia clinic that I wouldn’t lose weight due to the fact that as a nurse, I work night shift and I like an occasional Diet Pepsi.After feeling defeated, I called Rivas. They set me up to see a provider immediately. Upon arrival, I instantly felt that I was at the right place. I began my B12 injections that same day but wanted time to think about whether or not I wanted to proceed with the Semiglutide injections. Not once did they try to persuade me into anything I was unsure about or didn’t want. They were very encouraging and helpful. We talked about nutrition and weight loss expectations.They were upright and honest reassuring me that as it may be difficult to lose weight while working nights, it’s not impossible.I’ve been a client since June and I am proud to say that I am down 35 pounds!! I am over half way to my goal weight!! I am so thankful to all the staff at Rivas in the Frederick office. They have been so friendly and easy work with. They are also very accommodating with my crazy work schedule. Since I work in Hagerstown, I will now be making my appointments at the new Hagerstown office. I will miss the ladies in Frederick but I want you to know how grateful I am. Without your help and encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today 😊Just wanted to add an update. As of today 5-26-2023, I am officially down 61 pounds and only 1 pound away from my goal. I will continue with my B12 injections as I found this has helped in my success with losing weight, and has given me energy to get me through those days to work out. I am feeling much healthier and happy again!! Thank you Rivas!! Your the best!!
Alicia Gruss
Alicia Gruss
1685070821
Great recommendations to assist with weightloss and friendly doctors/staff.
Jen Barrera
Jen Barrera
1685040486
Great place
Jamie Jones
Jamie Jones
1685039514
I’ve been coming here about 6 weeks and I’m down 25 pounds! I gained a bunch when I was going through chemotherapy so I am so happy that I found this place. I’m also a chronically late person and they always accommodate me!
Bob Cox
Bob Cox
1685031513
Jennifer did a wonderful job, she asks the right questions and knows what I need to be successful in this weight loss program.
Pat Joy
Pat Joy
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aida caldararu
aida caldararu
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I can’t wait to see the doctor and to have my injection done and of course the results
Brian Perlis
Brian Perlis
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Teli Johnson
Teli Johnson
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Love this place staff is awesome! Highly recommend
jenny g
jenny g
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So helpful and flexible. Really care and work with you.
lottie chilcoat
lottie chilcoat
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Always informative, and pleasent
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Amy Mabey
Amy Mabey
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Katie Smith
Katie Smith
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Veranna Phillips
Veranna Phillips
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I love the LipoExtreme Shot.. It’s so helpful
Jennathewitch
Jennathewitch
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SLSand75
SLSand75
1684411016
The staff members are very professional, non-judge mental, and courteous. They explained the process, price, and always encourage you to “stay the course”. If you already live a healthy lifestyle but need an extra boost, give them a call!
Tina Kummelman
Tina Kummelman
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Sharon Garcia
Sharon Garcia
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I really appreciate the tailored care I receive week to week by this amazing group of professionals!
Tricia Wilson
Tricia Wilson
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Everyone is friendly & the staff is extremely knowledgeable!
Jeanne Long
Jeanne Long
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The experience was very professional, as well as friendly. From the PA’s to the administrative staff they couldn’t have been more pleasant.
Linda Herr
Linda Herr
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Front check-in was fast, efficient and everyone was SUPER friendly that put me at ease. Thank you too Rachel for your knowledge and willingness to listen. Yeah!!!!
Jeanne Lango
Jeanne Lango
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Been a patient of Rivas in Ellicott city location for several months now.Really love the staff and my provider, so friendly and pleasant, it is real pleasure being a patient there.Office is always clean , well maintained and organized..
Towanda Frazier
Towanda Frazier
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This office is professional and the staff is friendly as well. I love it there..
Gary Pierce
Gary Pierce
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Quick and knowledgeable experience every time I go. Very friendly
Ken G
Ken G
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Heather Rizzi
Heather Rizzi
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Leesa Ridgely
Leesa Ridgely
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The staff are very friendly, professional and organized. The staff are very efficient & accommodating to each patients needs. I would recommend them to my family & friends.