Liraglutide

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Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog approved for weight management at a dose of 3.0 mg. As an injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide induces weight loss through several vital mechanisms:

  • Activates GLP-1 receptors in hypothalamic and brainstem neurons involved in appetite regulation. This increases feelings of fullness and satiety, resulting in reduced caloric intake.

  • Delays gastric emptying, which slows digestion and prolongs feelings of fullness after eating. In trials, they increased gastric emptying time by over 2 hours with liraglutide.

  • Suppresses release of postprandial ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite. This contributes to decreased hunger.

  • Shifts food preferences away from high-fat and sugar foods, aiding calorie restriction.

  • May increase resting energy expenditure through possible thermogenic mechanisms

  • Allows patients to follow calorie-restricted meal plans more comfortably and increase activity when combined with lifestyle intervention.

In clinical trials, Liraglutide 3.0 mg resulted in an average weight loss of 5.5-8% total body weight compared to placebo over 56 weeks. It was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved specifically for obesity management.