Liraglutide
An FDA-approved daily weight loss injection with the longest safety track record. Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and weight management. The first GLP-1 approved for weight loss, it produces 5-10% body weight reduction. Requires daily injection due to its ~13 hour half-life, but has the longest safety track record among GLP-1 medications.
Compare Prices🧬Key Characteristics
- Length: 31 amino acids(97% identical to native GLP-1.)
- Half-life: ~13 hours(Requires daily dosing.)
- Mechanism: GLP-1 agonist(Incretin mimetic.)
- Primary Use: Weight loss(5-10% body weight reduction.)
Overview
Core Benefits
Key AdvantagesThese are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.
Liraglutide Results Timeline
ProgressionTimeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.
How It Works
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist — Daily Incretin MimeticReceptor → Metabolic Cascade → Weight & Glucose → Outcomes
GLP-1 Receptors (Pancreas, Brain, Gut)
Liraglutide targets the same GLP-1 receptors as semaglutide, but with a shorter half-life (~13 hours vs 7 days). This means daily injection instead of weekly, but allows finer dose control and faster washout if side effects occur.
cAMP/PKA → Insulin Secretion + Appetite Suppression
Same GLP-1 receptor signaling cascade as semaglutide — insulin release tied to blood sugar levels, central satiety activation, and slowed gastric emptying. The daily dosing provides more physiological GLP-1 receptor stimulation compared to weekly agents.
Appetite Reduction + Glucose Control → Weight Loss
Clinical trials show ~8% body weight loss (vs 15-20% for semaglutide). Cardiovascular benefits demonstrated in the LEADER trial. The first GLP-1 to receive weight-loss approval (2014).
Moderate Appetite Reduction → Steady Weight Loss
Appetite suppression noticeable within days. Weight loss is moderate but consistent. GI side effects similar to semaglutide but may resolve faster due to daily dosing flexibility. Good starting point before transitioning to weekly agents if needed.
What Makes This Peptide Different
Liraglutide was the first GLP-1 approved for weight loss (prescription weight management). Its daily dosing is less convenient than weekly semaglutide, but allows more precise titration and faster washout if side effects occur. Some prefer starting with liraglutide to gauge GLP-1 tolerance before switching to a weekly agent.
Dosing Protocol
Weight Loss / DiabetesEducational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.
Why This Dosing Protocol
Why daily? Liraglutide's ~13 hour half-life requires daily injection for consistent effect. This is its main disadvantage vs weekly semaglutide, but also its advantage — stop dosing and side effects resolve within 1-2 days.
Why slow titration? Same principle as all GLP-1s: start at 0.6mg, increase by 0.6mg each week up to 3mg. Minimizes nausea and GI discomfort.
Diagrams
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Liraglutide Pricing
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Reconstitution calculator
Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.
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How to Reconstitute Peptides
Handling
Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.
- Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year ✓
- Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months ✓
- Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
- MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
- 4-week maximum shelf life
- NEVER freeze after reconstitution
- Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose
Storage & Handling Guide
Learn proper storage temperatures, shelf life timelines, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.
FAQ
How does liraglutide compare to newer GLP-1 medications?
Liraglutide was the first GLP-1 approved for weight management. It produces 5-10% weight loss — effective but less than newer options like semaglutide (15-20%) or tirzepatide (20-25%). However, it has the longest safety track record and may be preferred for patients who want an established option or don't tolerate newer medications.
Why does liraglutide require daily injections?
Liraglutide has a half-life of about 13 hours, requiring once-daily injection. Newer medications like semaglutide were engineered with modifications that extend half-life to ~7 days, allowing weekly dosing. Despite the daily requirement, some patients prefer the flexibility of daily dose adjustment.
What are the common side effects?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea (especially when starting), diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. These typically diminish over time. The gradual dose titration schedule (starting at 0.6mg and increasing weekly) helps minimize GI effects. Rare serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease.
Is liraglutide still a good choice for weight loss?
Yes, liraglutide remains a valid option, especially for patients who prefer an established medication with a long safety record, need daily dosing flexibility, or don't respond well to newer alternatives. It's also sometimes more accessible due to insurance coverage or cost considerations.
What is the typical liraglutide dosing schedule?
Liraglutide for weight loss starts at 0.6mg daily for one week, then increases weekly by 0.6mg increments until reaching the target dose of 3.0mg daily. This 5-week titration helps minimize nausea. The injection can be given at any time of day, with or without food.
Is liraglutide FDA approved?
Yes, liraglutide is FDA-approved under two brand names: two indications: type 2 diabetes (up to 1.8mg) and weight management (up to 3.0mg). It was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved specifically for chronic weight management (2014), giving it over a decade of clinical use data.
How much weight can I expect to lose on liraglutide?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 5-8% of body weight over one year at the 3.0mg dose. About one-third of patients lose over 10%. While less than newer medications, this is still clinically meaningful and can significantly improve metabolic health markers.
Can liraglutide be switched to semaglutide?
Yes, patients can transition from liraglutide to semaglutide if seeking greater weight loss or preferring weekly dosing. The switch is typically done by stopping liraglutide and starting semaglutide at the initial dose, then titrating up. Consult your healthcare provider for appropriate transition timing.
How long does reconstituted peptide last?
Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.
Is this peptide legal to purchase?
Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
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Scientific Sources
The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:
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