Victoza vs Ozempic For Weight Loss

Victoza® and Ozempic® are type 2 diabetes medications that are sometimes prescribed off-label to help people lose weight. These glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are both popular choices. But how do the two stack up?

We’re breaking down the key differences between Victoza and Ozempic. We’ll cover how they work, their side effects, and how much weight they can help you lose. 

Victoza and Ozempic are both in the GLP-1 receptor agonist drug class. They’re both approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat type 2 diabetes.

However, these two medications are also used off-label for weight loss. This means some healthcare providers may prescribe them for weight loss even though they aren’t FDA-approved for this purpose. 

One thing to note is that the active ingredients in Victoza and Ozempic — liraglutide and semaglutide, respectively — are both used in medications that are FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. These include Saxenda® (liraglutide) and Wegovy® (semaglutide).

Still, some people may prefer Victoza or Ozempic for a variety of reasons.

Both Victoza and Ozempic are GLP-1s, but they do have differences. One of these key differences is dosing frequency. Ozempic is typically administered once a week, whereas Victoza is usually administered once daily. 

Research from Novo Nordisk suggests that both diabetes medications can result in reduced body weight for people who are overweight or have obesity. However, this research indicates that semaglutide may lead to more significant weight loss than liraglutide. 

How Victoza and Ozempic Work

As GLP-1 agonists, these prescription drugs mimic the action of GLP-1, a hormone naturally made by your body to help regulate blood sugar levels. 

GLP-1 stimulates the release of insulin from your pancreas and helps reduce the production of glucagon, another hormone that increases blood sugar.

As a result, Victoza and Ozempic both help lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and support healthy weight loss. 

Like other GLP-1s, Victoza and Ozempic have also been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events (heart attacks and strokes) among people with type 2 diabetes who have an increased risk of heart disease. 

Whether prescribed for blood sugar control or off-label for weight loss, both medications should be used with diet and exercise for optimal benefits, according to a study sponsored by Novo Nordisk. 

Approved Uses

Victoza and Ozempic are FDA-approved for the following uses: 

• Treating type 2 diabetes in adults, specifically reducing blood glucose levels and improving blood sugar control 

• Reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Again, while neither drug is FDA-approved for obesity treatment, they are often prescribed off-label for weight loss due to their effectiveness for this purpose.

Neither drug is intended for people with type 1 diabetes.

A Weekly Dose vs. A Daily Dose

Both Victoza and Ozempic are injectable medications. They’re subcutaneous injections, which means you inject them with a small needle that goes just beneath the skin (typically in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm). 

Victoza typically requires a once-daily injection, whereas Ozempic only needs to be injected once per week. 

The specific dosage of each medication varies depending on individual factors, like the severity of your diabetes (if taking it for blood glucose control), how long you’ve been taking the drugs, and your response to treatment. 

Generally, you’ll start Victoza at a dose of 0.6mg per day for at least one week, then increase the dose to 1.2mg per day for at least another week before titrating up to a goal therapeutic dosage of 1.8mg per day for better glycemic control.

The beginning dose for Ozempic is 0.25mg once weekly for four weeks, then 0.5mg once weekly for at least another four weeks. If you need further blood sugar control, your healthcare provider may prescribe a dosage of 1-2mg weekly.

Always follow your provider’s medical advice about the best dosing regimen for you and your needs. There is no need to memorize these numbers — both medications come in pre-filled pens you can use for your injections.

When it comes to Ozempic vs Victoza for weight loss, which is better ultimately depends on your individual goals and needs. 

Both GLP-1 drugs have been shown to promote weight loss as a secondary benefit. 

For example:

• In one study sponsored by Novo Nordisk, 846 participants were given either a 1.8 mg dose of liraglutide, a 3mg dose of liraglutide, or a placebo for 56 weeks, all with a 500-calorie per day deficit and increased exercise. Those who took the higher liraglutide dose experienced the most weight loss.

• In a 68-week randomized controlled trial (also sponsored by Novo Nordisk) with 338 participants, the mean change in weight loss was 15.8 percent with once-weekly semaglutide compared to only 6.4 percent with once-daily liraglutide, both given with diet and exercise.

Ozempic may offer a slight advantage over Victoza for weight loss benefits, according to another study sponsored by Novo Nordisk. 

Nevertheless, individual responses can vary. Factors like diet, exercise and family history also play a role in weight management.

Ozempic vs Victoza Cost 

The cost of both Ozempic and Victoza can depend on the dose, discounts available when purchased and whether your insurance covers them. 

Generally, Ozempic tends to be more expensive than Victoza due to its extended dosing interval of once weekly compared to Victoza's daily administration. However, the total cost over time may differ based on insurance coverage and copayments. 

Both medications may offer patient assistance programs or savings cards to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, alternatives may be available at varying costs. 

Whenever you're getting a prescription, it's a good idea to talk with your healthcare and insurance providers to ensure you end up with the most cost-effective option.

As with all drugs, Ozempic and Victoza both come with side effects to consider. Some of the common side effects of Ozempic and Victoza include: 

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

• Injection site reactions (such as redness, itching, or pain)

• Decreased appetite

• Indigestion

• Heartburn

• Upper respiratory tract infections

• Urinary tract infections

• Gallbladder disorders

• Pancreatitis

• Hypersensitivity reactions (including rash, itching or swelling)

• Kidney problems

Research sponsored by Novo Nordisk shows that the most common side effects of semaglutide are digestive-related. Another study found the same to be true for other GLP-1s. However, they also have the risk of more serious side effects.

For example, Ozempic, as well as Victoza, carries a boxed warning of the potential to cause tumors and thyroid cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma). There is also some evidence that existing diabetic retinopathy may get worse when using Ozempic.

Still, not everyone responds to medications in the same way. It’s important to know whether you’re experiencing something new after starting one of them. Always get in touch with your provider with questions or concerns. 

If you don’t respond well to Ozempic or Victoza or are just interested in other options, there are plenty to explore, including non-injectable alternatives. 

Some other options for weight loss include: 

• Naltrexone and bupropion: This combination helps curb cravings and decrease binge eating by acting on your brain's craving and appetite centers.

• Metformin: This drug helps lower blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. It affects how your body handles insulin and impacts appetite receptors in your brain.

• Topiramate: This medication has been shown to reduce body fat mass and help suppress appetite. 

• Behavioral therapy: Counseling or behavioral therapy can help you make sustainable lifestyle changes by addressing factors such as emotional eating, stress management and goal setting that may be getting in the way of achieving successful weight loss.

• Weight loss programs: Social support is key for successful weight loss, especially when you’re surrounded by peers on a similar journey. Joining a structured weight loss program or support group can provide accountability, education and motivation for long-term success.

• Weight loss surgery: For individuals with severe obesity or obesity-related health problems, weight loss surgery may be an option. Your healthcare provider may recommend bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or gastric banding.

Remember that all of these options should be paired with a nutrient-rich diet and regular movement to promote sustainable weight loss.

When your weight loss game needs a little boost, you might consider adding a GLP-1 agonist like Victoza or Ozempic to a diet and exercise routine. Here are some things to keep in mind when comparing these two options:

• The best choice is personal. While there’s some research sponsored by Novo Nordisk suggesting that Ozempic may have a higher likelihood of successful weight loss, both GLP-1s have been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss.

• There are alternatives. If neither is right for you, you might consider other options like naltrexone and bupropion, metformin or topiramate. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the best choice for you. 

• They should be used with diet and exercise. Even weight loss drugs aren’t meant to be solely relied upon for achieving weight loss. These should be used in conjunction with diet, exercise and other healthy lifestyle habits that support both weight loss goals and long-term wellness. 

Ready to look further into your weight loss medication options? Start by taking our free weight loss assessment.