Liraglutide, an analog of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, prescribed to date in Type 2 diabetes mellitus at 0.6-1.8mg /day (Victoza®) is now available for the treatment of excess weight at a dose of 3mg/day (Saxenda®). Besides the insulinostimulating properties responsible for its anti-hyperglycemic activity, the drug exerts an anorectic action at the hypothalamus level, thereby promoting weight loss. Liraglutide 3mg is indicated for the treatment of obesity (BMI> 30Kg/m2) or overweight (BMI>27Kkg/m2) in patients with at least one comorbid condition. The agent's exact place in the treatment of obesity, particularly in the long-term, remains to be further specified.
Key Words
Obesity, GLP-1, weight loss, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome