The search for safe, effective weight loss treatments can seem like a never-ending skirmish that can’t be won. People forever looking to lose weight are forever looking for newer and better ways to do it. They hear something new and jump on it, not always knowing the real scoop on which is what and which will give them the results they’ve been longing for. When it comes to weight loss, that’s just what it’s like when it comes to Semaglutide and Liraglutide. Do you really know the difference? There is much to consider when deciding which treatment will benefit you long-term. Thrive Health Solutions says that if you’re looking for the best weight loss treatment, you want Semaglutide.
The Same, But Not Really
Semaglutide and Liraglutide both belong to the same drug class, called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. GLP is a hormone released in the gut in response to nutrient ingestion, mainly glucose and fat. Both Semaglutide and Liraglutide were initially designed to treat type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels and are recommended for use in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. (No surprise there.) But when you put them med to med, Semaglutide will edge out Liraglutide every time.
Know Which Is Really Newer
Some people are jumping on Liraglutide because they think it’s the “new thing.” It’s not. Saxenda (whose active ingredient is Liraglutide) was approved for chronic weight management in 2014. And Victozia, also Liraglutide was approved in 2010. Ozempic (whose active ingredient is Semaglutide) was FDA-approved for chronic weight management in 2017. So, Semaglutide is the newest weight loss medication in this comparison.
Once a Day or Once a Week?
With Semaglutide, you only have to administer an injection once weekly to see the benefits. With Liraglutide, you have to inject yourself daily, which can be a real pain. Literally, who would choose to be a human pin cushion?
Semaglutide; Stronger, Longer
Semaglutide is designed to be a longer-acting medication. Liraglutide lasts 13 to 15 hours, while Semaglutide lasts 165 hours. (Yes, we got those numbers right.) This means that the feeling of fullness lasts longer and is more pronounced in the once-weekly Semaglutide injections rather than in the daily Liraglutide injections. Because of the need to inject Liraglutide daily, there is a potentially more abrupt and noticeable return in hunger, often causing those taking Liraglutide to question its efficacy, which leads to more people discontinuing it. And even though Semaglutide is stronger, it has shown to be better tolerated than Liraglutide due to fewer potential side effects and adverse events.
Semaglutide: The Real Value (Really)
Some people looking to lose a large amount of weight consider going with Liraglutide for its lower cost. But at what cost? Semaglutide is proven to be a more cost-effective drug when it comes to weight control. Any way you look at it, when you compare the cost of overall treatment in trying to reach your weight loss goal, Semagultide ends up being a cheaper option. This comes down to the fact that Semagultide is only one injection per week compared to the daily Liraglutide injection. Pound per pound, Semaglutide provides significantly better value for money than Liraglutide for weight reduction. When you consider all the other ways Semaglutide beats Liraglutide for weight loss, you profit in more ways than one.