Does Victoza help with weight loss? Separating fact from off-label use

October 11, 2025 •

5 min read

While Victoza is a daily injectable medication primarily approved for managing type 2 diabetes, its active ingredient, liraglutide, has also demonstrated weight loss effects in clinical studies. This has led to its "off-label" use for weight management, but it's important to understand the distinctions between Victoza and the higher-dose version, Saxenda, which is FDA-approved for weight loss.

Quick Summary

Victoza is a daily injectable medication for type 2 diabetes and heart disease, with weight loss occurring as a potential side effect due to its active ingredient, liraglutide. A higher-dose version of liraglutide called Saxenda is specifically approved for weight management.

Key Points

FDA-Approved for Diabetes: Victoza's primary purpose is to manage type 2 diabetes and reduce cardiovascular risk; it is not officially approved for weight loss.
Off-Label Use: Physicians may prescribe Victoza "off-label" for weight management, using their professional judgment based on clinical observations.
Contains Liraglutide: The active ingredient in Victoza is liraglutide, the same active ingredient in Saxenda, the FDA-approved weight-loss version.
Dose Matters: Saxenda contains a higher, weight-loss-specific dose (3.0 mg), while Victoza's maximum dose (1.8 mg) is for diabetes management and results in more modest weight loss.
Mimics GLP-1 Hormone: Victoza's weight loss mechanism involves mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to suppress appetite and slow stomach emptying, promoting a feeling of fullness.
Combined with Lifestyle: For optimal weight management, Victoza is most effective when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are common side effects, particularly during the dose escalation phase.

Understanding Victoza and its Primary Purpose

Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, a class of drugs that help regulate blood sugar levels. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, the medication is administered via a daily injection and has specific approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Its primary approved uses include:

Improving blood sugar control in adults and children (10 years and older) with type 2 diabetes.
Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in adults with both type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.

It is crucial to note that Victoza is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Its potential to cause weight loss is considered a secondary effect.

The Mechanism Behind Weight Loss with Victoza

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1. When food is consumed, GLP-1 is released from the small intestine to help regulate several bodily functions related to glucose and appetite. Victoza leverages this mechanism in several key ways that contribute to potential weight loss:

Slowing Gastric Emptying: Liraglutide slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, making you feel fuller for a longer period. This naturally leads to reduced calorie intake.
Suppressing Appetite: By acting on GLP-1 receptors in the brain, liraglutide helps to reduce hunger signals and cravings. The effect is a decreased overall appetite, which helps individuals adhere to a reduced-calorie diet more easily.
Enhancing Insulin Secretion: It signals the pancreas to produce more insulin after a meal, which helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells. This process helps regulate blood sugar but does not explain the weight loss effect directly.

Clinical Evidence on Victoza and Weight Loss

While not the primary goal of its clinical trials, weight changes were consistently monitored in studies for Victoza's diabetes indication. Research has shown that patients taking Victoza often experienced modest but meaningful weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.

In a 52-week study (LEAD-3 trial), participants on the 1.8 mg dose of Victoza lost an average of 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg).
Another large study found that adults adding Victoza to their metformin treatment lost an average of 5.7 lbs to 6.2 lbs over 26 weeks.

Compared to other diabetes medications, Victoza's weight loss effect is notable. For example, some older diabetes medications are known to cause weight gain, making Victoza an appealing option for patients with type 2 diabetes who are also overweight. However, the weight loss achieved with Victoza is typically less pronounced than with dedicated weight management medications at higher doses.

Victoza vs. Saxenda: The Liraglutide Dosage Difference

One of the most common points of confusion arises because both Victoza and Saxenda contain the same active ingredient, liraglutide. However, they are not interchangeable and are approved for different purposes and dosages.


Feature	Victoza	Saxenda
FDA Approval	Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with diabetes.	Chronic weight management in adults and some adolescents with overweight or obesity.
Maximum Daily Dose	1.8 mg.	3.0 mg.
Intended Use	Primarily for blood sugar control and heart health.	Primarily for weight loss, used with diet and exercise.
Effectiveness for Weight Loss	Causes modest weight loss as a side effect.	Designed to cause more significant weight loss.

How to Maximize Weight Loss on Victoza

For individuals prescribed Victoza for type 2 diabetes who are also hoping for a weight loss benefit, it's crucial to understand that the medication works best as part of a comprehensive health strategy. Liraglutide is not a magic bullet for weight loss and should be paired with lifestyle changes.

Prioritize Diet: Victoza can help reduce appetite, but the quality of food still matters. Focusing on a balanced, nutrient-dense diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats is essential. Avoiding high-calorie, processed foods will maximize results.
Incorporate Regular Exercise: Combining regular physical activity with Victoza can enhance its weight-loss effects and improve overall metabolic health. Aerobic exercise and strength training are both valuable components.
Stay Consistent: Taking the medication at the same time each day, as prescribed by a healthcare provider, is critical for maintaining consistent liraglutide levels and effectiveness.
Manage Stress and Sleep: Poor sleep and high stress levels can negatively impact hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. Addressing these areas is part of a holistic approach to weight management.

Potential Side Effects to Consider

As with any medication, Victoza carries a risk of side effects. For many, the weight loss effect is a positive side effect, but others may experience unpleasant gastrointestinal issues, especially as the dose increases.

Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and constipation are frequently reported, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment. For most, these side effects are mild to moderate and tend to improve over time as the body adjusts.
Serious Side Effects: Though rare, serious side effects can occur, including pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder problems, and potential thyroid tumors. Victoza has a boxed warning regarding the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors based on animal studies.

Conclusion: Can Victoza help with weight loss?

In summary, yes, Victoza can help with weight loss, but it's important to frame this correctly. It is not FDA-approved as a weight-loss drug, and its weight-reducing effects are a beneficial side effect for many patients using it to treat type 2 diabetes. The higher-dose version, Saxenda, is the liraglutide product specifically approved for chronic weight management. For individuals whose weight is contributing to their type 2 diabetes, Victoza offers a dual-benefit approach, simultaneously improving blood sugar control and supporting modest weight reduction. Ultimately, any decision to use Victoza, especially for its off-label weight loss effect, should be made in close consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. They can assess individual health needs, compare it with dedicated weight management options like Saxenda or other GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic, and outline the potential benefits and risks. A comprehensive weight management plan that includes diet and exercise is always recommended alongside medication to maximize results and ensure sustainable progress.

For more detailed prescribing information and safety warnings, refer to the official FDA documents for liraglutide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both Victoza and Saxenda contain the same active ingredient, liraglutide, but they are approved for different uses and dosages. Victoza is for type 2 diabetes and has a maximum daily dose of 1.8 mg. Saxenda is specifically approved for chronic weight management and uses a higher daily dose of 3.0 mg.

No, Victoza is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Its approval is for improving blood sugar control and reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes. The weight loss effect is a known side effect, and prescribing it solely for weight loss is considered an “off-label” use.

Victoza works by mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone, which slows down gastric emptying and acts on brain receptors to suppress appetite. This promotes a feeling of fullness, leading to reduced food intake and, consequently, weight loss.

Weight loss on Victoza is typically modest. Clinical studies in diabetes patients show average weight loss ranging from 5 to 6 pounds over a period of 6 months to a year, especially when combined with diet and exercise. The amount can vary significantly based on individual factors.

The most common side effects of Victoza are gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and constipation. These are often most severe during the initial dose adjustments but tend to improve over time.

While some clinical studies have included non-diabetic participants, Victoza is not approved for weight loss in non-diabetic individuals. For those without diabetes, a doctor might consider a higher-dose liraglutide product (Saxenda) or other FDA-approved weight loss medications, depending on their health status.

Clinical trial comparisons generally suggest that Ozempic (semaglutide) may lead to more significant weight loss than Victoza (liraglutide), even at the doses used for type 2 diabetes. However, both are most effective when paired with lifestyle changes.

To maximize weight loss with Victoza, consistently adhere to your prescribed dosage, maintain a healthy, balanced diet, and incorporate regular physical activity. Managing stress and ensuring adequate sleep can also significantly support your weight management goals.