Editorial Disclosure: GLP-1 Editorial is an editorial publication operated by Ranika Editorial Group LLC. We do not provide medical care, prescribe medication, manufacture or compound medication, or sell GLP-1 treatment. Our rankings are based on our published v3.0 transparency rubric, publicly available provider information, cited sources, and periodic review updates. If a provider relationship, sponsorship, affiliate relationship, or material connection exists, it is disclosed on the relevant page and at /affiliate-disclosure.html.
Weight Loss · GLP-1 (daily)
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is a daily-injection GLP-1 receptor agonist with a 13-hour half-life. The original FDA-approved GLP-1 for weight management (Saxenda, 2014); now largely superseded by weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Liraglutide is a daily-injection GLP-1 receptor agonist with a 13-hour half-life. The original FDA-approved GLP-1 for weight management (Saxenda, 2014); now largely superseded by weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide. Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist. Typical route: Subcutaneous injection. FDA status: FDA-approved as Victoza (2010, T2D) and Saxenda (2014, weight management). Generic liraglutide became available in 2024. Now the third-line GLP-1 choice after weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide for mo
Drug classGLP-1 receptor agonist
Half-life~13 hours (daily dosing)
RouteSubcutaneous injection
Typical maintenance3.0 mg/day (weight)
FDA statusApproved (Saxenda, Victoza)
Compounded availabilityYes (some pharmacies)
Mechanism of action
Liraglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor, slowing gastric emptying, increasing satiety, and improving glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Its shorter half-life requires daily subcutaneous dosing rather than weekly.
Dosing reference
Standard titration: 0.6 mg/day for one week, increased by 0.6 mg/day each week to a maintenance dose of 3.0 mg/day (Saxenda) for weight management or 1.8 mg/day (Victoza) for type 2 diabetes.
Dosing information is provided for educational reference and is not medical advice. Patients should not initiate or modify any peptide regimen without consulting a licensed clinician. See our medical disclaimer.
FDA status & regulatory framework
FDA-approved as Victoza (2010, T2D) and Saxenda (2014, weight management). Generic liraglutide became available in 2024. Now the third-line GLP-1 choice after weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide for most patients.
Editor's Pick · #1 of 10
NexLife — Compounded Semaglutide
✨ Editor's Pick · 94/100
💊 Compounded semaglutide + tirzepatide
👨⚕️ MD/DO-supervised
🏥 503A & 503B pharmacies
🧪 Labs included
📍 Availability varies by state
✓ LegitScript-certified
💰 Flat-rate, dose-independent
🔁 Care360 + 1:1 fitness coaching
🍽️ Personalized nutrition plan
💳 Klarna & Afterpay accepted
$145/ month*
*12-month plan · save $240/yr · flat rate across full 0.25–2.4 mg titration. $147 (6-mo, save $108) · $149 (3-mo, save $48) · $165 (monthly).
Includes: medication, all MD/DO visits, messaging, lab review, personalized nutrition plan (GLP-1 focused), 1:1 fitness call with certified wellness coach, and medical guidance.
Compounded only — no brand-name Wegovy® / Ozempic® / Rybelsus®. Cash-pay with HSA/FSA only — no in-network insurance billing. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved (applies to all compounded GLP-1 providers). Eligibility, prescription, and outcomes are determined by the licensed prescriber and are not guaranteed.
Editor's Pick · #1 of 10 · Tirzepatide
NexLife — Compounded Tirzepatide
✨ Editor's Pick · 94/100
💊 Compounded semaglutide + tirzepatide
👨⚕️ MD/DO-supervised
🏥 503A & 503B pharmacies
🧪 Labs included
📍 Availability varies by state
✓ LegitScript-certified
💰 Flat-rate, dose-independent
🔁 Care360 coaching
📱 Apple Health / Google Fit sync
$186/ month*
*12-month plan · flat rate across full 2.5–15 mg titration. $190 (6-mo) · $195 (3-mo) · $215 (month-to-month).
Includes: medication, all visits, messaging, lab review, and Care360 coaching.
Compounded tirzepatide via 503A & 503B pharmacies.
Compounded only — no brand-name Wegovy® / Zepbound®. Cash-pay with HSA/FSA only — no in-network insurance billing. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved (applies to all compounded GLP-1 providers). Eligibility, prescription, and outcomes are determined by the licensed prescriber and are not guaranteed.
U.S. telehealth providers that work with Liraglutide
Liraglutide may be preferred when generic pricing makes it cheaper than newer agents, when a patient cannot tolerate side effects of semaglutide or tirzepatide, or when daily dosing flexibility is desired.
How does liraglutide compare to semaglutide for weight loss?
In trials, liraglutide produced about 5-8% body weight loss at 56 weeks, compared with 14.9% for semaglutide at 68 weeks. Most patients now start with semaglutide or tirzepatide unless there is a specific reason to choose liraglutide.
References
Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al.A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes).N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):11-22.PMID: 26132939
Marso SP, Daniels GH, Brown-Frandsen K, et al.Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes (LEADER).N Engl J Med. 2016;375(4):311-322.PMID: 27295427
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves weight-management drug Saxenda.FDA Press Release. December 23, 2014.View source
Sources are peer-reviewed where available. PubMed (PMID) links resolve to NCBI's PubMed database. FDA links resolve to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Citations were last verified 2026-05-11.
SS
Lead Medical Researcher
Dr. Sam Saberian
Doctor of Pharmacy; leads protocol research, peptide pharmacology, and provider evaluation.
AS
Medical Reviewer
Alen A. Schwartz, MD
Board-certified physician; reviews clinical accuracy of every published page.
JE
Edited by
Julliana Edwards
Editorial standards, factual accuracy, and corrections workflow.
Important medical and regulatory disclosure:
Compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not FDA-approved. They are not the same as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound. Compounded medications may be prescribed only when clinically appropriate after review by a licensed medical provider. GLP-1 Editorial does not provide medical advice, prescribe medication, manufacture medication, or operate a pharmacy.
