The rate of obesity in the U.S. remains high. Now, health care providers and patients are turning to prescriptions to solve this public health issue, with some doctors resorting to prescribing antidiabetic drugs for off-label weight loss. Victoza is one of these medications approved for Type 2 diabetes, and is sometimes recommended for patients with weight problems. Is it safe and effective, though? Discover the potential side effects of using Victoza and how effective it is for slimming down.
Is Victoza Approved for Weight Loss?
Although many people are interested in using this drug for weight loss, it’s not officially approved for that use. So, what is Victoza used for?
Victoza (liraglutide) is medically cleared for two purposes — treating Type 2 diabetes in adults and children at least 10 years of age and reducing the risk of heart complications in people with diabetes and co-occurring heart conditions.
Victoza belongs to a class of drugs called a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which also includes Ozempic and Wegovy — popular weight loss medication. It contains the active ingredient liraglutide, which works by mimicking how the native GLP-1 hormone suppresses appetite and slows gastric emptying. Like other GLP-1 agonists, Victoza can reduce calorie intake, which is why many people are eyeing it for slimming down.
How Does Victoza Help You Lose Weight?
Liraglutide is 97% identical in chemical structure to human GLP-1. When injected, it mimics the body’s produced GLP-1 hormone to activate and bind to receptors that control appetite and delay gastric emptying. You know it works for you when you notice you have fewer cravings and you feel full for longer.
Victoza also decreases glucagon, a hormone that stimulates the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, raising your blood sugar levels. Decreasing glucagon shifts your metabolism toward using fat for energy.
Liraglutide has a half-life of 13 hours, allowing its effects to linger for a day.
Who Can Use Victoza for treating Obesity & Weight Loss?
Victoza is medically approved for Type 2 diabetes with or without comorbid heart conditions. Some doctors may prescribe it off-label in people who are obese or overweight but without diabetes. Using this medication for purposes other than what the FDA has approved may lead to unexpected symptoms and risks.
So, can you take Victoza even if you don’t have diabetes? Yes, if your doctor has determined it necessary, but only under their supervision to minimize any health risks associated with off-label use.
How Much Weight Can You Lose with Victoza?
In one FDA-monitored clinical study, 746 patients with diabetes who took Victoza 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg lost 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs) and 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs), respectively.
In a separate 26-week trial, 1,091 patients with Type 2 diabetes who received a combination of metformin and either Victoza 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg lost 2.6 kg (5.7 lbs) and 2.8 kg (6.2 lbs), respectively. Metformin is an antidiabetic drug that some doctors may prescribe for off-label weight loss since it also helps reduce body weight.
These outcomes pale in comparison with other popular FDA approved weight loss medications such as Wegovy or Zepbound. Victoza may cause weight loss, but it’s only a supplementary benefit.
How do you lose more weight with Victoza? Combining medicine with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout and a healthy diet can help you lose more pounds. Still, its weight loss effects vary depending on individual factors, including co-existing conditions and lifestyle habits.
Why Are You Not Losing Weight on Victoza?
Lower HbA1c is a guaranteed effect of Victoza since it’s officially approved for diabetes. Weight loss varies from person to person. Some people may shed pounds while others may not. Why?
Multiple factors affect one’s weight. One is the food you eat. If you’re on Victoza but you’re consuming junk food, you’re less likely to notice changes in your body size. The same concept applies to whether you exercise regularly or stay inactive, as well as other lifestyle factors.
Co-existing conditions like thyroid disorders that impact your metabolism may also come into play. These conditions may interfere with how your body efficiently stores and processes sugar.
That’s why doctors prescribe Victoza alongside diet and exercise. Learning how to lose weight on Victoza safely and effectively is key to getting optimal results.
What Dose Is Needed for Weight Loss?
Based on studies, you can lose weight with Victoza 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg. Victoza is available in a 6 mg/mL solution in a pre-filled, single-patient-use pen that delivers doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg. Here’s what the standard titration schedule looks like for both adults and children with diabetes.
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- Week 1: 0.6 mg
- Week 2: 1.2 mg
- Week 3: 1.8 mg
How do you take Victoza for weight loss? Victoza is taken daily via a subcutaneous injection in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen. The starting dose is 0.6 mg, administered once daily for the first week. In the second week, the dose is increased to 1.2 mg — the standard maintenance dose for most patients. The maximum dose of Victoza for weight loss and diabetes is 1.8 mg.
When is the best time to take Victoza for weight loss? The injection is taken once daily at any time of the day, with or without food. Although not required, it’s more convenient if you can standardize your medication schedule so it fits your lifestyle perfectly. Doing this also makes it easier to adhere to the treatment plan.
What Are the Short- and Long-term Side Effects of Victoza?
Possible side effects of Victoza include:
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- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dyspepsia
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
These side effects affect at least 5% of users. These symptoms are often short-term reactions and improve as your body gets used to the medication. Victoza may also trigger an adverse immune response, which can lead to urticaria or hives.
Rare but serious Victoza side effects include:
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- Acute kidney injury
- Pancreatitis
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Acute gallbladder disease
- Pulmonary aspiration
Work with your doctor throughout the treatment so they can monitor changes in the side effects and address them before they worsen.
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How Much Does Victoza Cost?
In the U.S., the retail cost of Victoza is $968, which can be expensive for people with budget constraints.
Fortunately, insurance coverage, pharmacy discounts, and patient assistance programs can help lower Victoza’s price. The downside is these benefits come with eligibility requirements you must meet. For instance, if your income doesn’t fall at the federal poverty levels — it’s unlikely to qualify for these programs.
If you’re uninsured, consider purchasing brand-name medications from online prescription referral platforms such as Buy Canadian Insulin (BCI). SAVE UP TO 90% on your monthly medication costs. You can buy two pens of Victoza for $255 instead of $968. Plus, you can get an extra 10% savings on your first order by using the coupon code FIRST10 at checkout.
With the price of Victoza slashed by more than 50%, your medical expenses are one less thing to worry about. Buying affordable medication through BCI can make long-term treatment affordable.
Alternatives for Victoza (liraglutide)
Your doctor may recommend similar-acting drugs to Victoza as alternatives if they see fit. Some of these include:
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- Saxenda: It’s the most commonly prescribed alternative for Victoza as it also contains liraglutide but is specifically approved for weight loss.
- Ozempic: It’s approved for Type 2 diabetes and contains semaglutide. Many use it for off-label weight loss.
- Wegovy: It also contains semaglutide and is specifically approved for weight loss. Your insurance may likely cover it if you have obesity or are overweight.
- Zepbound: It’s also approved for managing chronic weight problems and contains tirzepatide.
One study revealed that once-weekly semaglutide helped people with obesity reduce their body weight by 15.8% compared to only 6.4% loss of weight in people treated with liraglutide. However, one potential downside is that Ozempic may cause more intense gastrointestinal side effects than Victoza — something you should consider when choosing a treatment.
Ultimately, your doctor will help determine which of these alternatives is the best option based on your health goal.
Use Victoza Under Your Doctor’s Guidance
Victoza contains liraglutide and is approved for treating Type 2 diabetes. Some doctors may prescribe it for off-label weight loss, even in people without diabetes. However, its weight loss effects aren’t as considerable as other effective GLP-1 drugs like Saxenda, Zepbound, or Wegovy. You can lose more pounds if you combine Victoza with regular exercise and diet.
Taking liraglutide injections for weight loss is associated with common and serious but rare side effects. If it’s your first time using it, track your symptoms to identify patterns of potential health problems. Unfortunately, diabetes has no cure, but it can be managed into remission with the help of your doctor, so make sure you cooperate with them in making your treatment plan a success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Original Publish Date: 12/22/2024 – Updated 7/13/2025
