Weight Management
April 20, 2026
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5 min read
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Victoza (Liraglutide) for Weight Loss: How It Works and Who It's For
If you've been researching medical weight loss options, you've likely come across Victoza. Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, liraglutide — the active ingredient in Victoza — has earned a solid evidence base for supporting weight reduction in adults with or without diabetes. This article explains how liraglutide works for weight loss, what clinical trials say, how it compares to newer GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, and who may be a suitable candidate.
If you've been researching medical weight loss options, you've likely come across Victoza. Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, liraglutide — the active ingredient in Victoza — has earned a solid evidence base for supporting weight reduction in adults with or without diabetes. This article explains how liraglutide works for weight loss, what clinical trials say, how it compares to newer GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, and who may be a suitable candidate.
Victoza is a brand name for liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist administered via a once-daily subcutaneous injection. It was first approved for type 2 diabetes management, but researchers observed significant weight loss in patients using it — an effect that led to dedicated obesity trials and the eventual approval of a higher-dose formulation (Saxenda, 3.0 mg) specifically for chronic weight management.
When clinicians refer to "Victoza for weight loss," they typically mean using liraglutide within a supervised medical weight management programme. The drug works on multiple physiological mechanisms simultaneously, making it more than just an appetite suppressant.
Liraglutide mimics GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut after eating. It acts on GLP-1 receptors in the brain, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract:
Together, these effects create a sustained caloric deficit without requiring extreme dietary restriction alone.
The most important evidence for liraglutide and weight loss comes from the SCALE (Satiety and Clinical Adiposity — Liraglutide Evidence in Non-diabetic and Diabetic Individuals) clinical trial programme. The pivotal SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2015, enrolled 3,731 adults without diabetes who had a BMI of 30 or above (or 27 and above with a weight-related comorbidity).
Key findings at 56 weeks: - Participants on liraglutide 3.0 mg lost a mean of 8.0% of body weight, compared to 2.8% in the placebo group - 63.2% of liraglutide participants achieved ≥5% weight loss vs 27.1% on placebo - 33.1% achieved ≥10% weight loss vs 10.6% on placebo - Progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes was reduced by 80% over 3 years
These results established liraglutide as one of the most clinically validated weight-loss medications available.
The LEADER (Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results) trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2016, followed over 9,000 adults with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk for up to 5 years. Beyond glycaemic control, LEADER demonstrated:
While LEADER was primarily a cardiovascular outcomes trial, it reinforced the safety profile of liraglutide in long-term use and added weight to its broader metabolic benefits.
One of the most common questions patients ask is how Victoza compares to Ozempic (semaglutide). Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists, but there are meaningful differences:
| Feature | Victoza (Liraglutide) | Ozempic (Semaglutide) |
|---|---|---|
| Injection frequency | Once daily | Once weekly |
| Half-life | ~13 hours | ~7 days |
| Primary approval | Type 2 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes |
| Weight loss evidence | SCALE programme (≈8% mean loss) | STEP programme (≈15% mean loss) |
| Cardiovascular data | LEADER (positive outcomes) | SUSTAIN-6 (positive outcomes) |
| Higher-dose weight version | Saxenda (3.0 mg) | Wegovy (2.4 mg) |
In summary: Semaglutide generally produces greater weight loss in clinical trials and requires only weekly injections, making it a preferred choice for many patients. However, liraglutide has a longer track record and may be appropriate for certain patients based on clinical history, tolerability, or access considerations. The right choice depends on individual factors your doctor is best placed to assess.
Liraglutide for weight management is typically considered for:
It is generally not suitable for people with: - Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) - A history of pancreatitis - Severe gastrointestinal disease - Pregnancy or those planning to become pregnant
A thorough medical consultation is essential before starting any GLP-1 medication.
The most frequently reported side effects are gastrointestinal, particularly in the first few weeks:
Most gastrointestinal symptoms are transient and improve as the body adjusts. Doses are typically titrated upward gradually to minimise these effects. Serious but rare side effects include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease; patients should be aware of symptoms and report them to their prescribing doctor immediately.
In Singapore, GLP-1 medications for weight management are available through licensed medical clinics under a doctor's supervision. They are prescription-only and not available over the counter. Treatment programmes typically combine medication with dietary guidance, physical activity coaching, and regular medical reviews — an evidence-based approach that produces better long-term outcomes than medication alone.
Q: How much weight can I lose with Victoza (liraglutide)?
A: In the SCALE clinical trial, participants lost an average of 8.0% of body weight over 56 weeks with liraglutide 3.0 mg. Individual results vary depending on baseline weight, diet, activity level, and adherence to the programme.
Q: How long does it take for liraglutide to start working?
A: Some reduction in appetite can be noticed within the first few weeks. Meaningful weight changes are typically seen over 8–12 weeks, with continued progress over 6–12 months when combined with lifestyle changes.
Q: Is Victoza the same as Saxenda?
A: Both contain liraglutide. Victoza is approved for type 2 diabetes management (max dose 1.8 mg daily) while Saxenda is the higher-dose formulation (3.0 mg daily) specifically approved for chronic weight management.
Q: Do I need to stay on liraglutide permanently?
A: Clinical evidence suggests that weight tends to return after stopping medication without sustained lifestyle changes. Your doctor will advise on the optimal duration based on your health goals and progress.
Q: Can liraglutide be used if I don't have diabetes?
A: Yes. The SCALE trial specifically enrolled adults without diabetes, and liraglutide at 3.0 mg (Saxenda) is approved for weight management in non-diabetic individuals meeting BMI criteria.
Q: Is liraglutide better than Ozempic for weight loss?
A: Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) has shown greater average weight loss in head-to-head and separate clinical programmes. However, the best medication depends on your individual health profile. Speak to a doctor to assess which option is right for you.
Noah is Singapore's telehealth clinic for men's and women's health, offering medically supervised weight management programmes supported by licensed doctors. Our clinical team will assess whether a GLP-1 medication like liraglutide is appropriate for your individual situation, and guide you through a structured programme designed for sustainable results.
Speak to a Noah doctor today at ofnoah.sg
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting any prescription treatment.
