What does the evidence show about Liraglutide's effects?

Read Off Label rates the evidence for Liraglutide as Strong and the benefit magnitude as med-high, producing an overall grade of B (6.6/10). Earlier-generation GLP-1 (FDA approved 2010).

What safety findings are reported for Liraglutide?

Liraglutide has a med risk profile in the database. Med Legal status: Rx.

Rankings / Metabolic Health

Liraglutide

Metabolic Health · GLP-1 agonist

Also known as: Victoza ·Saxenda

Tier B

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed Jul 11, 2026 · How we grade

glp-1methylationprescription

6.6 / 10

Tier B

Ev 8 Bn 6.5 Sf 5

Bottom line

Read Off Label grades Liraglutide as B (6.6/10) based on strong evidence, med-high benefit magnitude, and a med-risk safety profile.

Earlier-generation GLP-1 (FDA approved 2010).

Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: Saxenda (obesity): 3. — Rx; not individualized guidance.

What the evidence says

Earlier-generation GLP-1 (FDA approved 2010). SCALE trial: ~8% weight loss. LEADER trial: 13% MACE reduction in T2D with CVD. Now largely superseded by weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide in the obesity/weight loss space.

Mechanism

Daily GLP-1 receptor agonist; same mechanism as semaglutide; shorter half-life requires daily dosing

Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route

Saxenda (obesity): 3.0 mg SC daily; Victoza (T2DM): 0.6-1.8 mg SC daily

This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.

Citations

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Common questions

What does the evidence show about Liraglutide's effects?: Read Off Label rates the evidence for Liraglutide as Strong and the benefit magnitude as med-high, producing an overall grade of B (6.6/10). Earlier-generation GLP-1 (FDA approved 2010).
What safety findings are reported for Liraglutide?: Liraglutide has a med risk profile in the database. Med Legal status: Rx.
What doses or routes are reported for Liraglutide?: Saxenda (obesity): 3.0 mg SC daily; Victoza (T2DM): 0.6-1.8 mg SC daily This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
How does Liraglutide work?: Daily GLP-1 receptor agonist; same mechanism as semaglutide; shorter half-life requires daily dosing

This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.