Best Liraglutide Telehealth Providers for Weight management and metabolic health
A GLP-1 receptor agonist administered daily for chronic weight management. FDA-approved as Saxenda for obesity and as Victoza for type 2 diabetes. One of the first GLP-1 medications widely used for weight loss before semaglutide.
Reviewed by Dr. James Okafor, PharmDPharmDWhat is Liraglutide Used For?
- ✓Weight loss
- ✓Appetite suppression
- ✓Blood sugar regulation
- ✓Cardiovascular risk reduction
How Liraglutide Works
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% sequence homology to native GLP-1. It works by activating GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus to reduce appetite and increase satiety, slowing gastric emptying, stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion, and reducing glucagon. As a daily injection (vs. weekly semaglutide), its shorter half-life allows for quicker dose adjustments. FDA-approved as Victoza for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda for obesity.
What to Expect
Appetite suppression and reduced food intake begin within the first week. Average weight loss in the SCALE trials was 8% total body weight at 56 weeks on the 3mg dose — less than semaglutide or tirzepatide but meaningful for many patients. Blood glucose improvements in type 2 diabetes are typically seen within 4–8 weeks.
Common Side Effects
- ⚠Nausea (very common, especially at initiation)
- ⚠Vomiting
- ⚠Diarrhea
- ⚠Constipation
- ⚠Headache
- ⚠Injection site reactions
- ⚠Rare: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, thyroid C-cell tumors (rat models; human relevance unclear)
This is not a complete list of side effects. Always consult your prescribing physician before starting Liraglutide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liraglutide
Why would I choose liraglutide over semaglutide?▾
Semaglutide (weekly injection, 15% average weight loss) has largely replaced liraglutide (daily injection, ~8% average weight loss) for weight management in most clinical settings. Liraglutide remains relevant for patients who need daily dosing flexibility, those with insurance coverage for Saxenda/Victoza, and patients who had a poor response to semaglutide but tolerate liraglutide better.
Is liraglutide approved for cardiovascular protection?▾
Yes — the LEADER trial showed liraglutide reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 13% in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. This is one of its key advantages in the diabetic population with cardiac risk.
Can liraglutide be used in pediatric patients?▾
Saxenda (liraglutide 3mg) received FDA approval for weight management in adolescents aged 12–17 with obesity in 2020, making it one of the few approved pharmacological options for this age group. Use in children under 12 is not approved.
Does liraglutide have a black box warning?▾
Yes — liraglutide carries an FDA black box warning about thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodent studies. It is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Human relevance of the rodent finding remains uncertain.
4 Providers Offering Liraglutide
Sorted by lowest price first.
| Provider | Price | Dose | Rating | Consultation | Lab Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heally San Francisco, CA | $200/monthly | 0.6-3mg/day | 3.9/5 | Video Telehealth | Not included |
| Defy Medical Tampa, FL | $220/monthly | 0.6-3mg/day | 4.1/5 | Video Telehealth | Included |
| Evolve Telemed San Diego, CA | $250/monthly | 0.6-3mg/day | 4/5 | Video Telehealth | Included |
| Calibrate New York, NY | $299/monthly | 0.6-3mg/day | 4/5 | Video Telehealth | Included |