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CompoundIQ publishes research summaries for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider. Many compounds listed are research chemicals not approved for human use.
Liraglutide
Also known as: Saxenda, Victoza
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza, 1.8 mg) and obesity (Saxenda, 3.0 mg). It was the first GLP-1 agonist approved specifically for weight management. While effective, it has been largely superseded by semaglutide and tirzepatide in terms of weight loss efficacy.
Risk Level
Medium RiskDifficulty
Beginner| CAS Number | 204656-20-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C172H265N43O51 |
| Class | Peptide |
| Category | Fat Loss Agents |
Mechanism of Action
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 analogue with 97% homology to native human GLP-1, modified with a C16 fatty acid chain for albumin binding that extends its half-life to 13 hours. It activates GLP-1 receptors to reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Central appetite suppression occurs via hypothalamic GLP-1 receptor activation.
Dosing Research
Saxenda (weight loss): Start 0.6 mg SC daily, titrate by 0.6 mg weekly to 3.0 mg daily. Victoza (diabetes): 0.6 mg daily, titrate to 1.2-1.8 mg daily. Inject subcutaneously once daily at any time. Requires daily injection (compared to weekly for semaglutide). Rotate injection sites.
Side Effects & Risks
Nausea (most common, dose-dependent), vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness. Injection site reactions. Rare: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, renal impairment, thyroid C-cell tumors (preclinical). Requires daily injections, which is less convenient than newer weekly options. Weight regain common after discontinuation.
Research Studies
Related compounds
Semaglutide
PeptideSemaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and chronic weight management (Wegovy). Clinical trials demonstrated average weight loss of 15-17% of body weight. It has become one of the most widely discussed medications in modern weight management.
Tirzepatide
PeptideTirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and obesity (Zepbound). It has demonstrated unprecedented weight loss efficacy in clinical trials, with participants losing up to 20-25% of body weight. It represents the cutting edge of pharmaceutical weight management.
T4 (Levothyroxine)
HormoneT4 (levothyroxine) is the primary thyroid prohormone produced by the thyroid gland. It is converted to the active T3 by deiodinase enzymes in peripheral tissues. It is the most commonly prescribed thyroid medication and provides a more stable, physiological approach to thyroid supplementation compared to T3.
T3 (Liothyronine)
HormoneT3 (triiodothyronine) is the active thyroid hormone that regulates basal metabolic rate. Liothyronine (Cytomel) is the synthetic form used medically for hypothyroidism. In performance settings, it is used to elevate metabolic rate and accelerate fat loss, often during cutting phases.
Disclaimer
CompoundIQ publishes research summaries for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider. Many compounds listed are research chemicals not approved for human use.