Semaglutide vs. liraglutide for obesity: Effects on HbA1c, weight, and costs

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Created On: 12/11/2025

Semaglutide and liraglutide are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) widely prescribed for obesity and type 2 diabetes care.

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Key take away

Semaglutide (1 mg once weekly) achieves greater weight loss, larger HbA1c reduction, and lower treatment costs than liraglutide (3 mg daily) in obese prediabetic and diabetic patients.

Background

Semaglutide and liraglutide are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) widely prescribed for obesity and type 2 diabetes care. This study sought to compare the clinical and economic outcomes of once-weekly semaglutide 1 mg vs. once-daily liraglutide 3 mg among obese prediabetic and diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia using real-world data.

Method

A retrospective analysis was performed using electronic medical records. Eligible volunteers had received either semaglutide or liraglutide for at least 12 months. Individuals with major comorbidities (like cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke) or incomplete baseline data were excluded. Key outcomes encompassed changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, and direct healthcare costs.

Result

A total of 200 patients (100 on Semaglutide and 100 on Liraglutide) met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 48.5 years and 65.5% being female. Those treated with semaglutide exhibited greater reduction in weight and HbA1c when compared with liraglutide, as shown in Table 1:

Semaglutide was also linked with lower treatment costs (USD −1264.76) and demonstrated superior cost-effectiveness, with over 95% of bootstrap simulations supporting greater reductions in weight (−2.22 kg) and HbA1c (−0.77%).

Conclusion

Once-weekly semaglutide 1 mg proved to be more effective and economically favorable than once-daily liraglutide 3 mg for managing obesity, prediabetes, and diabetes.