Updated October 16, 2026 with prices and facts re-checked October 14, 2026.
Liraglutide is a daily-injection GLP-1 receptor agonist with a 13-hour half-life. The original FDA-approved GLP-1 for weight management (Saxenda, 2014); now largely superseded by weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide.
As of October 14, 2026: Liraglutide is a daily-injection GLP-1 receptor agonist with a 13-hour half-life. The original FDA-approved GLP-1 for weight management (Saxenda, 2014); now largely superseded by weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide. Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist. Typical route: Subcutaneous injection. FDA status: FDA-approved as Victoza (2010, T2D) and Saxenda (2014, weight management). Generic liraglutide became available in 2024. Now the third-line GLP-1 choice after weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide for mo
Top-rated on our rubric: NexLife — 94/100 (May 2026 review). Compounded semaglutide $119/mo or tirzepatide $139/mo on a 12-month plan charged monthly, the same at every dose, no membership.Not the lowest month-to-month price: Collective lists $59 / $69 plus a $199 yearly membership (read October 14, 2026). Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved; a licensed clinician decides eligibility.
Liraglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor, slowing gastric emptying, increasing satiety, and improving glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Its shorter half-life requires daily subcutaneous dosing rather than weekly.
Dosing reference
Standard titration: 0.6 mg/day for one week, increased by 0.6 mg/day each week to a maintenance dose of 3.0 mg/day (Saxenda) for weight management or 1.8 mg/day (Victoza) for type 2 diabetes.
Dosing information is provided for educational reference and is not medical advice. Patients should not initiate or modify any peptide regimen without consulting a licensed clinician. See our medical disclaimer.
FDA status & regulatory framework
FDA-approved as Victoza (2010, T2D) and Saxenda (2014, weight management). Generic liraglutide became available in 2024. Now the third-line GLP-1 choice after weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide for most patients.
*12-month plan · save $240/yr · flat rate across full 0.25–2.4 mg titration. $125 (6-mo, save $84) · $132 (3-mo, save $21) · $139 (monthly).
Includes: medication, all MD/DO visits, messaging (lab work not stated on its pages), personalized nutrition plan (GLP-1 focused), 1:1 fitness call with certified wellness coach, and medical guidance.
Klarna & Affirm financing accepted at checkout (FAQ).
Compounded only — no brand-name Wegovy® / Ozempic® / Rybelsus®. Cash-pay with HSA/FSA only — no in-network insurance billing. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved (applies to all compounded GLP-1 providers). Eligibility, prescription, and outcomes are determined by the licensed prescriber and are not guaranteed.
Compounded only — no brand-name Wegovy® / Zepbound®. Cash-pay with HSA/FSA only — no in-network insurance billing. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved (applies to all compounded GLP-1 providers). Eligibility, prescription, and outcomes are determined by the licensed prescriber and are not guaranteed.
Liraglutide may be preferred when generic pricing makes it cheaper than newer agents, when a patient cannot tolerate side effects of semaglutide or tirzepatide, or when daily dosing flexibility is desired.
How does liraglutide compare to semaglutide for weight loss?
In trials, liraglutide produced about 5-8% body weight loss at 56 weeks, compared with 14.9% for semaglutide at 68 weeks. Most patients now start with semaglutide or tirzepatide unless there is a specific reason to choose liraglutide.
References
Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al.A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes).N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):11-22.PMID: 26132939
Marso SP, Daniels GH, Brown-Frandsen K, et al.Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes (LEADER).N Engl J Med. 2016;375(4):311-322.PMID: 27295427
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves weight-management drug Saxenda.FDA Press Release. December 23, 2014.View source
Sources are peer-reviewed where available. PubMed (PMID) links resolve to NCBI's PubMed database. FDA links resolve to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Citations were last verified 2026-05-11.
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