Obesity is a major public health concern worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 1.9 billion adults worldwide are overweight, and of these, more than 650 million are obese. Obesity is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Although lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are the first line of treatment for obesity, many people struggle to lose weight and maintain weight loss over time. For these individuals, weight-loss medications can be a valuable tool in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. One such medication is liraglutide.
Liraglutide is a medication that was initially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2010 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Since then, liraglutide has also been approved for the treatment of obesity as well.
In this article, we will explore how liraglutide works, its efficacy and safety for weight loss, and other important considerations for individuals considering liraglutide for their weight loss journey.
How Liraglutide Works
Liraglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a hormone that is produced in the gut in response to eating a meal. It acts on the GLP-1 receptor in the pancreas to stimulate insulin secretion, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Not only that, it also acts on the brain to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
Liraglutide works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1. When liraglutide is injected, it stimulates the GLP-1 receptor in the pancreas, which leads to increased insulin secretion. Because of its primary mechanism, this means that liraglutide also acts on the brain to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness just like the naturally occurring GLP-1. This combination of effects can lead to a reduction in food intake, which can result in weight loss.
Efficacy of Liraglutide for Weight Loss
Several clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of liraglutide for weight loss. The SCALE program was a series of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy and safety of liraglutide for weight management. In these trials, participants were randomized to receive either liraglutide or placebo, in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
The results of the SCALE program demonstrated that liraglutide was effective for weight loss. In one trial, participants who received liraglutide 3.0 mg lost an average of 8.4% of their body weight, compared to 2.8% for those who received placebo. In another trial, participants who received liraglutide 3.0 mg lost an average of 5.9% of their body weight, compared to 2.0% for those who received placebo. These results were consistent across multiple trials in the SCALE program.
Many other trials have been run in addition to the SCALE program. And in one such randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included overweight and obese adults without diabetes, participants who received liraglutide 3.0 mg lost an average of 7.5% of their body weight, compared to 2.3% for those who received placebo.
The amount of weight loss achieved with liraglutide varies depending on the individual and the dose of medication used. In general, higher doses of liraglutide (3.0 mg) are associated with greater weight loss compared to lower doses (1.2 mg).
Common Side Effects When Using Liraglutide
Like all medications, liraglutide has potential side effects. The most common side effects reported by patients included nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. However, over time, these side effects dissipated.
More serious side effects of liraglutide include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney problems. Pancreatitis is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of liraglutide. Symptoms of pancreatitis include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking liraglutide, or symptoms worsen, it is advised to speak with your doctor.
Dosing Liraglutide
Liraglutide is administered by injection, typically once daily. The injection can be self-administered subcutaneously (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Liraglutide is available in two doses for weight loss: 1.2 mg and 3.0 mg. The recommended starting dose is 0.6 mg once daily for the first week, followed by an increase to 1.2 mg once daily. After 4 weeks of treatment at 1.2 mg, the dose may be increased to 1.8 mg or 3.0 mg once daily, depending on the individual’s response and tolerability. The maximum recommended dose of liraglutide for weight loss is 3.0 mg once daily.
Liraglutide from Paradigm Peptides
When considering a supplier or manufacturer of liraglutide or any other medication or supplement, it is important to choose a reputable manufacturer. This can help ensure the quality and safety of the product and minimize the risk of counterfeit or substandard products.
Paradigm Peptides has been part of the peptide, SARM, and nootropic manufacturing scene for several years. And as one of the most reputable sources of these products we pride ourselves on the purity, potency, and efficacy we provide to our customers. If you’re looking to achieve maximum weight loss in a safe and effective way, click here to check out all of the products that Paradigm Peptides has to offer.