Liraglutide vs Semaglutide: Which is Better for You?

| September 10, 2025

Liraglutide and semaglutide are special kinds of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. That’s a fancy way of saying they work like a hormone your body already has. This hormone helps control your appetite and blood sugar.

Both medicines were first made to help people with type 2 diabetes. But doctors soon realized they were also great for helping people lose weight. They come in brand names you might have heard of:

Liraglutide: Saxenda, Victoza
Semaglutide: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus

Key Differences: Liraglutide vs Semaglutide

Even though they sound similar, there are some important differences between these two medicines. Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart.

Effectiveness for Weight Loss

When it comes to losing weight, studies show that semaglutide is generally more powerful than liraglutide.

One big study showed that people using semaglutide lost about 15% of their body weight on average. In comparison, people using liraglutide lost about 5% to 8%. So, if your main goal is to lose more weight, semaglutide seems to have the edge.

Dosing Frequency and Convenience

How often you have to take a medicine can make a big difference. This is another area where the two are not the same.

Liraglutide is a shot you take once a day. Semaglutide is a shot you only need to take once a week. For many people, a once-a-week shot is much easier to remember and manage than a daily one.

Side Effects and Tolerance

Like all medicines, both liraglutide and semaglutide can have side effects. Most of the time, these are issues with your stomach, like feeling sick, throwing up, or having diarrhea.

These side effects are usually worse when you first start the medicine and get better over time. While both have similar side effects, some studies have shown that liraglutide might cause these problems more often. One study found that more people stopped taking liraglutide because of side effects compared to semaglutide. It’s always best to talk to a doctor about how to handle any side effects you might have.

A Quick Comparison Table

Here is a simple table to show the main differences:

Feature	Liraglutide (Saxenda)	Semaglutide (Wegovy)
Dosing	Daily Injection	Weekly Injection
Avg. Weight Loss	5-8%	~15%
Common Side Effects	Stomach issues	Stomach issues
Administration	Self-injected pen	Self-injected pen

Is One Truly “Better” Than the Other?

Looking at the facts, semaglutide seems to be stronger and more convenient. But that doesn’t automatically make it the “better” choice for everyone.

The right medicine for you depends on your own body and your life. Some people might prefer a daily routine, while others might find that they have fewer side effects with one medicine over the other. The best way to figure out the right path for you is through a personalized medical weight loss consultation.

Beyond Liraglutide and Semaglutide: The Next Generation of Weight Loss Medication

It’s also exciting to know that science is always moving forward. There is now an even newer and more powerful option called Tirzepatide.

Tirzepatide works on two different hormones in your body, not just one. This makes it even better at helping you lose weight than medicines like semaglutide.

A Note on Advanced Weight Loss Options: For those seeking the latest in medical weight loss, newer treatments like Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) are now available. At Tirzepatide Medics, we offer an online prescription service for Tirzepatide, which has been shown to help patients lose an average of 20% of their body weight.

Our program makes it easy, safe, and effective to access this cutting-edge medication. The first month is available for $399, and subsequent months are $299, with the prescription and medication included. You can learn more about our Tirzepatide treatment options.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice in the Liraglutide vs Semaglutide Debate

To sum it all up, both liraglutide and semaglutide are great tools that can help you on your weight loss journey. However, when you compare liraglutide vs semaglutide, the research shows that semaglutide often leads to more weight loss and is more convenient to take.

But the most important thing is to talk to a doctor. They can look at your health and help you decide which option is the best and safest for you.

Ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey? Book a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our licensed physicians today to discuss whether liraglutide vs semaglutide, or a more advanced treatment like Tirzepatide, is right for you.

Sources:

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 (STEP 1 trial for Semaglutide)
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1411892 (SCALE trial for Liraglutide)

Angela Pollock

Angela Pollock is a dedicated weight loss consultant specializing in modern approaches to sustainable weight management. With expertise in GLP-1 medications and personalized strategies, Angela helps clients achieve their health goals safely and effectively. Her evidence-based methods and compassionate guidance empower individuals to take control of their wellness journey and embrace lasting lifestyle changes.

Important Medical Information and Disclaimers

Medical Disclaimer: The content on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Tirzepatide is available in the United States as FDA-approved prescription medications—Mounjaro® (approved for type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound® (approved for chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity). Always consult a licensed U.S. healthcare provider before starting any medication.

Source: U.S. FDA – Mounjaro Prescribing Information (PDF)

Individual Results May Vary: In U.S. clinical studies, results with tirzepatide varied significantly between participants. Effectiveness can depend on factors such as following the prescribed plan, maintaining healthy diet and exercise habits, individual metabolism, underlying health conditions, and emotional well-being.

Source: U.S. NIH – Clinical Trials on Tirzepatide

Possible Side Effects: The most common side effects reported in U.S. trials include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, decreased appetite, and mild injection-site reactions. Less common but serious side effects may include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, acute kidney injury, hypoglycemia, and severe allergic or injection-site reactions.

Source: FDA – Safety Information & Postmarket Concerns

Thyroid Risk Warning: Animal studies have found an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors with tirzepatide use. It is not known if this applies to humans. Mounjaro® and Zepbound® should not be used by individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Source: FDA – Mounjaro Labeling (PDF)
Source: FDA – Zepbound Labeling (PDF)

Compounded Versions Warning: The U.S. FDA has issued warnings about compounded tirzepatide, stating these versions may lack the safety, quality, and proven effectiveness of FDA-approved medications. Always obtain your medication from a licensed U.S. pharmacy.

Source: FDA – Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers

Reporting Side Effects: If you experience side effects while taking any prescription medication in the U.S., report them to the FDA MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. This helps ensure ongoing safety monitoring for all patients.