Victoza is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 for treating type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. While Victoza is not specifically approved for weight loss in individuals without type 2 diabetes, some people with type 2 diabetes who take the medication may experience weight loss as a side effect. This article explores the uses of Victoza, how it affects the body, its potential for weight loss, and important considerations for those considering it as a treatment option.
What is Victoza?
Victoza is an injectable medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk that contains the active compound liraglutide. It is typically administered once daily, often into the stomach, upper arm, or thigh. Healthcare providers prescribe Victoza to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and children 10 years and older, considering the patient's health history when determining the appropriate dosage. The provider may start with a lower dose and gradually increase it over time.
How Victoza Works
Victoza, like other GLP-1 agonists, mimics the GLP-1 hormone naturally produced by the body. This action helps the pancreas release the appropriate amount of insulin when blood sugar levels rise. Additionally, it reduces the glucagon effect, slows the emptying of the stomach, reduces appetite, and decreases the amount of sugar produced in the liver.
Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Victoza, acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. 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.
Victoza and Weight Loss
Research from clinical trials has consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists in inducing weight loss. Studies have shown that once-daily injections of Victoza are associated with improved fasting and glycemic control in certain adults and children with type 2 diabetes. As the dose increases, both HbA1c levels and body weight tend to decrease.
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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 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. 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.
Dosage and Administration
Victoza is supplied as a once-daily subcutaneous injection applied using a pre-filled injection pen. Typically, Victoza is first supplied as a 0.6 mg dose to be taken once a day. Your health care provider may gradually increase higher doses based on your tolerance and the efficacy of the medication. The maximum recommended maintenance dose is 1.8 mg once daily.
Victoza should be injected into the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm, and the injection site should be rotated to prevent irritation. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. To help you remember to take it, aim to take Victoza at the same time each day - i.e., every morning before brushing your teeth.
Factors Affecting Weight Loss on Victoza
The amount of weight lost while taking Victoza depends on several factors, including lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise. According to one critical review, the amount of weight lost is also dose-dependent. People taking 1.2 milligrams (mg) of Victoza lost about 10.5 pounds, while those taking 1.8 mg lost about 12 pounds.
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It can take several weeks for individuals taking Victoza to experience weight loss, and it is important to remember that weight loss is not the primary goal of this medication, as it is intended to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition.
Victoza for Non-Diabetics
Victoza is not FDA-approved for weight loss treatment in people without type 2 diabetes. However, Saxenda, another GLP-1 agonist containing the active ingredient liraglutide, is FDA-approved for weight loss. Saxenda is available in higher doses than Victoza and can be used for weight loss in people without type 2 diabetes. Individuals interested in weight loss options should consult their healthcare provider to determine if Saxenda or another GLP-1 agonist is appropriate for them.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While Victoza is a safe treatment option for most people, some individuals should not take the medication. If you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (a rare and genetic form of thyroid cancer) or if you have a rare condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), Victoza may increase your risk of developing tumors.
Victoza can cause side effects, and in rare cases, serious side effects are possible. Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and fatigue. Less common but more serious side effects may include pancreatitis, increased heart rate, an increased risk of gallbladder disease, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney problems, an increased risk of thyroid cancer or tumors, and allergic reactions.
It is essential to consult a healthcare provider about any severe problems that develop, persist, or worsen. Victoza's effects on unborn babies or breastfeeding children are not fully known, so caution is advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
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Precautions Before Taking Victoza
Before starting Victoza, inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions, prescription drugs, supplements, and allergies. This information helps minimize the risk of drug interactions and severe side effects. Particular caution is advised for individuals with a history of:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney problems
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) (thyroid tumors)
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
- Diabetic retinopathy (eye problems)
- High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
- Any digestive disorders
Maximizing Victoza’s Benefits
One of the key ways to maximize Victoza’s benefits is to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the medication. Before opening Victoza, store it in the refrigerator. 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. 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.
Victoza vs. Other Weight Loss Drugs
While there isn’t a large amount of research comparing prescription drugs for weight loss, Victoza may be more effective for weight loss than orlistat (a weight loss pill). However, a 3-milligram dose of liraglutide has shown to be less effective than 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy®).
One study found liraglutide and exercise combined were more effective for weight loss than liraglutide alone. FYI, this study was funded by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Victoza.
Alternatives to Victoza
Victoza is not FDA-approved for weight loss. The decision to prescribe Victoza is at the discretion of your healthcare provider. If you are curious about alternatives to Victoza, discuss these options with your provider:
- Semaglutide (available as Wegovy, Ozempic, or Rybelsus): Semaglutide is a diabetes drug that assists with weight loss when prescribed with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Semaglutide works by managing blood sugar levels, curbing appetite, and slowing stomach emptying (which makes you feel fuller longer). Wegovy, a brand-name medication containing semaglutide, is specifically approved for the treatment of obesity in patients without type 2 diabetes.
- Tirzepatide (available as Mounjaro or Zepbound): Tirzepatide is a medication used for both type 2 diabetes and obesity management. It aids in regulating blood sugar levels, reducing appetite, and slowing stomach emptying. The brand name Zepbound, containing tirzepatide, is specifically approved for obesity treatment in patients without type 2 diabetes.
- Metformin: Metformin, a prescription diabetes medication, can lead to weight loss in some individuals. This is achieved by regulating blood sugar levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity, which reduces the amount of sugar circulating in the bloodstream.
- Topiramate (available as Topamax): Topiramate, an anticonvulsant drug, has demonstrated weight loss effects in certain patients. Its exact mechanism of action is not entirely understood. It is believed to reduce calorie intake through appetite suppression, prevent excess fat storage, lower specific fat and cholesterol levels, and potentially impact the brain's reward system to reduce binge eating. It's important to note that while Topiramate is not FDA-approved as a weight loss medication, clinical trials have shown significant weight loss in individuals taking it compared to those on a placebo.
- Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone): Contrave is a combination drug composed of two active ingredients, bupropion and naltrexone, each with distinct mechanisms contributing to its weight loss effects. Primarily, Contrave acts on the brain to control appetite and reduce cravings for high-calorie foods. It's essential to be aware that Contrave may have serious side effects, including the potential for suicidal thoughts.