Origin

Developed by Novo Nordisk as a once-daily subcutaneous GLP-1 receptor agonist, derived from human GLP-1 with a single amino-acid substitution and lipid modification for extended pharmacokinetics. Approved as Victoza (2010, diabetes) and Saxenda (2014, chronic weight management). The longest-marketed GLP-1 agonist.

Mechanism

Activates GLP-1 receptors distributed through the brain, pancreatic islets, and GI tract. Central GLP-1R activation suppresses appetite; peripheral activation stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon. Slows gastric emptying. Glucose-dependent signaling minimizes hypoglycemia risk.

Research summary

Evidence

Evaluated in thousands of published studies. Pivotal SCALE obesity trials demonstrated 4.5-6% body weight reduction vs placebo at 56 weeks. The LEADER cardiovascular outcomes trial showed reduced major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality in type 2 diabetes. Long-term safety data span 15+ years; the most common adverse events are gastrointestinal and generally diminish with time.

Evidence tier: FDA-approved (2014 for diabetes, 2016 for weight loss) — see the methodology note for how this is assessed.

Citations

Assessing the Association Between GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Diabetic Foot Complications Using Real-World Pharmacovigilance Database and Mendelian Randomization — Zhang et al. 2026

Reported benefits

weight loss (4.5-6% body weight reduction vs placebo)
improved glycemic control
reduced cardiovascular events and mortality
improved lipid profiles

Dosing protocols reported in the literature & community

These are protocols reported by compounding pharmacies, published trials, or self-experimentation communities — not a prescription. Start low, especially for anything new.

Reported dosing protocols
Route	Reported protocol
Subcutaneous injection	Saxenda: 0.6 mg once-daily, escalating weekly to 3.0 mg maintenance. Victoza: 0.6 mg once-daily, escalating to 1.2-1.8 mg maintenance.

Side effects

nausea (30-40% mild)
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
headache
decreased appetite

Safety notes

Community & reddit notes (anecdotal — not clinical evidence)

The most widely used GLP-1 agonist for self-experimentation; forums report modest but reliable 4-6% weight loss with pronounced early nausea that improves, and better tolerability than tirzepatide at lower doses.

Mixing compatibility

Pulled from a community-charted mixing-compatibility reference (anecdotal, clinic-use, and community-reported signals) — not a safety guarantee. Verify independently before combining anything.