Liraglutide vs Tirzepatide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved as Victoza for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda for chronic weight management. It was one of the first daily GLP-1 agonists and paved the way for newer weekly options like semaglutide.
Full details →Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a first-in-class dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. FDA-approved as Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (weight loss), it has shown superior weight loss results compared to semaglutide in clinical trials.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Liraglutide | Tirzepatide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors, stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite through central nervous system effects. | Activates both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptors, providing synergistic effects on insulin secretion, appetite suppression, and metabolic regulation. The dual mechanism may explain its enhanced efficacy. |
| Typical Dosage | Saxenda (weight loss): Start 0.6mg daily, increase weekly by 0.6mg to maintenance dose of 3mg daily. Victoza (diabetes): 0.6mg to 1.8mg daily. | Start at 2.5mg weekly, titrate every 4 weeks through 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, to maximum 15mg weekly. Full titration takes approximately 20 weeks. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once daily at any time, independent of meals. Rotate injection sites. Can be used with oral diabetes medications. | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Rotate injection sites. Slower titration may help reduce GI side effects. |
| Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, decreased appetite. GI effects typically diminish over time with continued use. | Similar to semaglutide: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite. Generally improve with continued use. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Liraglutide and Tirzepatide are commonly used for: