Victoza, a once-daily injectable medication primarily used for type 2 diabetes, is also prescribed off-label for type 1 diabetes, prediabetes, and weight loss.
Key Points:
- Victoza is primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes but is also prescribed off-label for weight loss.
- The medication works by slowing digestion and reducing appetite, leading to potential weight loss.
- Clinical trials show that users may lose up to 12.75 pounds beyond diet and exercise alone.
- Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and a decreased appetite, which typically improve over time.
Table of Contents
- What is Victoza?
- Who can take Victoza?
- Can Victoza help you lose weight?
- How fast does Victoza work for weight loss?
- Why am I not losing weight on Victoza?
- When is the best time to take Victoza for weight loss?
- What are the side effects?
- How much do you take for weight loss?
- Who should not take Victoza for weight loss?
- Is Ozempic or Victoza better for weight loss?
What is Victoza?
This therapy is a once-daily, injectable medication that comes in a pre-filled pen and contains liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist. It is approved for children ages 10 and up and adults with type 2 diabetes.
Similar GLP-1 agonists, like Ozempic, are prescribed for similar purposes.
The injection works by reducing glucose production in the liver and increasing insulin secretion, which improves insulin sensitivity and helps manage blood sugar levels.
Additionally, this medicine slows digestion, helping you feel full longer after meals.
Who can take Victoza?
Adults with a body-mass index (BMI, a measure of weight relative to height) of 30 or higher, and people with a BMI of 27 or higher who have one or more weight-related medical conditions, are often prescribed the once-daily shot off-label.
The off-label use of the medication for people with type 1 diabetes is not FDA-approved due to the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when combining Victoza with insulin. However, its use has become increasingly popular in recent years.
It is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers due to a potential increased risk of thyroid carcinomas.
Can Victoza help you lose weight?
Yes, significant evidence suggests that it can help with weight loss.
Although not FDA-approved for this purpose, the treatment suppresses appetite, slows digestion, and reduces glucose production in the liver.
Many doctors prescribe it alongside a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and regular exercise.
Clinical trials have shown that participants on this medication following diet and exercise guidelines are more likely to lose 5 percent to 10 percent of their total body weight, with an average additional loss of 5.8 kilograms (kg; 12.75 pounds) beyond diet and exercise alone.
How fast does Victoza work for weight loss?
Clinical research indicates that weight loss may begin within the first few weeks of taking the drug, though the amount and timeframe will vary by person.
A 2023 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that liraglutide users experienced significant weight loss, averaging 5.3 to 6.0 kg (11.6 to 13.2 pounds) over 20 to 56 weeks, with the most notable reductions occurring within the first 3 months of treatment.
This loss appears to be sustainable, as studies over a year or more have shown continued results.
Factors such as starting weight, diet, exercise, and overall health will influence how quickly and how much weight you lose on this medication. Discuss your weight loss and health goals with your doctor before starting Victoza.
Why am I not losing weight on Victoza?
Weight loss on this therapy can stall for various reasons.
Your dietary choices, such as consuming high-calorie or unhealthy foods, and low physical activity levels may counteract the medication’s effects.
See more in: Foods to Avoid While Taking Victoza.
Individual metabolism, influenced by factors like age, genetics, or hormonal imbalances, also plays a role.
Additionally, if you’re on a lower dose of the drug, the impact on your appetite and metabolism might be less pronounced.
Certain medical conditions, like hypothyroidism or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), can further complicate weight loss.
It’s important to stay consistent with your diet, exercise, and medication and consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and potential dosage adjustments.
Learn more in: Victoza Dosing: How Much Should You Take?
When is the best time to take Victoza for weight loss?
According to the manufacturer, this medicine can be taken any time of day, with or without food. The best time to take it is whenever it will be easiest for you to get into a routine and remember your dose.
What are the side effects?
When you start taking this medicine, you may experience some side effects. According to the drugmaker, common ones include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Indigestion/heartburn
- Constipation
These symptoms usually improve after a few weeks. To help minimize them, your doctor may start you on a lower dose. However, if your side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor immediately.
More serious, less common side effects include:
- Low blood sugar (especially if you also take insulin)
- Allergic reactions
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Kidney issues
- Gallbladder problems
Before starting this medication, inform your doctor of any personal or family history of thyroid cancer. Victoza carries a black box warning due to the potential risk of thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, which has been observed in animal studies.
While the risk to humans is not fully established, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
See more in: Victoza Side Effects: What You Need to Know.
How much do you take for weight loss?
This drug is not explicitly approved by the FDA for this purpose, so there is no recommended dose.
If you have type 2 diabetes and are interested in losing weight, discuss your options with your doctor. There are other medications specifically approved by the FDA for weight loss, including Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound.
Who should not take Victoza for weight loss?
This GLP-1 agonist is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome, as animal studies suggest a potential increased risk of developing thyroid C-cell tumors.
Additionally, those with a history of pancreatitis are advised against taking Victoza.
People who use short-acting or rapid-acting insulin should be careful when taking the medication due to an increased risk of hypoglycemia.
While this treatment is sometimes prescribed for people with type 1 diabetes, particularly those using bolus or correction doses of insulin, it’s important to be aware of the risk of low blood sugar levels and know how to manage it.
Is Ozempic or Victoza better for weight loss?
Ozempic and Victoza function similarly, both helping with weight loss by suppressing appetite, slowing digestion, and stabilizing blood sugar levels. While neither medication is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss, these effects often lead to weight loss in many users.
A study published in late 2022 provided strong evidence of weight loss with Victoza but noted that people tended to lose more weight when taking Ozempic.
However, there are important pros and cons to each, so discussing options with your doctor is essential.
Learn more in Ozempic vs. Victoza: Which One Should You Choose?
Did you find this article helpful? Click Yes or No below to let us know!
