Liraglutide vs Semaglutide vs GLP-1 for Weight Loss

If you’ve been considering weight loss medications, you’ve probably come across terms like liraglutide, semaglutide, and GLP-1. Both semaglutide and liraglutide are part of a class of drugs used to help people manage their weight alongside diet and exercise. But how do they work, and how do they compare?

These medications are included in the GLP-1 receptor agonist family of drugs. They are used to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. However, semaglutide and liraglutide differ in several key ways, including their chemical structure, dosing, half-life, and effectiveness.

Although both medications are effective weight loss treatments, semaglutide yielded more impressive results in clinical trials. Studies have found that people taking semaglutide lose an average of 15% of their starting body weight, while those on liraglutide typically lose around 5% to 10%.

When comparing liraglutide and semaglutide, the latter is considered more effective for weight loss. In clinical studies, participants taking semaglutide lost more weight on average than those taking liraglutide or other GLP-1 medications. Semaglutide is typically prescribed at higher doses than liraglutide. It also has a longer half-life, meaning it stays active in the body for a longer period, which leads to more sustained appetite suppression and better blood sugar control.

In terms of weight loss effectiveness, semaglutide does have an edge over liraglutide, according to current research. As mentioned earlier, semaglutide tends to produce more significant weight loss compared to liraglutide. Additionally, the convenience of weekly injections with semaglutide versus daily injections with liraglutide is a factor many patients prefer.

That being said, whether one medication is “better” than the other depends on various circumstances. For instance, while semaglutide can lead to greater weight loss than liraglutide, both medications are known to cause side effects, such as nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. The bottom line is that both medications have benefits and drawbacks, and your healthcare provider will help you find the one that works best for you.

Yes, it’s possible to switch from liraglutide to semaglutide under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Since both medications belong to the same class (GLP-1), they work in similar ways, but switching may require adjustments to your dosage and monitoring for potential side effects as your body adjusts.

If you’ve reached a plateau in your weight loss journey with liraglutide, your doctor may suggest switching to semaglutide for potentially better results. When switching, your doctor will start you on a low dose of semaglutide. Gradually, your doctor will increase your dose to minimize the risk of side effects from the new medication. During the first few weeks following the switch, your doctor will regularly check in with you to ensure that the new medication is working well for you.

When considering which GLP-1 medication is best for you, the cost is a significant factor to explore. On average, liraglutide, sold under the brand name Saxenda, costs $1,350 per month before insurance coverage. Similarly, semaglutide costs are estimated between $900 and $1,800 monthly.

While the costs of the two medications are similar, there is research that highlights semaglutide as the more cost-effective option when it comes to weight loss treatment. The exact cost of semaglutide treatment depends on the pharmacy you choose, the brand name of the medication, and your geographic location.

To manage the cost of either medication, it’s important to explore your options. In some cases, health insurance plans provide coverage for GLP-1 medications; however, not all do. In addition, there are manufacturer discounts and patient assistance programs available to make these medications more accessible to those who need them.

If you’re interested in liraglutide or semaglutide, our experts are here to answer your questions, determine which medication is best for you, and support you in accessing your treatment at an affordable price. For more information, please contact us now or request an appointment. Boca Medical Care is conveniently located at 9250 Glades Rd #110, Boca Raton, FL 33434. We serve patients from Boca Raton, FL, Kings Point, FL, Delray Beach, FL, Deerfield Beach, FL, Pompano Beach, FL, Highland Beach, FL, and surrounding areas.