Does Victoza make you lose weight? Victoza (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed in the UK for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and children aged 10 years and older. Whilst its primary purpose is improving blood glucose control, clinical trials demonstrate that patients typically experience modest weight loss as a secondary benefit. This weight reduction occurs through appetite suppression, increased satiety, and delayed gastric emptying. However, Victoza is not licensed specifically for weight management, and any weight loss should be viewed as an additional therapeutic effect rather than the main treatment goal. Understanding the distinction between Victoza for diabetes and higher-dose liraglutide formulations approved for obesity management is essential when considering treatment options.
Quick Answer: Victoza (liraglutide) does cause modest weight loss as a secondary effect, with clinical trials showing average reductions of 2 to 3 kg over 26 to 52 weeks in patients treated for type 2 diabetes.
Victoza (liraglutide) is a prescription medicine licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and children aged 10 years and older. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which mimic the action of a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.
The mechanism of action of Victoza involves several physiological processes. When administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection, liraglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. This means insulin is released only when blood glucose levels are elevated, reducing the risk of hypoglycaemia. Simultaneously, Victoza suppresses the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels, particularly after meals.
Beyond its glucose-lowering effects, Victoza influences appetite regulation through actions in the brain. GLP-1 receptors are present in areas of the hypothalamus involved in satiety signalling. By activating these receptors, liraglutide promotes feelings of fullness and reduces hunger, which can lead to decreased caloric intake. Additionally, Victoza slows gastric emptying, meaning food remains in the stomach longer, contributing to prolonged satiety after eating.
Victoza treatment is initiated at 0.6 mg once daily for at least one week to improve gastrointestinal tolerability. This starting dose is not effective for glycaemic control. The usual maintenance dose is 1.2 mg once daily, with the option to increase to 1.8 mg daily if needed for improved glycaemic control.
Whilst Victoza is primarily indicated for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, weight loss is a well-documented secondary effect observed in clinical trials and real-world use. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved Victoza specifically for diabetes management, though a higher-dose formulation of liraglutide (Saxenda, 3.0 mg) is licensed separately for weight management in certain patient groups. Understanding this distinction is important when considering treatment options.
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Start HereClinical trial data demonstrates that patients using Victoza for type 2 diabetes typically experience modest weight loss as a secondary benefit of treatment. The extent of weight reduction varies considerably between individuals and depends on multiple factors including baseline weight, adherence to lifestyle modifications, dosage, and duration of treatment.
In the landmark LEAD (Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes) clinical trial programme, participants treated with Victoza lost an average of 2 to 3 kg (approximately 4.4 to 6.6 pounds) over 26 to 52 weeks compared to baseline. Some individuals experienced more substantial weight loss, whilst others saw minimal changes. The 1.8 mg daily dose, which is the maximum approved dose for diabetes management, generally produced greater weight loss than lower doses.
It is important to recognise that Victoza is not primarily a weight-loss medication when prescribed at diabetes-approved doses. The weight reduction observed is generally less than that achieved with Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg), which is specifically licensed for obesity management and can produce average weight losses of 5-10% of body weight when combined with lifestyle interventions, as demonstrated in the SCALE (Satiety and Clinical Adiposity – Liraglutide Evidence) clinical trials.
Several factors influence individual weight loss outcomes with Victoza:
Dietary habits: Patients who adopt calorie-controlled, balanced diets typically achieve better results
Physical activity levels: Regular exercise enhances weight loss and improves overall metabolic health
Treatment duration: Weight loss tends to be gradual, with maximum effects often seen after several months before plateauing
Baseline characteristics: Starting weight, metabolic rate, and concurrent medications all play a role
Patients should maintain realistic expectations and understand that Victoza's primary purpose is improving glycaemic control. Any weight loss should be viewed as a beneficial additional effect rather than the main treatment goal. It's also worth noting that weight commonly returns towards baseline after discontinuation of treatment.
Victoza is not licensed in the UK specifically for weight management and should not be prescribed solely for weight loss purposes. The medication is indicated for adults and children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycaemic control, typically when metformin alone or in combination with other oral antidiabetic agents has not achieved adequate blood sugar control.
According to NICE guidance (NG28), GLP-1 receptor agonists like Victoza may be considered for people with type 2 diabetes who:
Have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m² or above (adjusted for ethnicity) and specific psychological or medical problems associated with obesity
Have a BMI below 35 kg/m² and for whom insulin therapy would have significant occupational implications or weight loss would benefit other significant obesity-related comorbidities
GLP-1 receptor agonists are typically considered after triple oral therapy has not achieved adequate control or where such therapy is not suitable. Treatment should only be continued if there is a beneficial metabolic response (a reduction of at least 11 mmol/mol [1.0%] in HbA1c and weight loss of at least 3% of initial body weight at 6 months).
For individuals seeking weight management without diabetes, Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) is the appropriate licensed option. Saxenda is approved for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater, or 27 kg/m² or greater with at least one weight-related comorbidity. NHS access to Saxenda follows NICE Technology Appraisal 664 and is typically available through specialist weight management services.
Victoza is not recommended for patients with:
Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
Severe gastrointestinal disease including gastroparesis
Severe renal impairment (eGFR below 15 ml/min/1.73m²)
Caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment due to limited clinical experience. Victoza should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus or child.
The decision to prescribe Victoza should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following comprehensive assessment of diabetes control, cardiovascular risk factors, and individual patient circumstances. Self-medication or obtaining Victoza without proper medical supervision is unsafe and not recommended.
Like all medications, Victoza can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Understanding potential adverse effects is essential for informed decision-making and safe medication use.
Common gastrointestinal side effects are the most frequently reported and include:
Nausea (affecting more than 1 in 10 people) – usually most pronounced when starting treatment or increasing the dose
Diarrhoea and vomiting – typically mild to moderate and often improve over time
Constipation and abdominal discomfort
Reduced appetite – whilst this contributes to weight loss, some patients find it excessive
To minimise gastrointestinal symptoms, Victoza is initiated at a low dose (0.6 mg daily) and gradually increased. Taking the injection at the same time each day and eating smaller, more frequent meals may help manage these effects. Maintaining adequate hydration is important, especially if experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting, to reduce the risk of kidney problems.
Serious but less common side effects require immediate medical attention:
Pancreatitis: Persistent severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, often accompanied by vomiting, warrants urgent medical assessment. Stop Victoza and seek immediate medical help. If pancreatitis is confirmed, treatment with Victoza should not be restarted.
Hypoglycaemia: When used with insulin or sulphonylureas, blood sugar may drop too low, causing trembling, sweating, confusion, or palpitations. Dose reduction of insulin or sulphonylureas may be needed when starting Victoza.
Gallbladder problems: Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, fever, and yellowing of skin or eyes
Kidney problems: Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea can affect kidney function
Allergic reactions: Severe reactions including swelling of face, lips, or throat require emergency care
Important safety considerations include:
Thyroid effects: While animal studies showed thyroid tumours with GLP-1 agonists, there is no confirmed link in humans. Routine monitoring of calcitonin or thyroid ultrasound is not recommended in the UK, but patients should report any neck lumps, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing to their doctor.
Cardiovascular effects: Victoza may increase heart rate slightly. The LEADER trial demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in high-risk patients, but individual monitoring remains important.
Injection site reactions: Redness, itching, or lumps at injection sites are usually mild. Rotate injection sites between abdomen, thigh, and upper arm.
Patients should attend regular diabetes reviews to monitor HbA1c, weight, blood pressure, and kidney function. Contact your GP immediately if you experience persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration. Never share injection pens, even if the needle is changed, due to infection risk. Store Victoza in the refrigerator before first use, then at room temperature for up to one month.
Suspected adverse reactions should be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).
No, Victoza is licensed in the UK specifically for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, not for weight management. A higher-dose formulation called Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) is the approved option for weight management in eligible patients.
Weight loss with Victoza is typically gradual, with maximum effects often observed after several months of treatment. Clinical trials measured outcomes over 26 to 52 weeks, showing progressive weight reduction that eventually plateaus.
Contact your GP immediately if you experience persistent severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis), persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, or symptoms of hypoglycaemia. Severe allergic reactions with facial swelling or breathing difficulties require emergency care.
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