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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic and Victoza for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Both of these diabetes medications are prescription drugs requiring a doctor’s order. 

Victoza and Ozempic, among other diabetes medications, belong to a drug class called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. They are used to lower blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. 

Besides their roles in the treatment of diabetes, some GLP-1 agonist drugs also work for weight loss. Examples include Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), and Zepbound (tirzepatide). 

The American Diabetes Association recommends weight loss as an important health goal for overweight or obese people with type 2 diabetes. Lowering blood sugar levels and losing weight can reduce cardiovascular risks. Please continue reading to find out the key differences between these two medications, Ozempic vs Victoza, including which is better for weight management.

How do diabetes medications cause weight loss?

Ozempic and Victoza belong to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). These drugs mimic a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1, which causes insulin to be released from the pancreas in response to high blood sugar levels. 

In addition, GLP-1 RAs also slow the rate of gastric emptying, thereby increasing feelings of fullness and regulating appetite. Decreased appetite, in turn, leads to weight loss. Losing weight and keeping blood sugar levels under control can help prevent cardiovascular disease (heart disease, heart attack, stroke), blood vessel damage, and other health complications of diabetes.

Is Victoza for weight loss?

Victoza is not approved for weight loss. However, the active drug in Victoza, liraglutide, is approved for weight loss under the brand name Saxenda. While they contain the same active ingredient, Victoza and Saxenda are dosed differently. The maximum dosage strength of Victoza for diabetes treatment is 1.8 milligrams (mg) injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily. The recommended maintenance dose of Saxenda for weight loss is 3 mg injected subcutaneously once daily.

Is Ozempic for weight loss?

Ozempic is not approved for weight loss. However, the active drug in Ozempic, semaglutide, is approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. While they contain the same active ingredient, Ozempic and Wegovy are dosed differently. The maximum dosage strength of Ozempic for diabetes treatment is 2 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. The recommended maintenance dose of Wegovy for weight loss is 2.4 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. Check out our blog to learn more about Ozempic for weight loss.

How much weight do you lose on Victoza?

Clinical studies in adults with type 2 diabetes have shown that people who took Victoza lost some weight over 26-52 weeks of treatment. Those who took Victoza and metformin together lost an average of 6.2 pounds. However, some people gained weight. 

How much weight do you lose on Ozempic?

Clinical studies in adults with type 2 diabetes have shown that people who took Ozempic lost some weight over 40 weeks of treatment. People who took Ozempic and metformin together lost an average of 9.3 pounds (0.5 mg dose of Ozempic), 12.8 pounds (1 mg dose of Ozempic), and 14.1 pounds (2 mg dose of Ozempic).

Learn more about Ozempic vs Wegovy for weight loss.

Which is better: Ozempic vs Victoza?

If you have diabetes, your doctor will help you choose between Ozempic, Victoza, and other diabetes medications. Both Ozempic and Victoza are non-insulin injectable diabetes medications. While both medications are given through subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, one key difference between Ozempic vs Victoza is that Ozempic requires once-weekly dosing while Victoza requires once daily dosing. 

Do you lose more weight on Ozempic or Victoza?

As mentioned, neither Ozempic nor Victoza is approved for weight management by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, you can lose some weight during Victoza and Ozempic treatment. From the results of clinical trials, it appears that Ozempic may result in slightly more weight loss on average than Victoza. 

If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor will help you choose between Ozempic vs Victoza to achieve normal blood sugar levels. You may be able to switch medications based on your response. In addition to blood sugar control, Ozempic and Victoza may also help you lose weight. 

If you don’t have diabetes and want to take a weight loss drug, talk to your healthcare provider about taking Wegovy (which contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic) or Saxenda (which contains liraglutide, the same active ingredient as Victoza). Wegovy and Saxenda are FDA-approved for weight management. 

Note: You need to take a lower starting dose of these medications and gradually increase the dose over a period of several weeks. Blood sugar control and weight loss typically occur on the maintenance doses and not the initial lower doses.

What is better than Ozempic for weight loss?

Wegovy is better than Ozempic for weight loss. As a matter of fact, Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. These two medications contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. However, they are dosed differently. The maintenance dose of Wegovy (2.4 mg once weekly) contains more semaglutide than the maximum recommended dose of Ozempic (2 mg once weekly). Clinical trials have shown that people who took Wegovy for 68 weeks achieved an average weight loss of -15% from their baseline weight (approximately 35 lbs if their starting weight was 232 lbs).

Find out how to get a Wegovy prescription.

Which is better: Victoza or Wegovy?

Victoza is FDA-approved for type-2 diabetes treatment. Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. If you have diabetes and want to lose weight, Victoza may be the better choice. If you don’t have diabetes and want to take a prescription weight loss drug, Wegovy may be the better option. Find out what the best diabetes drug for weight loss is by checking out our blog.

What are the risks of taking Victoza and Ozempic for weight loss?

Both Ozempic and Victoza can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. In addition, these medications come in a pre-filled pen injected subcutaneously under the skin surface and can cause reactions at the injection sites. Find out: what is the best injection for weight loss?

Ozempic and Victoza carry a boxed warning for an increased risk of thyroid cancer, including medullary thyroid cancer and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). They are contraindicated in people with risk factors such as a family history or personal and medical history of thyroid cancer. 

GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Victoza are also associated with some serious adverse reactions. Serious Victoza side effects and Ozempic side effects include an increased risk of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney damage and kidney failure, diabetic retinopathy complications, low blood sugar, and allergic reactions. 

Drug interactions between Ozempic or Victoza and your other medications can increase the risk of serious adverse effects. You should seek emergency medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain or other medical complications after taking these drugs. 

Is semaglutide safe? What you need to know.