Long-Term Effects : For some individuals, gastrointestinal symptoms persist longer and may require medical management

Liraglutide (Saxenda): What It Is: GLP-1 receptor agonist (same class as semaglutide) Older, less effective version Daily injection required Effectiveness: Average Weight Loss: 5-8% of body weight SCALE Trial: 8% loss vs 2.6% placebo Significantly less effective than semaglutide (daily) or tirzepatide Why Less Effective: Shorter half-life requires daily dosing Less consistent drug levels Lower peak concentrations Side Effects: Similar to semaglutide (nausea, diarrhea, constipation) Same GLP-1 class warnings Cost: $1,400/month More expensive than newer, more effective options Who Should Consider: Almost no one Semaglutide and tirzepatide have largely replaced liraglutide Rarely prescribed for weight loss anymore Comparison Table: All FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications: Bottom Line on Non-GLP-1 Options: For most patients seeking effective weight loss: Best Results: Tirzepatide or semaglutide If GLP-1s Contraindicated: Phentermine-topiramate Avoid: Orlistat, naltrexone-bupropion (poor effectiveness) Short-term Only: Phentermine The GLP-1 revolution has made older medications largely obsolete for patients who can tolerate them

Of participants with elevated baseline ALT levels, 53.8% vs 33.3% had normal levels at week 68 with semaglutide vs placebo, respectively
While one study has suggested GLP-1 receptor agonists could cut the efficacy of oral contraception, this has been queried in another study
That may cause hot flushes and mood swings