FDA approved weight loss peptides Liraglutide vs Semaglutide benefits

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has received a lot of attention for its role in weight loss and diabetes treatment. Liraglutide was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes and has shown substantial benefits in promoting weight loss. This article discusses the benefits and effects of Liraglutide and compares it with semaglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Know Liraglutide peptides

Liraglutide is a synthetic analogue of the human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone. It is an acylated GLP-1 agonist derived from human GLP-1-(7-37), a less common endogenous form of GLP-1. The acyl part extends its half-life by binding to albumin without reducing potency.

It mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates appetite and food intake and is effective for weight management. Liraglutide is sold under different brand names, including Victoza for diabetes treatment and Saxenda for weight loss.

Action mechanism

Liraglutide works by activating the GLP-1 receptor, resulting in several beneficial effects:

Suppressing appetite: By affecting the appetite regulation center in the brain, Liraglutide can reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness.

Slow stomach emptying: It delays the emptying of the stomach, which helps to prolong the feeling of fullness after a meal.

Insulin secretion: Liraglutide stimulates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, helping to control blood sugar levels.

Inhibits glucagon: It inhibits the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels.

Liraglutide is an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight control. When use it to treat type 2 diabetes, the starting dose is 0.6mg once daily for a week, then increase to 1.2mg once daily, and can increase the dose to 1.8mg depending on actual blood sugar control.

Weight loss comparison of Liraglutide versus placebo In the trial, obese patients taking Liraglutide 3mg experienced significant weight loss and significantly improved blood glucose control compared to patients taking placebo. When use Liraglutide for weight loss, usually with a higher dose of 3mg per day, but still need to titrate gradually from the starting dose of 0.6mg to the target dose to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Liraglutide vs Semaglutide

Another GLP-1 receptor agonist, Semaglutide, has also been extensively studied for weight loss and diabetes treatment. FDA approved Liraglutide earlier than Semaglutide, but in weight loss trials, patients who received Semaglutide 2.4mg lost more weight than Liraglutide. In terms of weight loss alone, Semaglutide, which is also a GLP-1 agonist, was better than Liraglutide.

But the FDA’s 2019 approval of Liraglutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in children 10 years of age or older went some way to demonstrating Liraglutide’s safety.

Liraglutide review

Liraglutide is a universal and effective treatment for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It has the dual benefits of improving blood sugar control and promoting weight loss, as well as proven cardiovascular benefits, making it a valuable option for many patients. Although Liraglutide faces competition from newer GLP-1 agonists, it remains a solid choice with a good safety and efficacy profile. The choice of Liraglutide vs Semaglutide should consider the specific needs, preferences and clinical circumstances of the patient.

Overall, the combined benefits of liraglutide make it a versatile and effective option for individuals seeking to improve metabolic health and achieve sustainable weight loss. As research continues to evolve, the therapeutic landscape of weight management and diabetes treatment will undoubtedly benefit from these advances, bringing hope and improved outcomes to millions of people worldwide.