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Victoza weight loss: Why it happens and whether it’s effective

Liraglutide is the active ingredient in Victoza that lowers blood sugar and may also cause weight loss in some people
Gerardo Sison medical writer headshot
By | Feb. 20, 2024
A scale and two syringes: Victoza weight loss
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Victoza is an injectable prescription medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk that contains the active ingredient liraglutide. It works by mimicking a hormone that lowers blood sugar (glucose) levels after eating and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage Type 2 diabetes in adults and children ages 10 and older. While it’s mainly prescribed for Type 2 diabetes, it’s also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in adults with heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. 

Despite its FDA-approved use for managing diabetes, some doctors and healthcare providers may prescribe Victoza off-label for weight loss. When paired with a healthy diet and exercise, Victoza may improve weight management by slowing how long it takes for food to travel through the stomach and reducing appetite. In addition, studies have shown that the drug’s active ingredient, liraglutide, can support weight loss, especially in higher doses. In fact, liraglutide is also the active ingredient in the brand-name drug Saxenda, which is FDA-approved for weight loss. 

Read on to learn more about how Victoza can cause weight loss and whether it’s safe for this purpose. 

Does Victoza cause weight loss?

Several studies, including animal studies and human clinical trials, have shown that Victoza can lead to weight loss. This effect has been observed in both normal-weight and overweight individuals, as well as people with and without diabetes.

In a series of studies known as the LEAD trials, people who took Victoza for about six months to a year lost between 2–7 pounds on average. The weight loss was more noticeable with Victoza than with other similar treatments. 

Another study published in The Lancet compared the weight loss effects of different doses of Victoza against a placebo (a treatment with no active drug) and another weight loss drug, orlistat. People in this study did not have diabetes. They found that those who took liraglutide lost more weight—between 11 and 16 pounds—over 20 weeks than those who took the placebo or orlistat. Higher doses of liraglutide at 3 mg resulted in more weight loss than lower doses, which led to the approval of Saxenda at this dosage for weight management.

While Victoza has been shown to cause weight loss, the amount of weight loss can vary. Different factors like diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle may affect the amount of weight loss with Victoza. 

How does Victoza work for weight loss?

Liraglutide is the active ingredient in Victoza that acts as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. By activating GLP-1 receptors, Victoza slows stomach emptying and triggers the release of insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels after eating.

Because Victoza slows stomach emptying, it can also have the following effects:

  • Suppressing the appetite: People taking Victoza may feel less hungry, which can lead to a reduced calorie intake.
  • Promoting a feeling of fullness: Victoza slows digestion, meaning food stays in the stomach longer.

Insulin is an essential hormone that helps the body absorb blood sugar for energy. People with Type 2 diabetes often have insulin resistance, in which their body doesn’t respond well to insulin. As a result, they may produce more insulin to compensate, which can lead to fat storage. By regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin resistance, Victoza may help manage weight. 

Still, Victoza is not approved solely for weight loss. Saxenda is the FDA-approved medication for weight loss, as it contains liraglutide at a higher dose than Victoza. 

Who can take Victoza for weight loss?

Victoza is typically prescribed to adults and children ages 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. It may be prescribed off-label for chronic weight management in people who also have Type 2 diabetes or other weight-related medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. 

Saxenda, on the other hand, is approved specifically for weight loss. It may be prescribed to adults with either of the following: 

  • A body mass index (BMI) of 30, or
  • A BMI of 27–29 with at least one weight-related health condition, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol

Saxenda may also be prescribed to children ages 12 and older with the following:

  • A body weight above 132 pounds and a starting BMI that’s equivalent to 30 in adults 

People without diabetes should not take Victoza solely for weight loss without support from a healthcare provider due to potential risks and lack of approval for this use. The dosages of Victoza for weight loss are not standardized. However, clinical data surrounding higher doses in the form of Saxenda may provide some guidance.

Victoza dosage for weight loss
Dosage in milligrams (mg) Average weight loss in pounds (lbs)
1.2 mg 10.6 lbs 
1.8 mg 12.1 lbs 
2.4 mg 13.9 lbs
3.0 mg 15.9 lbs 

Results were based on a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in The Lancet, lasting 20 weeks. 

Other diabetic medications that cause weight loss

While Victoza may help promote weight loss in people with Type 2 diabetes, it’s not the only medicine for diabetes with this effect. Other GLP-1 agonists approved for diabetes may also help manage weight, in addition to medications like Glucophage (metformin) and Symlin (pramlintide). 

Mounjaro

Mounjaro, or tirzepatide, is a relatively new medicine prescribed to manage Type 2 diabetes. This injectable drug increases insulin release and suppresses glucagon, which, in turn, reduces blood sugar levels. Many people may experience weight loss with Mounjaro due to its effects on appetite. One systematic review found that Mounjaro may effectively help people with Type 2 diabetes and obesity lose weight, although it may cause stomach-related side effects.

RELATED: How to save on Mounjaro

Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide), is another injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist for Type 2 diabetes. It works similarly to Victoza but with a longer duration of action. Instead of once-daily dosing, Ozempic is administered once every week. Many people may find themselves losing weight on Ozempic due to decreased appetite and calorie intake.

Byetta

Also in the GLP-1 agonist class, Byetta (exenatide) helps lower blood sugar levels while slowing down gastric emptying. It works similarly to Victoza and may help promote weight loss. Studies have shown that Byetta can lead to a mild to moderate reduction in body weight.

Trulicity

Trulicity, known generically as dulaglutide, is another GLP-1 receptor agonist available to treat Type 2 diabetes. It also stimulates insulin secretion and blocks glucagon to control blood sugar. Weight loss with Trulicity is common due to its appetite-suppressing effects.

RELATED: 7 ways to save money on Trulicity

Rybelsus

Rybelsus is the brand name for the oral form of semaglutide. It’s the first GLP-1 medication in pill form, which makes it an alternative for people who prefer oral medications over injections. Rybelsus may also help manage weight by decreasing appetite and food intake, much like Victoza does. Rybelsus is taken as a once-daily medication along with a healthy diet and exercise.

Metformin

Metformin is one of the most widely used medications for Type 2 diabetes. It works by improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. In addition to its ability to lower blood sugar, metformin has been linked to moderate weight loss in some people. 

SGLT2 Inhibitors

SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of medications that include drugs like canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin. These drugs work by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose back into the blood, which causes it to be excreted through the urine. This process not only helps lower blood sugar levels but can also result in weight loss.

Pramlintide

Pramlintide is an injectable medication used alongside insulin for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It mimics the action of amylin, a hormone naturally produced in the body. Pramlintide helps control blood sugar, especially after meals, and can lead to weight loss. It helps slow down the movement of food through the stomach and can reduce appetite. 

While weight loss can be a beneficial side effect for some people with diabetes, not everyone may experience this effect with these medications. The main goal of these medications is to control blood sugar levels. Consult a healthcare provider for more information and medical advice on the potential benefits and risks of using these medications.

Precautions when taking Victoza for weight loss

If you’re considering Victoza as an option for weight loss with your healthcare provider, you may need to be aware of potential risks and precautions. Like all medications, an injection of Victoza may cause side effects, some of which can be serious. 

The most  common side effects of Victoza may include: 

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea 
  • Indigestion
  • Constipation

Serious side effects are also possible. Potential serious side effects of Victoza may include:

  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • An increased risk of thyroid cancer, especially in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
  • Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as dizziness, sweating, and shakiness
  • Kidney problems, including kidney failure
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or swelling

Always consult a healthcare provider about any severe problems that develop, persist, or worsen. Make sure to tell the healthcare provider about any existing health conditions or other medications being taken, such as over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs, and herbal supplements. 

It is not known whether Victoza is harmful to an unborn baby or a breastfeeding child. Consult a healthcare provider if you have plans to become pregnant or breastfeed before starting treatment with Victoza. 

How to maximize Victoza’s benefits

One of the key ways to maximize Victoza’s benefits is to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the medication. Another key part of maximizing Victoza’s potential involves combining it with several lifestyle changes. 

You can use the following tips to potentially get the most benefit from Victoza: 

  • Choose a consistent time of the day to take Victoza, with or without food, to help maintain a routine.
  • Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein, fruits, and vegetables to complement Victoza for managing blood sugar levels and weight.
  • Participate in a regular exercise program, as physical activity can help manage weight and improve the drug’s efficacy in blood sugar control.
  • Before opening Victoza, store it in the refrigerator. After the first use of the injection pen, store it at room temperature and pay attention to the expiration date to ensure the medication stays effective.

Bottom line

Although Victoza is FDA-approved for managing blood sugar in adults and children ages 10 and older with Type 2 diabetes, it may also help support weight loss by slowing the emptying of your stomach and curbing appetite. However, it’s not officially approved for weight loss, and those seeking a weight loss medication might instead consider Saxenda, a higher-dose version of liraglutide approved for weight management. 

Whether you’re using Victoza or Saxenda for weight loss, it’s always recommended to consult a healthcare provider and make appropriate lifestyle changes to manage weight. It’s also important to be mindful of potential side effects, ranging from mild digestive problems to more severe side effects like pancreatitis.

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