Liraglutide Plateau: Why Weight Loss Stalls
Results vary a lot by person. In SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes, the average loss on liraglutide 3.0 mg daily was 7.4% over 56 weeks, against 3% on placebo.
- Average loss, top dose
- 7.4%
- On placebo
- 3%
- Trial length
- 56 weeks
- Trial
- SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes
Saxenda, in brief
Its half-life is about 13 hours. After 13 h, half is gone, and after five half-lives (2.7 d) about 3% is left.
SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes, 56 weeks: body weight fell by 7.4%, with 3% on placebo.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed).
Liraglutide plateau: the numbers first
| Trial | Dose group | Average weight lost | Placebo or comparison | Weeks | Who was in it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes | Liraglutide 3.0 mg daily | 7.4% | 3% | 56 | Adults who were overweight or obese, and had no type 2 diabetes |
Source: SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (FDA label (DailyMed)).
What makes it stall, and what helps
- See which dose step you have reached. In all of the trials listed above, the lower doses led to less weight loss.
- Over the last month, count how many doses you missed or took late.
- Record your food and drinks for a few days. As portions shrink, liquid calories and grazing add up.
- Have protein at every meal and keep up your strength exercise, so most of the weight you lose is fat.
- Look at your sleep and stress, since both affect appetite.
- Ask your pharmacist whether any of your other medicines can cause weight gain.
- If your progress has stalled for months, talk with your prescriber about switching medicines, and ask about a thyroid check or a blood sugar check.