Semaglutide
- Brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
- Uses: Primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity management. It helps control blood sugar levels and has been approved for weight loss in individuals with a BMI over 30 or over 27 with comorbidities.
- Administration: Available in injectable form (Ozempic, Wegovy) and an oral form (Rybelsus).
- Dosage: Typically administered once a week for injections, while oral forms are taken daily.
- Mechanism of action: It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which increases insulin secretion, reduces glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying, helping to control blood sugar and reduce appetite.
Liraglutide
- Brand names: Victoza, Saxenda
- Uses: Primarily for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and weight management (Saxenda). Saxenda is specifically approved for treating obesity.
- Administration: Only available in injectable form.
- Dosage: Injected daily.
- Mechanism of action: Similar to semaglutide, it enhances insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying. It also reduces appetite, leading to potential weight loss.
Key Differences
- Frequency of dosing: Semaglutide is typically once weekly, whereas liraglutide is daily.
- Weight loss effects: Studies show semaglutide may lead to more significant weight loss than liraglutide.
- Forms available: Semaglutide offers an oral option, while liraglutide is only available as an injection.
Both drugs are part of a growing interest in using GLP-1 receptor agonists not just for diabetes management but also as effective treatments for obesity.
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