Why are you not losing weight on Victoza (liraglutide)? Expert insights

Key Points

• Victoza is an injectable medication to manage type 2 diabetes
• While not approved for weight loss, some people taking Victoza lose between 9-13 pounds. Others do not lose weight on Victoza
• Diet, exercise, stress, inconsistent dosing, and health conditions can block weight loss results
• Daily habits matter—combining Victoza with healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, and getting enough sleep can help

Victoza can be a powerful tool to manage type 2 diabetes. Many who take it also experience the added benefit of weight loss. Studies show some patients lose up to 10% of their body weight but what happens when the scale won't budge?

In this guide, you'll discover some reasons why you’re not losing weight on Victoza and what to do about it. You also get expert insights from experienced and award-winning registered dietitian, Maria Karalis, RD.

Does Victoza help you lose weight?

Registered dietitian Maria Karalis, RD explains, “Victoza® is an injectable prescription medicine used to lower blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes. It is not approved by the FDA for weight loss. Having said that, Victoza has been shown to lead to weight loss in clinical studies; but not everyone lost weight, and some people actually gained weight. Victoza is used, in addition to diet and exercise, to treat type 2 diabetes and is not indicated for weight loss.”

Although Victoza itself is no longer available, generic Victoza can be obtained with a prescription.

How much weight can you lose on Victoza?

One study shows that people taking liraglutide, the main ingredient in Victoza, lost 5% to 10% of their body weight when paired with lifestyle changes.

One 20-week (about five months) clinical trial in The Lancet looked at how well liraglutide worked for weight loss. People taking liraglutide lost more weight than those who took either a placebo or orlistat—another weight loss medication.

How does Victoza work?

Think of Victoza as a copy of GLP-1, a hormone your body naturally produces. This natural hormone plays two key roles: it helps control blood sugar and signals to your brain when you're full. Because Victoza mimics this hormone, it can help with both diabetes management and weight loss.

But here's the thing—your body chemistry is unique. Some people may notice different results than others while taking Victoza, and some might not see the weight loss they were hoping for. Let's look at why this happens.

Why are you not losing weight on Victoza?

1. Your diet matters more than you think

Taking Victoza helps control your hunger, but the food you eat still plays a significant role in your weight loss. Eating high-calorie or ultraprocessed foods rich in salt, sugar, refined carbs, and trans fats can slow down your progress.

The importance of combining Victoza with healthy lifestyle choices is backed by research. In a two-year study of overweight adults, people who took liraglutide (the active ingredient in Victoza) while following a healthy diet and staying active maintained their weight loss over time and saw improvements in their heart health.

💡How can you make Victoza work better for you?

A great first step is tracking your meals in a food journal. Write down what and when you eat—no calorie counting needed. This simple habit helps you become more aware of what you eat and when. As you notice your eating patterns, you can make thoughtful changes to your diet.

Your meals should include a mix of nutritious foods that work together to keep you satisfied.

• Eat the rainbow: choose colorful vegetables like bright peppers and leafy greens
• Add lean proteins to each meal, such as chicken breast, fish, or beans to help you feel full
• Include small amounts of healthy fats from avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds
• When sweet cravings hit, try selecting fresh fruit to satisfy your taste buds naturally

“Weight loss is complicated and involves a healthy lifestyle, balanced and nutrient-dense meals, and the right type of exercise,” says Karalis, RD. “Enlisting the support of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) can aid in your weight loss efforts. An RDN will work with you to create a customized plan catered to your medical needs and lifestyle while promoting sustainable weight loss.”

Taking Victoza is just one part of your weight loss journey. Daily habits like regular exercise, managing stress, and getting quality sleep play important roles in reaching your weight loss goals.

2. Make exercise part of your routine

Regular physical activity makes your body's cells more responsive to insulin and helps control blood sugar levels. When you exercise, your muscles use both sugar and fat for energy, which helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and supports weight management.

Strength training is especially valuable—building and maintaining muscle helps your body process sugar more effectively and boosts your metabolism. Combined with aerobic activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, strength training creates a powerful foundation for better health.

💡Getting started (US CDC recommendations):

• Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity at least five days a week
• Include strength training exercises twice weekly
• Choose activities you enjoy—this helps you stick with them
• Start slowly and gradually increase your activity level

3. Stress affects your weight

Your body has a natural survival response to stress. When you experience prolonged stress, your body triggers a chain of events that can affect your blood sugar levels, metabolic health, and weight.

Short bursts of stress, like preparing for an important meeting, trigger your body to release stored sugar into your bloodstream. While this quick energy boost is natural, the problem develops with chronic stress—when daily pressures from work, relationships, or finances persist for weeks or months. This ongoing stress keeps your blood sugar elevated and can lead to insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes).

During periods of chronic stress, your body releases the stress hormone cortisol, which increases cravings for high-calorie comfort foods and promotes belly fat storage.

💡How to lower your stress

Take time each day for relaxation. Simple practices like deep breathing, meditation, or a quiet walk can help your body and mind stay balanced. If you're struggling to cope, consider working with a mental health counselor.

4. Poor sleep is linked to weight gain

Getting less than six hours of sleep can derail your weight loss efforts. Poor sleep affects your brain's response to food, making high-calorie treats more appealing and harder to resist. Research shows you might eat up to 350 extra calories the day after a poor night's sleep.

When you're tired, you're more likely to eat for emotional reasons—turning to food for comfort when feeling stressed, sad, or anxious. This often leads to choosing less healthy options like sweets and fast food.

💡Create a sleep routine that works for you

Create a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Quality sleep helps you make better food choices and stay focused on your health goals.

5. Underlying health conditions

Your body's hormones and overall health affect how you lose weight. Even with Victoza, certain health conditions can influence your weight loss progress, including:

• Thyroid disorders that impact your metabolism
• PCOS
• Other hormonal imbalances, such as leptin resistance

💡Addressing underlying health issues

If you have some of these health conditions, you may require additional attention and support. If you suspect an underlying condition, consult your healthcare provider for an evaluation. A weight loss dietitian can also help by adjusting your nutrition plan to work with your specific health challenges.

6. Is your dosage right?

Most people start Victoza at a lower dose to help their body adjust and reduce side effects. Your healthcare provider will likely increase your dose gradually based on how well you respond to the medication.

Give Victoza time to work—research shows people lost an average of 9 pounds over 7 months. If you've been on the same dose for several weeks without results, talk with your healthcare provider about possible adjustments.

💡Staying on schedule with your meds

Taking Victoza consistently matters. Create a daily routine by:

• Setting a phone reminder for your dose
• Keeping a medication log
• Taking it at the same time each day

Most people begin Victoza with a lower dose, which allows their body to adapt and minimizes side effects. Your healthcare provider may gradually increase your dose based on your progress and response to the medication.

Patience is important when you start taking Victoza because the medication takes time to work.

However, if you've been on a particular dose for several weeks without seeing results, discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate whether adjusting your dose might help.

Taking your medication consistently also plays a key role in your success. Missing doses can slow your progress. Creating a consistent medication routine can help. Set a reminder on your phone for your Victoza dose, and keep a medication log to help you stay on track.

7. Expectations vs. reality

It's natural to feel frustrated when the scale doesn't move as quickly as you'd like. Many people hope for dramatic results, but healthy, lasting weight loss usually happens gradually. Every person's journey with Victoza is different, shaped by their unique starting point, daily habits, and overall health.

Karalis, RD explains, “Working with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can transform your health journey by providing structure, support, and guidance, so you can make sustainable changes that lead to long-term wellness.”

Plus, your success shows up in many ways—not just on the scale.

💡Celebrate all your wins

Look beyond the scale to notice meaningful changes in your daily life:

• Having more energy throughout the day
• Better blood sugar readings
• Do your clothes fit differently?
• Feeling more comfortable during activities

Consider keeping a weekly journal of these victories—they're important signs that you're moving toward better health, even when weight loss feels slow.

Final thoughts: Why you’re not losing weight on Victoza

Victoza works best when paired with smart lifestyle choices and healthy habits. Your daily choices about food, exercise, sleep, and stress management work together with Victoza to support your weight loss goals.

If you’re not seeing the results you expect, consider working with a registered weight loss dietitian. A dietitian can help tailor your eating plan and offer personalized strategies to break through weight loss plateaus. With the right guidance, you can make progress toward your weight loss goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if Victoza is working?

Your doctor will look for specific improvements to know if Victoza is working effectively. One key indicator is your HbA1c level—a test that measures your average blood sugar over three months. Regular check-ups and weigh-ins with your healthcare provider help track these changes.

How do I maximize my weight loss on Victoza?

Your success with Victoza starts with consistency—both with your medication and healthy habits. Always take Victoza exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Schedule regular check-ins to monitor your progress and discuss any concerns.

Focus on balanced meals, regular exercise, and good sleep patterns. Working with a weight loss dietitian can help you create a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle.

How long does it take for Victoza to work for weight loss?

While Victoza is primarily approved for treating type 2 diabetes,  you may also experience weight loss while taking this medication. The amount and timing of weight loss can vary from person to person.

One clinical study shows that liraglutide, the active ingredient in Victoza, helped people lose an average of 9 pounds (4.1 kg) in 7 months.

Remember that these numbers are averages, and your results may be different. Taking Victoza regularly, following a healthy eating plan, and staying active can help support your weight loss goals. Talk with your healthcare provider about what results you might expect based on your personal health situation.

Not losing weight on Victoza? Find a weight loss dietitian who accepts your insurance.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.