Liraglutide Medical Weight Loss in Portland, Oregon

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A Trusted Alternative to Semaglutide (Wegovy®) and Tirzepatide (Zepbound™)

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If you’re looking for an effective weight loss medication but can’t tolerate or can’t afford brand-name GLP-1 options like Wegovy® (semaglutide) or Zepbound™ (tirzepatide), liraglutide may be an excellent alternative.

Liraglutide is the active ingredient in Saxenda®, a once-daily GLP-1 injection that works by mimicking a natural hormone involved in appetite regulation, metabolism, and blood sugar control. At Full Potential HRT Clinic in Portland, we prescribe compounded liraglutide as a flexible and accessible option for patients who need a different approach — whether due to cost, side effects, or personal preference.

This page explains how liraglutide works, how it compares to other GLP-1 medications, and how we personalize your weight loss treatment based on your hormone profile, goals, and long-term success.

Why Most Diets Fail—and What Actually Works

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If you’re struggling to lose weight despite doing everything “right,” you’re not alone. Millions of people are fighting a losing battle with weight because the real cause is often ignored: a hormone imbalance.

Clinical studies on Saxenda® (liraglutide) have shown that many people who are overweight or obese—and who haven’t succeeded with diet and exercise alone—are actually suffering from a deficiency of a key peptide hormone: GLP-1.

GLP-1 helps regulate appetite, metabolism, digestion, and blood sugar. When your body doesn’t produce enough of it—or your receptors don’t respond properly—weight loss becomes much harder, no matter how disciplined you are.

That’s why liraglutide works so well. It’s a GLP-1 receptor agonist that restores hormone function and helps the body respond as it’s meant to. In that sense, it’s a form of hormone replacement therapy for weight loss—similar to how we treat low testosterone or thyroid deficiency.

At Full Potential HRT Clinic in Portland, we prescribe compounded liraglutide as an affordable, effective alternative to brand-name options like Wegovy® or Zepbound™. This daily GLP-1 therapy has helped many patients break through plateaus, reduce cravings, and finally start losing weight—without crash diets or gimmicks.

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Why Hormone-Based Medical Weight Loss Works

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Just like testosterone deficiency or menopause can’t be reversed through diet and lifestyle alone, GLP-1 deficiencies require medical support. By restoring this critical hormone, liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda®) helps:

• Reduce appetite and cravings

• Improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity

• Promote fat loss while preserving lean mass

• Support long-term weight maintenance

At our Portland clinic, we tailor every weight loss program to your hormone profile, goals, and overall health — using compounded liraglutide and other proven tools to help you succeed safely and sustainably.

 

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How Liraglutide Works

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GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a key hormone involved in appetite regulation, insulin production, and metabolic function. When GLP-1 levels are low—or your body doesn’t respond to it properly—weight loss becomes much more difficult.

GLP-1 helps your body:

• Signal fullness to the brain after eating

• Slow stomach emptying to keep you satisfied longer

• Improve insulin release to manage blood sugar

• Reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure

Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda®, mimics GLP-1 and helps correct this deficiency. It works by restoring the body’s natural mechanisms for managing appetite, metabolism, and blood sugar — making weight loss more achievable and sustainable.

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What About Other Medications?

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While liraglutide (the generic form of Saxenda®) is an excellent option for many patients, it isn’t the right fit for everyone. Some individuals may experience side effects, others may not see the results they hoped for, and for some, even compounded GLP-1 medications may not be necessary long-term.

At Full Potential HRT Clinic, we also offer semaglutide (Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Zepbound™) through direct-to-manufacturer prescriptions. However, for patients who don’t tolerate those weekly injectables or are seeking a more cost-effective solution, liraglutide and several other medications can be highly effective alternatives — especially when supported by personalized care, hormone optimization, and lifestyle coaching.

These alternatives are ideal for patients who:

• Do not tolerate semaglutide, tirzepatide, or liraglutide

• Cannot afford brand-name GLP-1 medications

• Do not respond well to GLP-1s

• Are transitioning off active treatment and entering a maintenance phase

Additional prescription options include:

• Tesofensine – powerful appetite and metabolism booster

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – mood-enhancing appetite suppressant

• Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) – supports metabolism and reduces cravings

• Compounded liraglutide – our most affordable GLP-1 option, taken daily

These treatments are available through our lower-cost membership and can be tailored to your goals as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan.

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Learn more about Semaglutide (Wegovy®) and Tirzepatide (Zepbound™) Medical Weight Loss in Portland, Oregon

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Liraglutide Medical Weight Loss Membership at Our Portland Clinic

Step 1 – Liraglutide Medical Weight Loss Evaluation & Consultation

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Our medical weight loss program begins with a comprehensive evaluation to uncover the root causes behind your challenges with weight gain or difficulty losing weight. This includes a full review of your medical history, a physical exam with body measurements, body composition analysis, and lab testing.

Based on this assessment, we create a personalized treatment plan that may include compounded liraglutide (the generic form of Saxenda®)—especially for patients who either don’t tolerate semaglutide or tirzepatide, or who are looking for a more affordable alternative. If liraglutide isn’t the right fit, we’ll discuss other options such as tesofensine, bupropion, or low-dose naltrexone (LDN), each with its own lower-cost membership path.

Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives the safest, most effective, and most sustainable weight loss strategy for their individual needs.

New to Our Clinic? Here’s What to Expect with Liraglutide Weight Loss Treatment

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Learn more about Testosterone & Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men
Learn more about Testosterone & Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

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Already a Patient? Here’s How to Get Started with Liraglutide Weight Loss Treatment

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Step 2 – Active Medical Weight Loss with Liraglutide

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Our approach to medical weight loss with liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda®) is built on years of success helping patients not just lose weight—but keep it off.

We design every plan to be comprehensive and personalized. Your doctor may prescribe compounded liraglutide alone or alongside other medications, supplements, or supportive therapies. We always incorporate realistic diet and lifestyle guidance tailored to your needs.

Our goal is to identify and treat the true root causes of weight gain—so you can achieve long-term, sustainable success.

Step 3 – Maintain Your Medical Weight Loss with Liraglutide

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Once a patient reaches their target or healthy weight, their provider will help determine whether it’s time to fully discontinue liraglutide—or transition into our Maintain Medical Weight Loss Membership.

Over the past few years, we’ve found that patients have the most long-term success when they gradually taper their dose over 6 to 12 months while continuing to monitor their weight and progress.

This slower weaning process makes it far more likely they’ll be able to maintain their results after stopping the medication.

Patients who are also on testosterone or hormone replacement therapy (TRT or HRT) often have an even easier time keeping the weight off after discontinuation, thanks to improved metabolic balance.

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Step 4 – Discontinue Liraglutide Safely and Successfully

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One thing that makes our approach to medical weight loss truly different is our long-term goal: to help you successfully discontinue medication while keeping the weight off for good.

We achieve this by prescribing liraglutide as part of a broader, customized treatment plan that also addresses hormonal imbalances, nutritional gaps, and lifestyle factors that may have contributed to weight gain in the first place.

If you ever begin to regain weight after stopping medication, you’re always welcome to restart treatment. In most cases, if it’s been less than 12 months since you completed our Maintain Medical Weight Loss Membership, you won’t need to repeat the full evaluation process.

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Why Our Medical Weight Loss Program Succeeds Where Others Fall Short

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Ready to Start? Schedule Your Liraglutide Weight Loss Evaluation Today

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Below are some of the most common questions we hear from patients considering liraglutide or other medical weight loss options at our Portland clinic. If you’re wondering how it all works, what it costs, or what kind of results to expect — you’re in the right place.

How do I get started?

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To get started, simply schedule your Initial Liraglutide Medical Weight Loss Evaluation & Consultation. During this visit, your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, assess your body composition, and order comprehensive bloodwork to evaluate factors like hormone levels, metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and more. From there, we create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique profile.
📞 Call 971-438-2700 or schedule online here →

How much does liraglutide cost?

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We offer compounded liraglutide as an affordable alternative to brand-name GLP-1 medications. This medication is prescribed as a 15 mg/mL, 3 mL vial for $200.

Most patients use 1–2 vials per month, depending on their dose and tolerability. The maximum effective dose is typically 2 vials per month. This means the monthly cost ranges from $200 to $400.

At Full Potential HRT Clinic, we order the medication directly from our compounding pharmacy and either:

• Ship it to the patient’s home, or

• Have it delivered to our clinic for pickup — based on the patient’s preference.

This compounded version offers a lower-cost path for patients who are unable to tolerate or afford brand-name GLP-1 options like Wegovy® or Zepbound™.

Do you accept insurance?

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No — Full Potential HRT Clinic is a 100% cash-pay concierge medical clinic. We do not accept or work with insurance for any reason. This allows us to provide premium care without restrictions, delays, or surprise denials. Many patients choose to use HSA or FSA funds.

Do you use brand-name or compounded versions?

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For semaglutide and tirzepatide, we only prescribe FDA-approved brand-name medications (Wegovy® and Zepbound™), typically sent directly to the manufacturer via Surescripts for the lowest available cash-pay pricing.

However, for patients who don’t tolerate those medications or can’t afford brand-name GLP-1 options, we offer compounded liraglutide (the generic form of Saxenda®) as a more accessible alternative. This version is available through a trusted compounding pharmacy and dispensed in a daily injection format.

Compounded liraglutide and other medications like tesofensine, bupropion, and LDN are available under a separate, lower-cost membership plan.

How much weight will I lose?

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Results vary, but in clinical trials of liraglutide (Saxenda®), patients lost an average of 8%–10% of their body weight over the course of about one year.

Your individual results will depend on factors like your starting weight, metabolic health, hormone levels, adherence to the medication, and any lifestyle or dietary changes you implement along the way.

At Full Potential HRT Clinic, we’ve seen many patients experience meaningful improvements in weight, energy, and overall health within the first 3–6 months of treatment — especially when liraglutide is combined with hormone optimization, nutritional support, and consistent follow-up care.

Compared to semaglutide (Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Zepbound™), liraglutide tends to produce slower or more modest results for most people. This is because liraglutide has a shorter half-life, meaning it doesn’t stay active in your system as long, and its appetite-suppressing effects are typically less potent. However, it can still be a very effective option — especially for those who don’t tolerate the stronger GLP-1s or need a more affordable alternative.

Will I regain weight when I stop taking the medication?

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Not necessarily. At Full Potential, we’ve developed a structured weaning process to help you maintain your results after stopping liraglutide. We taper your dose gradually over several months while continuing to monitor your weight, body composition, lab results, and overall well-being.

Many patients are able to keep the weight off long-term — especially those who make sustainable lifestyle changes and address underlying issues like hormone imbalance, insulin resistance, or inflammation.

Patients who are also on hormone replacement therapy — including testosterone (TRT), estrogen/progesterone (HRT), thyroid hormone, or growth hormone support — often find it even easier to maintain their results after stopping the medication due to better metabolic balance and improved energy levels.

What if I don’t tolerate liraglutide?

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If you experience side effects or find that liraglutide isn’t a good fit, we offer several other evidence-based weight loss treatments that may be better tolerated or more effective for your needs. These include:

• Tesofensine – a powerful appetite suppressant and fat-burner

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – supports mood and reduces cravings

• Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) – helps regulate metabolism and reduce inflammation

• Brand-name GLP-1 medications like Wegovy® (semaglutide) or Zepbound™ (tirzepatide), when tolerated and affordable

In addition, many patients benefit from hormone therapies such as:

• TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy)

• HRT (Estrogen and Progesterone Therapy)

• Thyroid hormone optimization or replacement therapy

• Growth hormone optimization or support

These therapies are often well-tolerated and can significantly improve metabolic function, energy, and fat loss — especially when used as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan.

We do not routinely prescribe medications like phentermine-topiramate or orlistat, due to higher rates of side effects, limited long-term success, and potential safety concerns. Our goal is always to help you lose weight safely, sustainably, and in a way that supports your overall health.

How long does it take for liraglutide to work?

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Most patients begin to notice changes in appetite, cravings, or portion sizes within the first 1–2 weeks of starting liraglutide. Meaningful weight loss typically begins by the 4–6 week mark and continues gradually over time.

Because liraglutide is a daily medication with a shorter half-life than weekly GLP-1s like semaglutide or tirzepatide, results may come on a bit more slowly — but the progress is still consistent when paired with the right support.

We titrate your dose carefully to reduce side effects and help your body adjust, supporting both safety and long-term success.

What are the common side effects?

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The most common side effects of liraglutide include:

• Nausea

• Bloating or gas

• Constipation

• Fatigue

• Decreased appetite

These symptoms are often mild and tend to improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Our doctors may prescribe supportive treatments to improve tolerability and help you reach your target dose safely and comfortably, without unnecessary setbacks.

How is Liraglutide Taken?

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Liraglutide is taken as a once-daily subcutaneous injection (just under the skin), usually administered in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Unlike semaglutide or tirzepatide, which are long-acting and given weekly, liraglutide has a shorter half-life — so it must be taken daily to maintain consistent effects.

The medication is titrated slowly over time to help reduce side effects and improve tolerability. Most patients start at a low dose and gradually increase to a therapeutic level over several weeks, based on how well they respond.

Our team will show you exactly how to perform the injection and provide tips to make it easy, safe, and comfortable — whether you’re administering it at home or picking up your medication from the clinic.

How is liraglutide different from semaglutide and tirzepatide?

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Liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide are all part of the same class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help regulate appetite, metabolism, and blood sugar. However, there are a few important differences:

• Dosing frequency:
   - Liraglutide must be injected daily
   - Semaglutide (Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Zepbound™) are weekly injections
   This means liraglutide requires more frequent dosing to maintain consistent effects.

• Duration of action:
   Liraglutide has a shorter half-life, so it doesn’t stay in your system as long. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are longer-acting, which often leads to more consistent appetite control and metabolic effects.

• Potency:
   In clinical studies, semaglutide and tirzepatide tend to result in greater weight loss than liraglutide. Tirzepatide is generally considered the most potent, as it mimics two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), while liraglutide and semaglutide mimic only GLP-1.

• Cost and access:
   Liraglutide is often available in compounded form, making it a more affordable option for patients who can’t access or tolerate the brand-name weekly medications.

Each of these medications can be effective, and the right choice depends on your goals, tolerance, budget, and overall health. We’ll help you find the option that works best for you.

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Still have questions? Visit our full Weight Loss FAQ page for in-depth answers about safety, alternatives, tapering, clinical results, and more.

Important Medical & Legal Notes About Treatment

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• We do not dispense or administer any medication without a valid prescription and an established doctor–patient relationship.
  For us, this includes an in-person office visit and full medical evaluation.

• Liraglutide is prescribed in compounded form only.
  It is offered to patients who cannot tolerate or afford brand-name GLP-1 medications like Wegovy® or Zepbound®. While compounded liraglutide is not FDA-approved, it is legally used in medical practice when clinically appropriate.

• This treatment works best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
  We strongly encourage improvements in nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management as part of your overall weight loss plan.

• Results vary.
  Weight loss outcomes are not guaranteed. While many patients do well with liraglutide, results depend on dose, adherence, underlying health, and lifestyle changes.

• Prescription & Pharmacy Policy:
  We prescribe compounded liraglutide through a trusted compounding pharmacy. Patients may choose to have the medication shipped to their home or picked up at our clinic.
  We do not send the same prescription to more than one pharmacy. You must choose a single pharmacy for each fill or refill.

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Ready to Start? Schedule Your Liraglutide Weight Loss Evaluation Today

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