Peak HumanDatabase
    All Interventions

    Liraglutide

    Pharmaceuticals
    GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

    Liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda) was one of the first GLP-1 receptor agonists with extensive long-term safety data. While producing less weight loss than newer agents, it has the longest cardiovascular outcomes data and pediatric approval.

    Evidence Summary

    8
    / 10Score
    Strong
    Good Clinical Evidence

    LEADER trial (n=9,340) showed 13% reduction in major cardiovascular events over 3.8 years. SCALE trials demonstrated 5-8% weight loss. SCALE Teens established pediatric efficacy.

    Evidence Scale

    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    AnecdotalStrong RCT

    Mechanism of Action

    GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% amino acid homology to native GLP-1. Binds to albumin for extended half-life (~13 hours). Activates pancreatic GLP-1 receptors to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppress glucagon. Delays gastric emptying and reduces appetite via hypothalamic signaling.

    Who Is This For?

    Type 2 diabetes. Weight management (BMI criteria). Adolescent obesity (age 12+). Patients preferring established safety data over maximum efficacy.

    Protocol & Dosing

    Dose

    Victoza (T2D): Start 0.6mg daily for 1 week, then 1.2mg, max 1.8mg. Saxenda (weight): Start 0.6mg daily, increase by 0.6mg weekly to target 3.0mg daily.

    Frequency

    Daily injection

    Duration

    Ongoing / Long-term

    Protocol Summary

    Daily subcutaneous injection. Requires daily dosing unlike newer weekly options. Well-established safety profile with 10+ years of real-world data.

    Interactions & Precautions

    Contraindications

    • Medullary thyroid carcinoma history
    • MEN2
    • Pancreatitis history
    • Pregnancy

    Potential Risks

    • •Thyroid tumor risk (preclinical)
    • •Pancreatitis
    • •Gallbladder disease

    Potential Side Effects

    Nausea
    Diarrhea
    Headache
    Injection site reactions
    Hypoglycemia (when combined with sulfonylureas)

    Practitioner Notes

    Clinical annotations from Dr. Goel

    Best option when long-term safety data is priority. Daily injection may reduce adherence vs weekly options. Good stepping stone before newer, more potent agents. Consider switching to semaglutide if weight loss plateau.
    SG

    Dr. Sanjeev Goel

    Chief Medical Officer, Peak Human

    Cost & Access

    Cost Range

    $$$

    Accessibility

    Prescription Required

    Availability varies by location

    PHS
    671
    / 1000
    T3
    Longevity Operator

    Sample member

    Longevity Operator

    The Peak Human Score · PHS v1

    One number for your longevity journey.

    FICO for credit. PHS for longevity. Eight biological domains collapsed into one provable score — intuitive at a glance, rigorous underneath.

    • Metabolic
    • Hormonal
    • Cardiovascular
    • Brain / Cognitive
    • Sleep
    • Musculoskeletal
    • Gut
    • Immunity / Inflammation
    See your Peak Human Score How it works