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Liraglutide prescription for weight loss

Liraglutide injections can aid in weight loss while helping to control high blood sugar and reduce the risk of heart conditions. Safe for those with type-2 diabetes.

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Calibrate doctors prescribe GLP-1 medications like liraglutide to support weight loss. GLP-1s help regulate the body’s set point—the weight our bodies fight to maintain. Liraglutide is one of the GLP-1 prescription weight loss medications used in Calibrate’s program in combination with 1:1 accountability coaching and a holistic curriculum to help individuals with a BMI over 30 (or 27+ with a pre-existing condition like diabetes) lose weight safely and sustainably. 

What to Know About Liraglutide Medication

What is liraglutide? Liraglutide belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1s), which were first introduced in 2005 to treat diabetes. Liraglutide is sold under the brand names Saxenda® and Victoza®, and has been FDA-approved for weight loss since 2014. Liraglutide is taken as a small daily injection, which most Calibrate members report being easy and pain-free. Liraglutide can be injected into the upper arm, stomach, or thigh.

How Liraglutide Helps to Manage Weight

GLP-1 medications like liraglutide support weight loss because they address the underlying biology that is most important for weight loss. ​​GLP-1s themselves are powerful, naturally occurring hormones in your body that send signals to your brain to improve your metabolic function and regulate your appetite and digestion so that you feel fuller longer. The GLP-1 medications that Calibrate doctors prescribe work on the same receptors as the natural GLP-1 hormones. GLP-1 medications like liraglutide also help to regulate blood sugar levels and insulin by assisting the pancreas in releasing insulin as needed. When liraglutide is introduced to these pancreatic beta-cells, insulin is released to combat high blood sugar levels.

When insulin is released, it helps move blood sugar throughout the body, so it can then be used for energy. Liraglutide can also help decrease appetite because it slows the speed at which the stomach empties. As such, it can promote sustainable weight loss. One study found that those using liraglutide lost approximately 5% to 10% of their body weight, compared to those who did not use the medication. Calibrate’s One-Year Metabolic Reset combines GLP-1 medications like liraglutide with 1:1 accountability coaching around incremental lifestyle changes to help you lose at least 10% of your body weight in the first six months. The next six months focus on sustaining that weight loss. 

Calibrate members have lost an average of 14% of their body weight—out-performing clinical studies—thanks to the combination of GLP-1 medications, coaching, and a holistic curriculum supporting sustainable habit change across the Four Pillars of metabolic health: food, sleep, exercise, and emotional health.

Backed by science   •   Backed by science   •   

Calibrate's Program and Liraglutide

When you join Calibrate, you will start with a Metabolic Health Assessment, a 30-minute video visit where your Calibrate doctor will walk you through a comprehensive health intake and lab work. Your Calibrate doctor will prescribe the most clinically appropriate and GLP-1 medication for you and our support team will help ensure it is covered by your insurance.

Liraglutide Pricing through Calibrate

Calibrate is able to work with the vast majority of commercial or employer insurance plans to get the cost of your medication covered. For those who are eligible for our program, we offer a Medication Coverage guarantee, which states that if your doctor-prescribed GLP-1 medication is more than $25 a month after your deductible has been met, you’re eligible for a refund. For injectable medications like liraglutide, you may also need to pay approximately $10 per month for equipment, in addition to the $25 per month cost cap.

Note that while medication and lab work are covered by insurance, the rest of Calibrate’s One-Year Metabolic Reset Program is not covered by insurance, but can be paid by HSA/FSA funds or financed monthly through our payment partner Affirm. If you change your mind about your Metabolic Health Assessment or One-Year Metabolic reset, you can request a full refund within 48 hours. For a full breakdown of Calibrate’s refund policy, see our pricing page.

Is liraglutide medication right for me?

During your Metabolic Health Assessment, your Calibrate doctor will prescribe the most clinically appropriate GLP-1 medication covered by your insurance. If liraglutide is right for you, you’ll be prescribed one of two name brands: Saxenda® or Victoza®. Regardless of which GLP-1 you are prescribed, we’re confident you will lose at least 10% of your body weight if you complete the Calibrate program. 

How do I take liraglutide?

Liraglutide is taken on a daily basis via injection. Each injection should be administered around the same time every day, following the instructions provided by your Calibrate doctor. You may choose whether to administer your liraglutide injection with or without food. If you happen to miss a dose, wait until the next day and do not take two doses at once.

Store liraglutide pens in the refrigerator and keep them at temperatures between 36°F to 46°. While you’re using liraglutide pens, they may be stored either in the refrigerator or at room temperature and kept away from direct light and heat. You should dispose of liraglutide pens after 30 days once they’ve been used.

Is liraglutide safe?

GLP-1 medications like liraglutide are safe and effective for long-term use, and are stimulant-free and non-habit forming. The liraglutide medication, Saxenda®, has been FDA-approved for weight loss for patients 12 years or older since 2014.

What are the side effects of liraglutide class drugs?

Liraglutide side effects are rare, and fewer than 5% of members report them. For those who do, the most common side effects are: 

*Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea 

*Rash and allergic reaction

*Low blood pressure

*Stomach discomfort, constipation, and loss of appetite

*Headache, dizziness, and tiredness

If you experience side effects, the Calibrate Medical Team is on call to support you and answer questions. If you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, an accelerated heartbeat, or trouble breathing or swallowing, seek emergency care immediately. 

What should I avoid while using liraglutide?

When taking liraglutide, you should avoid: 

*Other GLP-1 medications

*Other weight loss products including diet pills and appetite suppressants 

*Sharing injection pens or needles with others

Liraglutide is not approved for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

It is important to discuss any medications you are currently taking with your Calibrate doctor before beginning your liraglutide prescription.

DESIGNED FOR BIOLOGY. NOT WILLPOWER.

Calibrate’s One-Year Metabolic Reset is designed to help you sustainably improve metabolic health and lose 10% or more of your body weight through prescription weight loss medication (GLP-1s), 1:1 accountability coaching, and simple lifestyle changes.

VIDEO DOCTOR VISIT

Meet with a Calibrate doctor over a 30-minute, 1:1 video appointment for an in-depth review of your health history, lab work,  and medication options.

FDA-APPROVED PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

Your Calibrate doctor will prescribe the best and most clinically appropriate prescription medication for you that’s covered by your insurance.

1:1 ACCOUNTABILITY COACHING

Your accountability coach will help you make gradual changes across the Four Pillars of Metabolic Health: food, sleep, exercise, and emotional health.

Get Started Today

Backed by science   •   Backed by science   •   

THE MEDICATION

What are the medications? Calibrate doctors prescribe medications called GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1s) because research shows that, in combination with coaching and lifestyle change, GLP-1s are the most effective and safe long-term option for weight loss.

How do they work? GLP-1s are powerful, naturally occurring hormones in your body that send signals to your brain to improve your metabolic function and regulate your digestion so that you feel fuller longer. The GLP-1 medications that Calibrate doctors prescribe work on the same receptors as the natural GLP-1 hormones.

What are my medication options? All GLP-1s are FDA-approved and have been prescribed for weight loss for more than seven years. Wegovy™ is a higher dose of existing semaglutides Ozempic® and Rybelsus®. Other GLP-1s Calibrate doctors prescribe include liraglutide (Saxenda), and duaglutide (Trulicity).

Semaglutide (Wegovy™, Ozempic®, Rybelsus®)

Liraglutide (Saxenda®, Victoza®)

Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)

WE NAVIGATE INSURANCE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO

You'll pay for the membership cost and any out-of-pocket costs for medication. We'll work with your insurance to get your GLP-1 medication covered at $25 or less per month.

WHAT YOU’LL PAY = MEMBERSHIP COST: $138/mo + COST OF MEDICATION: $25/mo or less

MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:

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Video appointments and ongoing care with your Medical Team

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1:1 accountability coaching sessions to help you change how you eat, move, sleep and feel

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Free Welcome Kit with smart scale, blood pressure monitor, and swag

MEDICATION:

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We'll partner with your insurance to make sure your GLP-1 medication costs you $25 or less per month.*

*Your exact out of pocket cost will depend on your insurance plan. If you have a high deductible health plan, you'll need to pay through the deductible before your medications are covered by your plan.

In the rare case that you are not satisfied with your plan's medication coverage, Calibrate can end your program and issue a refund. See our refund policy for full details.

Member Stories

Here’s what our members say about their new day-to-day with Calibrate.

THE CALIBRATE DIFFERENCE

Our science-backed program combines prescription medication with virtual doctor visits, 1:1 accountability coaching, and a comprehensive curriculum to change the way you eat, sleep, exercise, and feel–for a metabolic reset that lasts.

Our Medical Leadership Team

Calibrate’s Clinical Advisors and Medical Team are some of the top weight and metabolic health experts and scientific researchers in the country.

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