Ozempic vs. Victoza: Which is the best option for weight loss?

What you’ll learn:       

• Both Ozempic and Victoza are FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but can be prescribed off-label for weight loss
• Ozempic is injected once weekly, while Victoza requires daily injections.
• Ozempic could be more effective for weight loss.

At Noom, we get it—losing weight isn’t easy. For some people, even consistent diet and exercise changes don’t do the trick. That’s why we’re excited about how a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists can help people lose weight. These meds work by mimicking a hormone your body makes called GLP-1. This helps reduce hunger, slow down digestion, and keep your blood sugar in check, making weight loss more manageable.

Ozempic is a standout in this category, but did you know that Victoza works similarly and has been around for years? While Ozempic has gained fame recently, Victoza has quietly been helping people with type 2 diabetes shed pounds for over a decade.

While these two medications are similar they have a few important differences that might make one better for you. In terms of similarities, both Ozempic and Victoza are approved by the FDA for treating type 2 diabetes and can also be prescribed off-label for weight loss. Because they are both GLP-1 medications they have similar side effects and warnings associated with them, which we’ll go into. Where they differ is also very important to some people. Victoza requires a daily injection while Ozempic only needs to be injected once a week.

Choosing the right medication is an important decision between you and your doctor. Noom Med is also here to help. If you qualify, we’ll connect you with a clinician who can determine if Ozempic, Victoza, or even another medication is right for you. They’ll take care of your prescription and coordinate benefits, plus offer personalized support to help you tackle weight loss from all angles. Our mission is to help you build lasting habits and achieve better health.

Ozempic vs. Victoza: How do they work?

Again, Ozempic and Victoza are both GLP-1 medications but they contain different active ingredients, semaglutide for Ozempic and liraglutide for Victoza. In general, they work the same way to: 

• Reduce appetite and crush cravings: They tackle those pesky hunger pangs head-on, making it easier to resist temptation and stick to your healthy eating plan.
• Slow down digestion: They put the brakes on your digestion, keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer, so you’re less likely to snack between meals.
• Balancing blood sugar: By boosting insulin production and improving your body’s response to it, they help keep your blood sugar levels in check.

Ozempic and Victoza share many benefits, but they differ in one key aspect: how often you take them. Ozempic has a longer half-life (the time it takes for half of the medication to leave your body) of approximately one week, allowing for weekly injections. Victoza, on the other hand, has a shorter half-life of about 13 hours, that’s why you need daily injections for it to work.

Let’s compare these two medications side-by-side if that helps you: 

Feature	Ozempic	Victoza
What they are prescribed for	Type 2 diabetes management (FDA-approved), weight loss (off-label)	Type 2 diabetes management (FDA-approved), weight loss (off-label)
Active ingredient	Semaglutide	Liraglutide
How it’s taken	Weekly injection	Daily injection
What it does	Manages blood sugar, reduces appetite, slows digestion	Same as Ozempic, but with a shorter half-life
How it works	Mimics GLP-1 hormone to regulate blood sugar and appetite	Same.
Typical dosage	0.25 mg to 2 mg once weekly	0.6 mg to 1.8 mg once daily

The best choice for you will depend on which medication you and your doctor decide is best for your body and lifestyle.

Ozempic vs. Victoza: Which is better for weight loss?

Both Ozempic (semaglutide) and Victoza (liraglutide) have shown promising results in clinical trials for weight loss, but one definitely comes out on top. In a 30-week study comparing the amount of weight loss between the two, semaglutide was more effective. People who took semaglutide lost 13 pounds compared to just four pounds with liraglutide. The study, however, also showed that semaglutide was more likely to cause stomach-related side effects, which we’ll talk more about.

For all of you visual people, let’s break it down further and take a peek at the monthly cost of both:

Factor	Ozempic	Victoza
Weight loss effectiveness	A study showed that people taking semaglutide experienced an average weight loss of 15% of body weight over 68 weeks.	In a study of people taking liraglutide, almost two-thirds lost at least 5% and one-third lost more than 10% of body weight at 56 weeks.
Cost	$936/monthly	$816/monthlyNote: A generic version of Victoza (liraglutide) was announced in June 2024, though it could still be hard to find.
Insurance considerations	Often covered by insurance for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.	Like Ozempic, it is typically covered by insurance for type 2 diabetes.

Remember, choosing between Ozempic and Victoza isn’t just about which one might help you lose more weight. It’s about finding the right fit for your life, budget, and health needs. Think about your insurance coverage, how often you’re willing to take medication, and any other health concerns you might have.

Ozempic vs. Victoza: Most common side effects

Ozempic and Victoza offer benefits, but they have potential side effects you should think about. Here’s a quick rundown of some common side effects you might experience with either medication. Remember, as we mentioned, they might be milder for Victoza.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Fatigue

Keep in mind, these are usually mild and they typically subside as your body gets used to the medication. But talk to your doctor if anything doesn’t feel right. 

How Noom can help manage side effects

Managing side effects can help you stay comfortable and committed to your weight loss journey. If you qualify for Noom Med, our qualified clinicians and comprehensive program will help you through the common side effects. For those who get their GLP-1 medication through their personal doctor, the GLP-1 Companion is an essential resource. It will help you work through side effects and build a diet and exercise plan to help you get the most out of the treatment. Here are some strategies that can help minimize side effects:

• Adjust your eating habits: Opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to ease digestion and reduce nausea.
• Choose foods wisely: Limit high-fat and sugary foods that may worsen stomach discomfort.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to combat potential dehydration from diarrhea and support overall health.
• Move your body: Engage in regular exercise to aid digestion and maintain muscle mass during weight loss.

Remember, everyone’s experience with GLP-1 medications is unique. Collaborating closely with your healthcare provider and using Noom’s supportive programs will help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Ozempic vs. Victoza: Important considerations and warnings

We get it—starting a new medication can be a bit nerve-wracking. That’s why we want to be upfront about some serious conditions and warnings associated with Ozempic and Victoza. 

Both medications carry similar precautions, including the possibility of:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) – Watch out for severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
• Kidney problems – Be alert to changes in urination, swelling in ankles or feet, and fatigue.
• Gallbladder disease – Watch for pain in the upper right abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, and yellowing of skin or eyes.
• Severe allergic reactions – Symptoms could be rash, hives, itching, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with other diabetes medications – Signs include dizziness, shakiness, sweating, confusion, headache, blurred vision
• Thyroid C-cell tumors (a type of thyroid cancer) – Both carry warnings about thyroid tumors, though it’s worth noting that there has been no proven relationship in humans. 

Get immediate medical attention if you notice any signs of the above conditions. For a complete list and detailed information, be sure to check out the manufacturer’s websites for Ozempic and Victoza. Before starting either of these medications, you’ll need to discuss your entire health history with your doctor. They can help you weigh the potential benefits against any risks and decide if Ozempic or Victoza is the right fit for you.

At Noom Med, we understand that starting a new medication can be daunting. If you qualify for our program, we’ll provide personalized coaching, tailored resources, and a supportive community to help you manage any side effects and achieve lasting success on your weight loss journey.

Other GLP-1 medications to ask your doctor about

If Ozempic or Victoza aren’t the perfect fit for you, don’t worry! There are other GLP-1 medications out there that might be a better match. Your healthcare provider or Noom Med clinician can guide you through the options and help you find the right one for your unique needs and goals.

Here are a few more GLP-1 medications to chat with your doctor about:

Medication	Active Ingredient	How It’s Taken	What it can be prescribed for
Wegovy	Semaglutide(same active ingredient as Ozempic)	Weekly injection	Approved for weight loss ​​in those with a BMI (body mass index) of 30+ or those with a BMI of at least 27 who also have a weight-related medical issue.
Rybelsus	Semaglutide(same active ingredient as Ozempic)	Daily oral medication	Type 2 diabetes management (FDA-approved), weight loss (off-label)
Saxenda	Liraglutide (Same active ingredient as Victoza)	Daily injection	Approved for weight loss ​​in those with a BMI (body mass index) of 30+ or those with a BMI of at least 27 who also have a weight-related medical issue.
Mounjaro	Tirzepatide	Weekly injection	Type 2 diabetes management (FDA-approved), weight loss (off-label)
Zepbound	Tirzepatide	Weekly injection	Approved for weight loss ​​in those with a BMI (body mass index) of 30+ or those with a BMI of at least 27 who also have a weight-related medical issue.
Trulicity	Dulaglutide	Weekly injection	Type 2 diabetes management (FDA-approved), weight loss (off-label)

How Noom can help you get the most out of Ozempic or Victoza

While Ozempic and Victoza are both effective options, their ideal fit depends on your individual needs and lifestyle.

If you qualify for Noom Med, our personalized medical program, your clinician will coordinate access to medications like Ozempic or Victoza, if appropriate for you. But we don’t stop there. Noom Med provides a holistic approach, combining expert clinical assessments with ongoing support to ensure you’re on the right track.

Again if you’re already taking a GLP-1 medication, Noom’s GLP-1 Companion offers additional guidance and support. We’ll help you manage side effects and build healthy habits, so you can work toward your weight loss goals.

Noom understands that sustainable weight loss goes beyond medication. Our psychology-based program helps you build healthy habits for lasting change. With Noom, you get a partner in weight loss, offering personalized support and proven tools to help you achieve your goals and improve your health.

Note: Ozempic and Victoza are not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.