Saxenda Vs Orlistat: Which Weight Loss Medication Is Right For You

Last updated: 02-09-2024

Orlistat and Saxenda are popular medications, helping you lose weight when lifestyle changes like low-fat diet and exercise have gone ineffective.

Both medications are highly effective but work differently. Similarly, both have their pros and cons. Therefore, it is important to take only the one that suits your metabolism.

While Orlistat got FDA approval back in 1999, Saxenda is a recent addition to weight loss prescription medicine that got FDA approval in 2014.

Saxenda uses appetite-regulating hormones to lower your body weight, whereas Orlistat reduces weight by allowing fat to pass straight through your digestive system.

This article covers important insights into Saxenda vs Orlistat, their pharmacodynamics, comparison, side effects and administration.

What is Saxenda and how does it work?

Saxenda is a subcutaneous injection that helps you shed extra pounds by giving a feeling of fullness for longer than usual. Its active ingredient is liraglutide, which is a synthetic version of GLP-1 hormone. This hormone controls our appetite by directly regulating hunger pangs and empties the stomach slowly.

It comes in the form of an injection pen, prescribed once-a-day. When injected, liraglutide sends signals of fullness to the body via the brain, thus reducing your calorie intake and subsequently supporting your weight loss journey.

Saxenda typically starts to bear results after the first week of medication. Weight loss does not happen overnight, thus you must wait for medicine to start showing results.

What is Orlistat and how does it work?

Orlistat, the active ingredient, works by altering the digestive system's enzymes to aid in weight loss. In the stomach, it prevents gastric and pancreatic lipase enzymes from binding to fat molecules, thereby inhibiting the absorption of fats into the body.

This process helps you keep new fat off your body by preventing additional fat storage. Meanwhile, it allows your body to burn existing fat for energy, maintaining a healthy body fat level.

The recommended dose of Orlistst is 120 mg, taken thrice a day, before, during or after the meal. For optimal results, it's essential to follow a low-fat diet, limiting daily fat intake to 30% of total calories. Orlistat typically starts working within 1-3 months, supporting weight loss efforts.

Saxenda vs Orlistat : A comparison

Orlistat vs Saxenda is best described if we look at both medicines side-by-side. The following comparison highlights the main similarities and differences between Orlistat and Saxenda.

Name	Saxenda	Orlistat
Brand Name	Saxenda	Xenical, Alli
Form	Injection	Pill
Effectiveness	5.4% weight loss in 12 months	2.9% weight loss in 12 months
Function	Makes you feel full	Reduces absorbed fats
Key Ingredient	Liraglutide	Orlistat
Drug Interactions	Diabetes medications	Blood thinners, HIV medications, ritonavir
Major Side Effects	Thyroid tumours, depression, dizziness, rash or itching	Upper stomach pain, nausea, dark urine, yellow eyes or skin

How do you take Saxenda?

Saxenda is taken once a day in the form of injection. You can take it any time of day as long as the dose is consistent. It is injected subcutaneously into your stomach, upper leg or upper arm. To minimize the risk of reaction, it is advisable to keep changing the injection site.

Generally, Saxenda is started with 0.6 mg and increases it by the same quantity every week. Whereas the maximum recommended dosage is 3 mg.

Here is a guideline for different age groups.

Adults: Maximum recommended dose is 3 mg for individuals with excess weight (BMI >27).
Teenagers: 12-17 years old having a weight above 132 pounds can use Saxenda based on recommendation by their doctor.
Children: Saxenda is not recommended for children below 10 years.

How do you take Orlistat?

Orlistat is recommended three times a day orally. You can have it before the meal and an hour after the meal.

Adults: Can take a pill of 120 mg and should not exceed this limit.
Teenagers: Like adults, teenagers can also have a maximum of 120mg dose.
Children: Doctors should recommend the dose for children under 12 years as it depends on multiple individual factors.

Side effects of Saxenda

Like all other medications, Saxenda carries a risk of side effects.

Common Side Effects

Constipation & Diarrhoea
Headaches
Vomiting
Nausea
Stomach Pain

Serious side effects

The severe side effects are:

Thyroid tumour risk
Acute pancreatitis
Gallbladder disease

Side effects of Orlistat

Orlistat has the following common side effects.

Normal side effects

Diarrhoea
Headaches
Nausea
Bladder Pain
Loss of Appetite

Severe side effects

Severe side effects include:

Liver problems
Kidney problems
Blood in urine

Can you take Orlistat and Saxenda together?

Although there are no serious contradictions between Saxenda and Orlistat, we strongly recommend not to consume these two together. While many individuals see it as a fast weight loss treatment, it is essential to note that this is not accurate.

The chances of experiencing unwanted side effects are much higher than losing weight when taking both medicines at the same time. The best way to lose weight quickly is to stick to one medicine only and support it with a healthy lifestyle.

Which is better for weight loss?

Saxenda vs Orlistat is a common question among weight loss enthusiasts. Since both medicines ensure weight loss and have its pros and cons, thus it becomes difficult to choose between the two.

However, the decision depends on your body metrics. It is better to consult your medical practitioner for recommendations. They will need to examine your current state, medical history before suggesting you either Orlistat or Saxenda.

Moreover, lifestyle factors like ability to inject Saxenda daily or likelihood of taking low fat meals when taking Orlistat are also important to consider.

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