Will Saxenda Help Me Lose Weight?

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda, known by its generic name liraglutide, is a medication primarily used for weight management. It is specifically approved for adults who meet certain criteria based on their body mass index (BMI) and health conditions. There are two primary eligibility groups for its use:

• Adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, which typically indicates obesity.
• Adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher who also have a weight-related comorbid condition. These conditions include, but are not limited to, type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure (hypertension), and high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).

Saxenda is intended to be used in conjunction with improved diet and exercise habits, rather than as a standalone treatment. The medication is administered as a daily injection under the skin and can be taken at any time, regardless of meal schedules. This approach to weight management is part of a broader effort to reduce the risks associated with obesity and related health issues.

How Saxenda Works For Weight Loss

Saxenda is often prescribed for individuals with obesity who have not achieved their weight loss goals through diet and exercise alone, necessitating the addition of a prescription medication to support their efforts.

As a member of the "glucagon-like peptide-1" (GLP-1) agonists class of medications, Saxenda functions by enhancing the effects of GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body. This enhancement is key to its role in weight management. By binding to and increasing the activity of GLP-1, Saxenda exerts its effects on certain areas of the brain that regulate appetite. The result is a decrease in appetite and reduced calorie intake, which collectively contribute to weight loss. This mechanism of action positions Saxenda as a supportive tool in comprehensive weight management strategies.

What to Expect

Saxenda has demonstrated effectiveness as a weight loss medication in various studies. When used consistently for over a year (56 weeks), it has shown to result in a significant change in body weight. Specifically, research indicates that users can expect a 3.7 to 5.2% reduction in body weight. To put this into perspective, between 22.6% and 32.6% of individuals using Saxenda reported losing at least 5% of their total body weight. Furthermore, 16.9% to 18.5% of patients experienced a weight loss of at least 10%.

However, it's crucial to understand that weight regain is common after discontinuing Saxenda. This highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise routine. Saxenda should be viewed as a catalyst for weight loss at the start of one's journey, rather than a long-term solution. Integrating healthy lifestyle habits is key to sustaining weight loss achieved with the help of this medication.

Side Effects

The use of Saxenda, like many medications, can be associated with a range of side effects, which are relatively common. The most frequently reported side effects of Saxenda include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Low blood sugar, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Decreased appetite
• Heartburn

At least 5% of individuals taking Saxenda may experience these side effects, though it's important to note that not everyone will have them.

In addition to these common side effects, Saxenda carries certain risks, albeit rare, that can be serious.

• Thyroid Tumours: In animal studies, Saxenda has been linked to the development of thyroid cancers, though it is not confirmed if this risk translates to humans. Individuals with a history of thyroid cancer are advised against using this medication. Symptoms of a thyroid tumour include a neck mass, hoarseness of the throat, and difficulty speaking or swallowing.
• Pancreatitis: This is a rare but serious condition marked by inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and abdominal tenderness.
• Gallbladder Disease:Known as "cholestasis," this condition was observed more frequently in individuals taking Saxenda compared to those not taking it. It often requires gallbladder removal surgery. Symptoms of cholestasis include yellowing of the skin, light-colored stools, dark urine, and itchiness.

These potential risks highlight the importance of careful monitoring and consultation with healthcare providers when using Saxenda.

Cost of Saxenda

Cost is often a limiting factor for the use of weight loss medications such as Saxenda. At a typical pharmacy, the cost of a single month supply of Saxenda is about $1,600.

Prices mentioned in this article are based on average retail price at major box chain pharmacy in the U.S. as of Decmber, 2023.