Last updated: 21-08-2024
Saxenda helps people lose weight by copying the natural appetite regulating hormones. The GLP-1 hormone controls hunger and blood sugar levels.
This weight loss drug acts like GLP-1 to manage appetite and reduce calories consumed. It also makes the stomach empty slower, helping users feel full for longer and stop overeating. For this reason, Saxenda is classified as a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
However, Saxenda alone will not aid in weight loss. To bear maximum results, pair it with a balanced diet, regular exercise and a healthy living.
In this article, we will explore Saxenda in detail, how it works, its benefits, mode of administration, and side effects.
Keep reading for more.
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda, a weight loss medicine that helps people lose weight and keep it off. It works for both obese and overweight adults who want to drop some pounds.
The main ingredient in Saxenda is liraglutide, which acts like the body's natural appetite hormone GLP1, to cut down on how much you eat.
Saxenda is consumed via injection pens that come in different doses. It was the first drug of its type to get the approval from the FDA to manage weight.
How Saxenda work?
Saxenda helps manage your weight by lowering appetite. It works by slowing gastric emptying which makes you feel full for extended periods,leading to a decrease in calorie intake.
By mimicking the function of GLP-1 hormone, Saxenda also helps control blood sugar and insulin levels, further slowing digestion. Therefore, Saxenda is classified among GLP-1 agonists.
How does Saxenda help with weight loss?
Numerous clinical trials have proven the effectiveness of Saxenda. These trials were carried out on more than 4,500 people dealing with being overweight or obese.
One study showed that 34% of users with a body mass index between 27 and 29.9 lost at least 5% of their initial weight.
Similarly, 63% of adults with a BMI of 38 lost at least 5% of their weight by using Saxenda for 3-6 months.
On average, people lose 5-10% of initial body weight within 3-6 months of using Saxenda. For instance, if someone weighing 200 pounds might lose 10-20 pounds. Saxenda has helped people lose 2-3 times more weight than other prescribed medications like Contrave, Qsymia, or Orlistat.
However, weight loss is directly related to the dose. A higher dose will result in more significant weight loss, and vice versa. Consuming the prescribed dosage of Saxenda is important to attain full weight loss benefits.
How does Saxenda work in the brain?
Saxenda controls hunger by signaling feelings of fullness to the brain. It leads to weight loss by reducing hunger and preventing overeating.
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It activates satiety (feelings of fullness) regions of our brain. Saxenda activates neurons (nerve cells) in the hypothalamus leading to reduced food intake.
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Potentially alters dopamine levels. Saxenda changes the chemical messenger, dopamine's activity in the brain. Dopamine is responsible for igniting cravings and reward-driven eating.
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Regulating satiety hormones. Saxenda signals gut hormones including GLP-1, leptin and PYY.
Therefore, Saxenda enhances fullness signals, helping you eat less and achieve weight loss in no time.
What are the effects of Saxenda on the body?
Saxenda contains Liraglutide, which plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and digestion. After eating, GLP-1 is released from our intestine and travels to the brain signaling, “I’m full. It’s time to stop eating!” It eventually regulates our food intake and calorie management.
When injected, Saxenda binds to specific receptors in the bloodstream. It helps manage appetite, reduce hunger and cravings, and prolongs the feeling of fullness by slowing down digestion.
Additionally, Saxenda also aids in better glucose management by enhancing the insulin response when blood sugar levels are high.
The natural GLP-1 is short-lived and lasts for only a few minutes. Whereas, Saxenda’s effect lasts for 24 hours, making it an effective once a day injection to consume.
Does Saxenda affect metabolism?
Saxenda has a notable influence on metabolism. Few studies indicate that it increases resting energy expenditure, supporting additional calorie burning and contributing to weight loss.
Saxenda also promotes fat utilization as fuel, enhancing fat-burning processes.
However, Saxenda’s primary strength lies in its ability to help individuals manage appetite, making the weight loss journey more manageable. While it may have some metabolic effects, its main purpose is to decrease calorie intake rather than significantly alter metabolism.
Will Saxenda help me to keep the weight off?
It is important to ponder whether your weight loss will be maintained if you stop taking Saxenda. Research suggests that Saxenda has positive long-term effects.
For example, in a 56-week trial, participants who continued using Saxenda lost more weight as compared to those who stopped after 32 weeks.
However, discontinuing Saxenda may lead to some weight regain. It is important to keep a healthy lifestyle and avoid junk and greasy foods when you stop taking Saxenda.
The impacts of Saxenda are more effective if you support it with a balanced diet, behavior therapy and regular physical activity to keep weight off over the long term.
What is the best way to take Saxenda?
Saxenda is typically given once a day, but it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the exact dosage.
Here are some tips for taking Saxenda effectively:
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Start from a low dose, like 0.6 mg daily, and gradually increase it each week to minimize side effects.
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Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 64 ounces of water per day.
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Follow proper injection techniques, rotating injection sites (such as the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) daily.
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Adopt a healthy lifestyle; start exercise, take low-calorie diet and behavior changes to boost weight loss.
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Keep a track of your weight by preparing a log of waist circumference, doses and side effects that you experience.
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Regularly visit your doctor and keep him updated with your progress, side effects and dosage adjustment.
At Click Pharmacy, our expert team will guide you regarding Saxenda consumption, administration and precautions.
Comparing Saxenda to other weight loss medications
Saxenda shares similarities and differences with other weight loss medications. Here are key points of consideration between Saxenda and other medications.
Saxenda vs Wegovy
Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists, but Wegovy contains a higher dose of semaglutide compared to Saxenda’s liraglutide. Wegovy may lead to faster weight loss, but also has a higher rate of side effects.
Saxenda vs Victoza
Victoza has the same active ingredient (liraglutide) as Saxenda, but advisable at a lower dose. Both medications are injectable once a day. Further, Saxenda has a higher weight loss success rate as compared to Victoza.
Saxenda vs Ozempic
Unlike Saxenda, Ozempic is not an FDA-approved medication for weight loss. Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist, primarily used for type-2 Diabetes.
Saxenda vs Contrave, Qsymia and Xenical
Contrave, Qsymia and Xenical are weight loss tablets, whereas Saxenda is an injectable medication. Some studies suggest that Saxenda is more effective as compared to oral weight loss medications.
Common side effects of Saxenda
Like all medications, Saxenda has its side effects. If you experience any complications for quite some time, contact your doctor immediately.
The most common side effects of Saxenda include the following.
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Nausea – about 40% patients experience it, however it fades away within 4-8 weeks.
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Diarrhea – second most reported side effect is diarrhea as 20% patients have experienced it. Increase water intake to ease out diarrhea.
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Constipation – Approximately 19% of patients experience it. Increasing fiber intake can relieve constipation.
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Vomiting – 15% patients feel vomiting especially during early weeks of consuming Saxenda. Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing can help.
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Headache – roughly 13% patients report headache, usually mild and temporary.
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Dizziness – around 7% patients experience dizziness when taking Saxenda, taking at bedtime is better.