Trying to lose weight using traditional diets and exercise programs on your own is often overwhelming, frustrating, and unsuccessful. Today, we are fortunate to have access to weight loss medications that can significantly help you lose more weight than you could through your efforts alone.
If you have been doing some research, you may have learned about some of the different medications available, such as semaglutide and liraglutide. How do liraglutide vs. semaglutide compare? These medications are both GLP-1 receptor agonists that are used for type 2 diabetes and weight management, but they differ in dosage, administration, and effectiveness.
GLP-1 Medications Liraglutide and Semaglutide
These GLP-1 medications mimic a hormone that your body produces naturally that helps regulate blood sugar and your appetite. They help you feel full sooner and for a longer time by slowing down the speed at which food leaves your stomach.
When these medications are used alongside healthy lifestyle habits, they can help you eat smaller portions and consume fewer calories, which leads to weight loss.
GLP-1 medications are available by prescription only, and are used as part of a doctor-supervised medical weight loss program. These programs normally also include:
- Personalized doctor supervision and support.
- A guided diet and exercise program tailored just for you.
- A prescription weight loss medication that is chosen for your needs and circumstances.
- Support from a network of professionals to help you succeed in your weight loss journey.
History Of Liraglutide vs. Semaglutide?
Both liraglutide and semaglutide were originally developed to help patients with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar. Patients noticed when they started using their medication that they also lost weight, which prompted the FDA to approve these same drugs in higher doses for weight management.
Liraglutide vs. Semaglutide FDA Approval History
| Medication | Brand Names | FDA-Approved Uses | Year Approved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liraglutide | Victoza® | Blood sugar control for patients with type 2 diabetes. (Adults and children ages 10 and older) | 2010 |
| Liraglutide | Saxenda® | Weight management in adults and adolescents ages 12 and over. | 2014 |
| Semaglutide | Ozempic® | Blood sugar control for patients with type 2 diabetes. Also approved for reducing cardiovascular risk in certain patients over the age of 18. | 2017 |
| Semaglutide | Wegovy® | Chronic weight management. It is approved for reducing cardiovascular risk in certain patients over the age of 18. | 2021 |
| Semaglutide | Oral semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus®) | Type 2 diabetes in adults. | 2019 |
Liraglutide vs. Semaglutide Comparison
When used together with a healthy low-calorie diet and regular exercise, both semaglutide and liraglutide have been found to help regulate the hunger signals that are naturally sent by your body.
Both liraglutide and semaglutide are different active ingredients, but they work similarly because they both mimic one of the natural hormones (GLP-1) in your body that help regulate your metabolism.
Both prescription drugs are administered through a subcutaneous injection, and both use a titration schedule for dosing to help your body adjust and keep side effects to a minimum.
| Liraglutide | Semaglutide | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is given | Subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection. | Subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection. |
| How often it is taken | Once daily. | Once weekly. |
| Starting dose | Begins at the lowest dose. | Begins at the lowest dose. |
| Dose increases | Dose is normally increased once a week for 5 weeks until the maintenance dose is reached. | Dose is normally increased every 4 weeks over about 5 months until the maintenance dose is reached. |
Weight Loss Results Liraglutide vs. Semaglutide
In a 68-week trial called the STEP 8 clinical trial, adults with overweight or obesity were given weekly semaglutide injections and lost an average of around 16% of their body weight, compared with about 6% for those taking daily liraglutide injections.
Researchers reported that semaglutide produced significantly greater weight loss than liraglutide when both medications were combined with lifestyle changes.
Both medications are effective in helping limit your appetite, and when used together with a doctor-supervised weight loss program, they can help you lose weight. The medication that works best for you will be dependent on several conditions such as your medical history, current health, your preferred method of administration, and more.
Liraglutide vs. Semaglutide Pros & Cons Comparison
| Medication | Side Effects May Include | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liraglutide | Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), decreased appetite, headache, dizziness, fatigue, abdominal pain, stomach discomfort, indigestion, bloating, urinary tract infection, dry mouth, changes in taste, GERD, belching, reactions at the injection site, insomnia, tiredness, weakness, gastroenteritis, and anxiety. |
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| Semaglutide | Nausea, stomach pain, stomach flu-like feelings, diarrhea, headache, bloating, heartburn, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, belching, constipation, upset stomach, and gas. |
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Liraglutide vs. Semaglutide Cost
The cost of liraglutide and semaglutide can vary depending on the strength of the dose and whether your insurance will cover all or part of the cost. Most medical insurance companies will cover the cost of these medications if they are prescribed for blood sugar control for patients with type 2 diabetes, but many will not cover the medication if it is prescribed for chronic weight management.
Sometimes, there are savings programs available that can help offset some of the high cost, or you may be able to take advantage of coupons or a manufacturer’s savings program. TrumpRX may be another resource for semaglutide, which is available for far below the manufacturer’s retail price.
Liraglutide vs. Semaglutide Cost Comparison
| Cost Comparison | Liraglutide | Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Brand-name cash price | About $1,325 per month for Saxenda®. | About $1,349 per month for Wegovy®. |
| Generic available? | Yes. Generic liraglutide is available and may cost around $400 per month, depending on the pharmacy and more. | No. There is currently no FDA-approved generic semaglutide available in the United States. |
| Manufacturer savings Programs & TrumpRX | Savings programs may lower costs for eligible patients. Not included in the TrumpRX program. | Novo Nordisk may offer self-pay and savings programs that may reduce monthly costs for eligible patients. TrumpRX: Cost of semaglutide can run between $149 and $499 per month. |
| Insurance coverage (Normally covered when treating type 2 diabetes) | Coverage varies by insurance plan. Prior authorization is often required for weight loss treatment. | Coverage also varies by insurance plan, and prior authorization is commonly required. |
Where Can I Learn More About GLP-1 Medications For Weight Loss?
Dr. Okeefe Simmons is a triple board-certified doctor with extensive experience in weight management and offers GLP-1 weight loss medications to qualified patients after an in-office or virtual consultation.
If you are tired of struggling on your own to lose weight, it’s time to get some expert help. The team at Simmons MD Weight & HealthCare Solutions can evaluate your current health, medical history, and your goals to determine whether a GLP-1 medication is right for you.
You will have the support of a team of professionals to help you successfully navigate through challenges you may encounter during your weight loss journey, so you can succeed in reaching your goals. Set up your consultation to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is semaglutide more effective than liraglutide for weight loss?
Yes. Clinical studies have shown that semaglutide produces better average weight loss results than liraglutide.
What is the biggest difference between liraglutide and semaglutide?
One of the biggest differences is how often the injections are administered. Liraglutide is injected once a day, and semaglutide is only injected once a week.
Can liraglutide and semaglutide be used for weight loss?
Yes. Both medications are FDA approved for chronic weight management and work best when used as part of a doctor-supervised weight loss program.
Which costs more, liraglutide or semaglutide?
It depends. The cost of brand-name semaglutide and liraglutide are often similar, but generic liraglutide can be significantly less expensive. Some patients may find some options more affordable through manufacturer discount programs, insurance, and discount prescription websites.
