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Weight Management

What Is Liraglutide and How Can I Access It?

Pharmacy2U Team | minute read
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Liraglutide is the active ingredient in the weight loss medication Saxenda (prescription only medicine) can be a useful tool if certain criteria and conditions are met for those looking to manage their weight and get in control of their health. The medication should be used in conjunction with an exercise and dieting plan that also targets weight reduction. 

You can find comprehensive information on liraglutide in our guide to Saxenda but for an overview of the medication and some good-to-knows you can follow this quick medication profile.

Uses for liraglutide

Liraglutide, like many weight loss medications, was first formulated to help manage blood sugar levels in patients with type-2 diabetes. The properties of liraglutide and other weight loss medications similar to it meant that it helped to curb appetite.

Liraglutide for weight loss

  • Sold under the brand name Saxenda

  • Obtained via a prescription

  • Not for treating type 2 diabetes in this case

  • Helps with weight loss by curbing appetite and promoting feelings of fullness

  • Must be used with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program for effective weight management

Liraglutide for type 2 diabetes

  • Sold under brand names like Victoza

  • Obtained via a prescription

  • Works by helping your body produce insulin when blood sugar levels are high and slowing down stomach emptying

  • Considered a second-line therapy, typically prescribed after metformin

  • May also reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and existing heart disease

How is liraglutide taken?

Liraglutide comes as an injection given under the skin, in the upper arm, thigh or stomach. A healthcare provider will typically teach you how to administer it safely, and the pre-filled pens will come with a set dose for easy administration and to reduce the risk of overdosing. 

The medication should be taken at the same time each day and can be taken with or without food. 

Side effects of liraglutide

Like any medication, liraglutide can cause side effects. Some of the most common of these include

  • Nausea

  • Stomach pain

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation

Most common side effects of liraglutide should pass on their own soon after you start your course of the medication. However, you should always raise concerns with your healthcare professional and let them know of any adverse effects so these can be monitored. 

Liraglutide is not suitable for everyone, especially those with a history of pancreatitis or allergic to liraglutide or other components of the medication. It's important to talk to your doctor about your medical history and any medications you take before starting liraglutide to avoid potential interactions.

How does liraglutide compare to semaglutide?

Both liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide (Wegovy) mimic the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) hormone, which plays a role in appetite control, satiety (feeling full), and insulin secretion. They work by slowing gastric emptying (how fast food moves through your stomach), increasing insulin secretion, and decreasing glucagon secretion (a hormone that raises blood sugar). Liraglutide is a once-daily injection, while semaglutide is usually a once-weekly injection. 

Studies suggest that semaglutide leads to greater weight loss compared to liraglutide. In one study, semaglutide resulted in an average of 15.8% weight loss compared to 6.4% with liraglutide. A higher percentage of people achieved significant weight loss (10% or more) with semaglutide.

Despite the difference in efficacy, the best medication for you depends on your individual needs, medical history and other specific requirements and criteria to be met. A doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits of each option and choose the one most likely to be successful for you if you meet the specific criteria to be prescribed a weight loss medicine.

How can I get liraglutide for weight loss?

Liraglutide is a prescription only medication for weight loss and there are criteria you must meet in order to be offered a prescription. The prescription criteria involves calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI) and assessing the presence of weight-related comorbidities. 


Body Mass Index (BMI)

  • A BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more 

  • A BMI of 27 kg/m2 or more if you have weight related heath problems

Weight-Related Comorbidities:

Liraglutide for weight loss is typically prescribed alongside a plan for diet and exercise changes that haven't been successful on their own. Additionally, the presence of at least one weight-related health condition can strengthen the case for prescription. Examples of weight related health conditions include:

  • Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (prediabetes)

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

  • Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels)

  • Obstructive sleep apnoea (sleep disturbances)


Liraglutide and weight loss support from Pharmacy2U

If you think you meet the criteria for a prescription to liraglutide outlined above or are interested in exploring other weight loss medications with the support of health care professionals, you can begin a consultation here. Our experts will review your case and might recommend you a prescription for a suitable weight-loss medication should you meet the criteria. 

If suitable for treatment we will communicate with your GP to ensure that your medical records are kept up to date. 

Please be aware that an enquiry does not guarantee a prescription of a weight loss medication and all enquiries are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.