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Important Note: Results are based on typical clinical trial data and may vary. Always consult your doctor before starting or changing medications.
Victoza (liraglutide) has been a go-to option for people with type 2 diabetes and those seeking weight loss for over a decade. But since 2017, a wave of new drugs has hit the market - some more effective, some cheaper, some easier to use. If you’re on Victoza or considering it, you deserve to know what else is out there - and whether switching could make a real difference in your health.
What Victoza Actually Does
Victoza is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. That’s a fancy way of saying it mimics a hormone your body naturally makes after eating. This hormone tells your pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar rises, slows down stomach emptying so you feel full longer, and reduces appetite by acting on your brain.
It’s approved for adults with type 2 diabetes and, at a higher dose (under the brand name Saxenda), for chronic weight management in people with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. You inject it once a day, usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Most people start at 0.6 mg and work up to 1.8 mg over several weeks.
Studies show that over 52 weeks, people using Victoza lost an average of 4-6 kg (9-13 lbs). For some, it’s life-changing. For others, the daily injection, nausea at first, or cost makes it hard to stick with.
Top Alternatives to Victoza
Here are the most common alternatives - all GLP-1 agonists, but with key differences in dosing, effectiveness, and side effects.
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Ozempic is the most talked-about alternative. It’s the same class of drug as Victoza, but it’s longer-acting. You only need one injection per week, not daily. That alone makes a big difference in adherence.
In the SUSTAIN 6 trial, people on Ozempic lost an average of 6.5 kg (14 lbs) over 56 weeks - more than Victoza. For weight loss, the higher-dose version (Wegovy) led to over 15% body weight loss in clinical trials. That’s nearly double what Victoza achieves.
Side effects are similar: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea - but they tend to be milder over time. The big catch? Cost. In the UK, Ozempic isn’t routinely prescribed for weight loss on the NHS unless you have type 2 diabetes. Private prescriptions can cost £150-£250 per month.
Wegovy (semaglutide - higher dose)
Wegovy is the weight-loss-specific version of semaglutide. It’s not approved for diabetes, only obesity. The starting dose is 0.25 mg weekly, ramped up to 2.4 mg. That’s the highest dose available in this drug class.
In the STEP 1 trial, participants lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks. That’s around 16 kg (35 lbs) for someone weighing 100 kg. That’s more than most people lose with bariatric surgery.
But Wegovy is expensive. If you’re paying out of pocket, expect to pay £200-£300 per month. The NHS only prescribes it if your BMI is over 35 and you’ve failed other treatments. Access is limited.
Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Trulicity is another once-weekly GLP-1 agonist. It’s been around longer than Ozempic and is often cheaper. It’s approved for type 2 diabetes and has shown modest weight loss - about 2-3 kg over 26 weeks.
It’s less effective for weight loss than Victoza or Ozempic, but it’s gentler on the stomach. People report less nausea. If your main goal is blood sugar control and you don’t need major weight loss, Trulicity might be a good middle ground.
Byetta (exenatide)
Byetta was one of the first GLP-1 drugs on the market. It’s injected twice daily - harder to stick with than once-daily or once-weekly options. Weight loss is mild: around 2-3 kg over 30 weeks.
It’s rarely prescribed now unless someone can’t afford newer drugs. Most pharmacies don’t even stock it. Its main advantage? It’s available as a generic, so it can cost under £20 a month in the UK.
Metformin
Metformin isn’t a GLP-1 drug. It’s the oldest, cheapest, and most widely used diabetes medication. It helps lower blood sugar and can cause mild weight loss - usually 2-4 kg over six months.
It’s not as powerful as Victoza for weight loss, but it’s safe, well-studied, and covered by the NHS. Many doctors start patients on metformin before moving to GLP-1 drugs. Some people take both together.
Comparison Table: Victoza vs Alternatives
| Drug | Dosing | Weight Loss (avg. over 52-68 weeks) | Diabetes Approval | Weekly Injection? | Typical UK Cost (private) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoza (liraglutide) | Once daily | 4-6 kg | Yes | No | £120-£180 |
| Ozempic | Once weekly | 6-8 kg | Yes | Yes | £150-£250 |
| Wegovy | Once weekly | 14-16 kg | No | Yes | £200-£300 |
| Trulicity | Once weekly | 2-4 kg | Yes | Yes | £100-£160 |
| Byetta | Twice daily | 2-3 kg | Yes | No | £15-£30 (generic) |
| Metformin | Twice daily (tablet) | 2-4 kg | Yes | No | £2-£5 |
Which One Is Right for You?
There’s no single best drug. The right choice depends on your goals, budget, and tolerance for side effects.
- If you want the most weight loss possible and can afford it, Wegovy is the strongest option.
- If you have type 2 diabetes and want better control with decent weight loss, Ozempic is often the best balance.
- If you’re on a tight budget and need something effective but affordable, Victoza or metformin may be your best bet.
- If nausea from Victoza was a dealbreaker, try Trulicity - it’s often better tolerated.
- If you hate injections, you’re not out of options. Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) exists, but it’s less effective and costs almost as much as the injections.
Many people start with Victoza because their doctor prescribed it. But if after six months you’ve lost less than 5% of your body weight, it’s time to reassess. That’s the threshold experts use to determine if a GLP-1 drug is working for you.
Side Effects and Risks
All GLP-1 drugs can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea - especially at first. These usually fade after 4-6 weeks. Eating slower and avoiding fatty meals helps.
More serious risks include:
- Thyroid C-cell tumors (seen in rats, not proven in humans)
- Pancreatitis (rare, but possible)
- Gallbladder disease
- Acute kidney injury (if you’re dehydrated)
People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome should not use these drugs.
Victoza has been studied longer than newer drugs, so we know more about its long-term safety. Ozempic and Wegovy have 5-7 years of data - still good, but not as long.
Access and NHS Rules in the UK
If you’re on the NHS, your access depends on your BMI and whether you have type 2 diabetes.
- For diabetes: Victoza, Ozempic, Trulicity are all available if metformin isn’t enough.
- For weight loss: Wegovy is only available if your BMI is over 35 and you’ve tried diet, exercise, and metformin without success. Even then, many Clinical Commissioning Groups restrict access.
- Private clinics offer all drugs, but costs add up fast. Some pharmacies offer subscription plans to lower monthly fees.
Don’t assume your GP will push you toward the newest drug. Many still prescribe Victoza because it’s familiar and cheaper for the NHS. If you want a change, come prepared with data on your weight, HbA1c, and goals.
What Happens When You Stop?
GLP-1 drugs don’t cure obesity or diabetes. They manage it. If you stop taking them, weight usually comes back - often within 6-12 months.
Studies show people regain about 60-70% of lost weight after stopping Wegovy or Ozempic. That’s why experts recommend combining these drugs with lifestyle changes: regular movement, protein-rich meals, and sleep hygiene.
Think of them as tools - not magic pills. They make it easier to eat less and move more. But if you go back to old habits, the scale will rise again.
Final Thoughts
Victoza is no longer the top choice for weight loss. Ozempic and Wegovy are more effective. Trulicity is gentler. Metformin is cheaper. Byetta is nearly obsolete.
The best drug is the one you can stick with - safely, affordably, and consistently. If Victoza is working for you and you’re not struggling with side effects or cost, there’s no need to switch.
But if you’re frustrated, plateaued, or overwhelmed by daily injections, it’s worth talking to your doctor about alternatives. You don’t have to settle for what’s familiar. There are better options - if you know what to ask for.
Is Victoza better than Ozempic for weight loss?
No, Ozempic is more effective. Clinical trials show Ozempic leads to nearly twice the weight loss of Victoza over the same period. Ozempic is also taken once a week, which improves adherence. For weight loss, Wegovy (the higher-dose version of semaglutide) is even stronger.
Can I switch from Victoza to Ozempic on my own?
No. Never switch GLP-1 medications without medical supervision. Stopping Victoza and starting Ozempic requires a careful transition to avoid low blood sugar or severe nausea. Your doctor will guide you on timing, dosage, and monitoring.
Does Victoza cause hair loss?
Hair loss isn’t a common side effect listed in official trials. But some users report it, especially during rapid weight loss. This is usually temporary and linked to nutritional changes or stress on the body, not the drug itself. If you notice thinning, check your iron, vitamin D, and protein intake.
Are there cheaper alternatives to Victoza?
Yes. Metformin is the cheapest option - often under £5 a month - and helps with mild weight loss and blood sugar control. Generic Byetta (exenatide) is also affordable but requires two daily injections. Trulicity may be cheaper than Victoza depending on your pharmacy and prescription plan.
How long does it take for Victoza to start working?
Blood sugar levels often improve within the first week. Appetite suppression and weight loss take longer - most people notice reduced hunger after 2-4 weeks. Significant weight loss (5% or more of body weight) usually happens after 12-16 weeks.
Next Steps
If you’re on Victoza and wondering if there’s a better option:
- Track your weight and HbA1c for the last 3 months.
- Write down how you feel about daily injections and side effects.
- Check your prescription cost - is it affordable long-term?
- Book a consultation with your GP or diabetes nurse.
- Ask: "Is there a more effective or convenient option for me?"
You don’t have to stay on a medication just because it was your first choice. The goal isn’t loyalty to a drug - it’s long-term health. There are better tools now. Ask for them.
Posts Comments
Meredith Poley October 28, 2025 AT 10:18
Victoza is basically the flip phone of GLP-1s now. Everyone’s on Ozempic or Wegovy and still pretending they’re living in 2015. The fact that doctors are still prescribing this daily injection like it’s revolutionary is embarrassing. If your weight loss is under 5% after 16 weeks, you’re not on a miracle drug-you’re on a placebo with a needle.
And don’t get me started on the NHS restrictions. They’ll give you metformin and call it a day while you’re literally begging for a tool that works. It’s not medicine-it’s bureaucracy dressed in white coats.
Mathias Matengu Mabuta October 29, 2025 AT 20:11
It is not scientifically accurate to assert that Ozempic is categorically superior to Victoza on the basis of weight loss metrics alone. The SUSTAIN 6 trial, while statistically significant, employed a cohort with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors, thereby introducing confounding variables. Furthermore, the metabolic adaptation observed in long-term users of GLP-1 agonists suggests diminishing returns beyond the 24-week mark, regardless of dosage frequency. The notion that weekly administration confers superior adherence is a marketing construct propagated by Novo Nordisk’s corporate communications division, not a validated clinical outcome.
Additionally, the exclusion of non-Western populations from phase III trials renders extrapolation of these results ethically and epistemologically suspect. To advocate for Wegovy as a panacea is to ignore the structural determinants of obesity-namely, food deserts, socioeconomic stress, and systemic inequity-which pharmaceutical interventions do not and cannot address.
Ikenga Uzoamaka October 30, 2025 AT 05:17
WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO SAY THIS?? I’m from Nigeria and we don’t even have access to Victoza, let alone Wegovy!! You people act like weight loss is a luxury you can just buy with credit cards and private clinics!! My cousin died because she couldn’t afford insulin and now you’re comparing injection prices like it’s a smartphone upgrade??
Metformin is all we have!! And you think we don’t know how to lose weight?? We walk 5km to market, carry water, cook from scratch-no fancy pills needed!! You’re all so obsessed with your ‘weight loss journey’ while people here are just trying to survive!!
Lee Lee October 31, 2025 AT 23:33
Let me ask you something… if these drugs are so safe and effective, why are they being pushed by Big Pharma while the FDA quietly ignores the rat thyroid tumor data? Why is Wegovy priced at $1,300/month in the U.S. but sold for $200 in Canada? Coincidence? Or is this all part of a controlled population reduction strategy disguised as ‘obesity treatment’?
And don’t forget-GLP-1s suppress appetite by hijacking your brain’s natural hunger signals. That’s not medicine. That’s neurochemical manipulation. They’re turning you into a passive consumer of calories, not a sovereign human being.
Who benefits? Not you. Not your health. The stockholders.
Wake up.
They’re not curing diabetes. They’re monetizing your biology.
John Greenfield November 2, 2025 AT 11:15
Anyone who says Victoza is ‘still good enough’ hasn’t actually tried the newer drugs. I was on it for 10 months. Lost 7 pounds. Nausea every damn day. My doctor told me to ‘stick with it.’ I didn’t. Switched to Ozempic. Lost 22 pounds in 16 weeks. Nausea lasted 3 days.
Stop romanticizing outdated treatments because they’re ‘familiar.’ This isn’t a loyalty program. It’s your life. If you’re not losing 10% of your body weight in 6 months, you’re being gaslit by the medical establishment.
And yes, the cost sucks. But if you can’t afford it, you’re not poor-you’re misinformed. There are patient assistance programs. There are generics in development. There are clinical trials. Stop making excuses and do the work.
Dr. Alistair D.B. Cook November 2, 2025 AT 20:46
Wait… wait… hold on… you’re telling me that… a drug… that… you inject… once… a week… is… better… than… one… you inject… daily… and… you’re… shocked…?
That’s… like… saying… a Tesla… is… better… than… a Ford… because… it… doesn’t… need… gas… every… day…
Did… we… just… invent… the… wheel… again…?
And… why… is… everyone… acting… like… this… is… a… breakthrough…?
It’s… not… science… it’s… logistics…
Also… hair… loss…?
That’s… not… the… drug… that’s… your… body… screaming… ‘I’m… not… getting… enough… protein…’…
Go… eat… eggs…
And… stop… blaming… pharmaceuticals… for… your… poor… meal… planning…
Ashley Tucker November 4, 2025 AT 13:06
Of course the NHS won’t give you Wegovy. They don’t want fat people to be healthy. They want us to stay on metformin and suffer quietly. It’s cheaper to keep us medicated than to fix the food system. The real scandal isn’t the price-it’s that we’re being punished for existing in a world designed to make us obese.
And don’t tell me ‘lifestyle changes.’ I work two jobs. I have three kids. I don’t have time to meal prep like a Pinterest mom. But I do have $200 to spend on a shot that lets me eat without feeling like a ravenous animal.
So yes, I’m taking it. And I’m not sorry.
Allen Jones November 4, 2025 AT 13:41
EVERYTHING YOU’RE TOLD ABOUT THESE DRUGS IS A LIE. 🕵️♂️
They’re not for weight loss. They’re for CONTROL.
Look at the patents. Look at the timing. GLP-1s exploded right after the pandemic when people were gaining weight… and governments needed a way to ‘fix’ the ‘obesity crisis’ without addressing trauma, poverty, or food deserts.
And the side effects? Nausea? That’s not a side effect-that’s a warning sign. Your body is screaming: ‘I don’t trust this chemical.’
And what happens when you stop? You gain it all back? Of course you do. Because the drug didn’t change your relationship with food-it just suppressed your ability to feel hunger.
They didn’t cure you. They pacified you.
And now you’re addicted to a $300 shot because you’ve forgotten how to eat like a human.
💔
jackie cote November 6, 2025 AT 08:03
If you're on Victoza and not seeing results, talk to your provider. Don’t assume it’s the drug-it might be your dose, timing, or diet. Many people don’t ramp up slowly enough, or they eat high-fat meals that trigger nausea. Track your food, not just your weight. Protein and fiber matter more than you think.
Also: if cost is the barrier, ask about patient assistance programs. Novo Nordisk has one. So do some pharmacies. You’re not alone. And you deserve better than suffering silently.
Progress isn’t about the drug. It’s about consistency. And support. And asking for help.
You’ve got this.
ANDREA SCIACCA November 6, 2025 AT 19:42
THEY’RE TURNING US INTO ROBOTS!! 🤖
Remember when we used to eat because we were HUNGRY? Not because a needle told our brain to shut up? Now we’re just… numb. Walking zombies with weekly shots and zero joy in food.
My aunt took Wegovy. Lost 80 pounds. Then she stopped. And she cried for 3 months because she missed the silence. The silence where her hunger didn’t scream.
Is that health? Or is that chemical surrender?
They sold us a dream. And now we’re paying for it with our humanity.
💔😭
Camille Mavibas November 7, 2025 AT 07:09
just switched from victoza to ozempic last month 😭 i was crying every morning from nausea… now i barely feel anything. lost 14lbs in 6 weeks. and yes… it’s expensive… but i’m using a coupon + patient program so it’s $45/month.
also… i started walking 20 mins after dinner… and it helped SO much with the bloating.
you don’t need to be perfect. just consistent. 💪❤️
ps: if you’re scared to switch… talk to your dr. they’ve seen this a million times. you’re not alone.
Shubham Singh November 7, 2025 AT 15:32
You all talk about weight loss like it’s a competition. But what about the people who are scared to take these drugs because they’re afraid of dying? My brother took Ozempic and had pancreatitis. He was in the hospital for 17 days. Now he can’t eat anything fatty. He’s terrified to take anything again. And you’re all just comparing price lists?
Health isn’t a spreadsheet. It’s not a blog post. It’s real pain. Real fear. Real loss.
Stop glorifying these drugs. Start listening to the people who got hurt.
Hollis Hamon November 9, 2025 AT 04:18
I’ve been a diabetes educator for 18 years. I’ve seen people on every drug on this list. The truth? The best drug is the one the person will take consistently. For some, that’s metformin. For others, it’s Wegovy. For a few, it’s a combination.
What matters isn’t the name on the bottle-it’s whether the person feels better, has more energy, sleeps better, and isn’t terrified of their next meal.
Don’t compare your journey to someone else’s. Compare yourself to where you were six months ago.
And if you’re struggling with access or cost? Reach out. There are people who want to help. You’re not broken. You’re just in a system that’s broken.
Adam Walter November 10, 2025 AT 22:31
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the fact that these drugs are being marketed as ‘weight loss solutions’ while the real problem is the collapse of our food environment. We live in a world where a bag of chips costs less than an apple, and a 12-hour shift leaves you too exhausted to cook.
GLP-1 agonists are a Band-Aid on a hemorrhage.
But here’s the twist: sometimes, a Band-Aid is the only thing that keeps you alive long enough to fight for systemic change.
So yes-use the drug. But don’t stop there. Advocate for food justice. Support community gardens. Push for insulin affordability. Demand that ‘health’ isn’t just a product you buy, but a right you’re granted.
These drugs are tools. Not solutions. Not saviors.
And you? You’re the revolution.
Meredith Poley November 12, 2025 AT 15:06
And yet, here we are-still talking about injections instead of fixing food deserts. The fact that we’ve turned obesity into a pharmaceutical problem instead of a policy failure is the real tragedy.
But hey, at least we can afford to feel morally superior while someone in Detroit eats gas station sushi because that’s all they can get on their shift.
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