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Liraglutide and semaglutide are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. They're widely used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, and they may also be effective in reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. While they have similarities, these two medications differ in many ways, from recommended dosage to effectiveness. Check out this detailed comparison between liraglutide and semaglutide to make an informed decision.

Introduction to GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management. They mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which the body naturally produces after consuming food. This hormone stimulates insulin creation and slows down the rate at which food is digested, resulting in lower blood sugar levels. It also helps reduce appetite by interacting with certain parts of the brain that process hunger and satiety.

Liraglutide Overview

Liraglutide is available under two brand names: Victoza and Saxenda. Victoza is used together with exercise and diet to control blood sugar levels in adults and children aged 10 or older who have type 2 diabetes. It may also be effective in reducing the risk of severe heart conditions, such as stroke and heart attack, in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Note that liraglutide isn't meant for treating type 1 diabetes.

Like Victoza, Saxenda is also used in conjunction with diet and exercise. However, this medicine is intended to help people with certain health conditions lose weight, such as type 2 diabetes patients and those who are obese or overweight. It's used in adults with a body mass index of 30 or above and children aged 12 or older who weigh over 132 pounds. Saxenda isn't approved for treating type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

To administer liraglutide, you have to inject it under your skin. You can do this with or without a meal and at any time of the day. Start by injecting 0.6 mg of liraglutide a day and then increase the dose by 0.6 mg each week. After five weeks, you'll reach the maximum dose of 3 mg.

Semaglutide Overview

Semaglutide is known to be effective in promoting weight loss, controlling blood sugar levels, and improving cardiovascular health in some people. There are three brands of semaglutide: Wegovy, Ozempic, and RYBELSUS. These brands are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating different conditions. Wegovy is the only semaglutide brand approved by the FDA for weight loss, while Ozempic and RYBELSUS are used together with exercise and diet to reduce blood sugar levels.

Wegovy and Ozempic are injected under the skin once a week. The starting dose for Wegovy is 0.25 mg per week, and you'll slowly increase the dose every month until you reach the maximum dose of 2.4 mg after five months. As for Ozempic, you'll inject 0.25 mg weekly for the first four weeks and increase the dose to 0.5 mg afterward. RYBELSUS is administered orally as tablets. You'll take one tablet daily in the morning, half an hour before drinking, eating, or taking any other medicines.

Comparative Analysis

Let's look at how liraglutide and semaglutide differ.

Effectiveness

Both liraglutide and semaglutide have been proven to be effective in helping people lose weight. However, a 2022 study found that people who took semaglutide lost significantly more weight than those who underwent liraglutide treatment. The study divided more than 300 overweight and obese adults who were nondiabetic into two groups: one for the once-a-day liraglutide treatment and the other for the once-a-week semaglutide treatment. After 68 weeks, the semaglutide group lost an average of 16% of their initial body weight, while the liraglutide group lost only 6%.

No major trials on liraglutide and semaglutide have reported type 2 diabetes remission. However, a randomized controlled trial that compared once-a-week 2.4 mg of semaglutide to placebo in type 2 diabetes patients found that 67.5% of participants had an HbA1c lower than 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) at the end of 68 weeks. There was also a randomized controlled trial that compared liraglutide and placebo in people who had type 2 diabetes. After 56 weeks, 56.5% of the trial participants achieved an HbA1c level below 48 mmol/mol (6.5%).

Side Effects

When it comes to side effects, the differences between liraglutide and semaglutide are minimal. Also, side effects from these medications are typically mild. The following are some common side effects of liraglutide and semaglutide:

  • Diarrhea.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Constipation.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Headache.
  • Fatigue.

Ease of Use

If you use semaglutide, you only need to take it once a week. Liraglutide has to be administered daily, making it a less convenient option.

Clinical Guidelines and Recommendations

Before you undergo liraglutide or semaglutide treatment, there are a few things you should be aware of. First, you shouldn't take liraglutide and semaglutide together as they're both GLP-1s. You also can't use them with other supplements or medications intended to induce weight loss or regulate blood sugar levels.

Consult the biostation To Make the Right Choice

Ultimately, the choice between liraglutide and semaglutide boils down to your personal circumstances and preferences. Consider seeking medical advice to determine what's best for you. We invite you to contact our health care experts at the biostation. Our team has extensive knowledge of weight loss medications, and we can help you explore your options and create a personalized treatment plan that fits your specific needs. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Three Boxes of Saxenda in a Pharmacy by Chemist4U is licensed with ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 2.0 GENERIC (CC BY-SA 2.0)