Semaglutide Injections vs Liraglutide
Both Semaglutide and Liraglutide are known as GLP-1 receptors, which means they mimic a natural hormone in the body that signals insulin creation. This is what helps the body regulate blood sugar levels after eating. In higher doses, GLP-1 receptors work with the brain to adjust your appetite response, even slowing digestion down so you feel full for longer.
When patients combine a professionally supervised weight loss medication with the proper diet and an active lifestyle, consistent results are achievable. So, if you’re finding yourself in a cycle of weight fluctuations or increases you aren’t comfortable with, it’s time to make some changes. Let’s go through what you can expect with Semaglutide and Liraglutide – dosages, prescriptions, benefits, and side effects – so that you can make the best decision for your body.
Finding quality solutions in the abundance of options available might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. You just need to find the right team and resources to support you. We’re here to help.
The Difference Between Semaglutide and Liraglutide
These medications are often discussed together as both Semaglutide and Liraglutide are effective solutions for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Because of this, either option is transformational in improving cardiovascular health and maintaining a safe weight.
But which one is for you?
Weight Loss Injection Dosages & Prescriptions
Two of the main differences between the medications are dosage amount and prescription. Keep in mind that with either option, patients slowly increase their dosage as the body adapts.
Liraglutide is primarily meant for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 struggling with obesity. It helps alleviate the obesity epidemic with weight management before developing into adulthood. Dosages start at 0.6mg and go up to 3mg, with a half-life that lasts 13 to 15 hours between daily dosages.
Semaglutide is a weight-loss medication for adults, a weekly injection that lasts 165 hours. Dosages start at 0.25mg and max out at 2.5mg. Healthcare providers monitor progress, gradually increasing dosages once every four weeks for 17 weeks.
Semaglutide vs. Liraglutide: Weight Loss Injection Results
In a study of nearly 2,000 obese individuals who did not have type 2 diabetes, half underwent weekly Semaglutide injections while the other half received a placebo. The Semaglutide group participants saw an average of 14.9% weight loss over 64 weeks. One-third of the group lost at least 20% of their baseline weight.
The same facility orchestrated another study involving over 3,700 participants who were also overweight or obese and did not have type 2 diabetes but with a Liraglutide prescription or placebo. 63.2% of Liraglutide participants lost more than 5% of their baseline weight, and about 33.1% saw more than 10% weight loss.
Liraglutide & Semaglutide Side Effects
As with any prescription, there are potential side effects to be aware of. These are both weight loss drugs meant to adapt how the body processes appetite, digestion, and blood sugar, which means your body needs to adjust to the medication.
Thankfully, most side effects patients experience on either Semaglutide or Liraglutide are minimal, manageable symptoms that disappear as treatment continues and diet improves. This might include nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, fatigue, or stomach pain.
In rarer cases, more severe side effects can include a faster heartbeat, suicidal thoughts, or pancreatitis. Always address questions and concerns with your provider before, during, and after your treatment.
Which is Better for Weight Loss?
In comparing both weight loss drugs, a 2022 study between the maximum dosages of both Semaglutide and Liraglutide showed that Semaglutide is nearly three times as effective at supporting weight loss in those without diabetes.
Studies have shown that significantly more patients discontinue Liraglutide use for any reason than with Semaglutide. Plus, Semaglutide is more widely associated with curbing cravings, suggesting that the body regulates it more effectively.
Can You Switch From Liraglutide to Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
Yes! Depending on your needs and preferences, it is possible to change from one weight loss injection to another. As an important note, you should never combine these medications. Both options lower blood sugar and serve similar purposes, which means using them together can cause complications.
However, when it comes to determining which medication will be best for you, a 2-year study on patients with type 2 diabetes has shown that significant weight improvements are possible when switching from Liraglutide to Semaglutide.
This is interesting considering that Liraglutide is a daily dosage and Semaglutide only needs to be taken weekly – it can make the process easier when you only need to add one step into your weekly routine.
Weight Loss Programs in Philadelphia: Shed Pounds Safely
If you’re tired of the seemingly endless struggle to maintain your goal weight, it’s time to bring in the pros. There are a lot of solutions for people struggling with obesity, but that does not mean what is right for one person is right for you.
At KP Aesthetics, our friendly staff is ready to help you get back on track with Semaglutide for weight loss, kickstarting your progress and monitoring as you continue to ensure that you reach your goals.
The first step is easy – it’s a free consultation that allows you to sit with a specialist and discuss any questions you may have. This is an important part of your journey, and our team is here to provide advice, address issues, and create a custom treatment plan meant just for you. Our clean, inviting med spa clinic is ready to welcome you in!
Reach out today to learn more about Semaglutide for weight loss in Philadelphia.
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Kimberly Costalas, RN
Nurse Injector for Cosmetic Medicine and Certified Coolsculpting Specialist
Kim has over 10 years of patient care experience and has been performing aesthetic services since 2011. She trained with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and has had many private, one-on-one sessions and instruction from Merz Pharmaceutical. She has had extensive, individual training by Zeltiq (the maker of CoolSculpting) representatives and attended CoolSculpting University for further instruction.
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