Saxenda is generally not prescribed if you do not meet specific criteria for being overweight or having obesity. It is a prescription medication indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults who have an initial Body Mass Index (BMI) of:
Saxenda® is an injectable prescription medicine used for adults with obesity or overweight (excess weight) who also have weight-related medical problems, and children aged 12-17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg) and obesity, to help them lose weight and keep the weight off.
Being obese is indeed one of the clearest indicators that you're eligible for drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy. However, if you're not obese but are struggling to lose the last bit of weight, you may still qualify—especially if your BMI is over 27 and you have other health risk factors.
Who is Saxenda for?
Saxenda is most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Using Saxenda without lifestyle changes is unlikely to produce meaningful or lasting weight loss, as the medicine supports but does not replace healthy habits.
Ozempic tends to result in more weight loss than Saxenda, and it's more cost-effective per pound lost. However, it's a once-weekly injection, while Saxenda requires daily dosing, which may affect user preference.
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
Saxenda® should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years. This is because the effects of this medicine have not been studied in this age group. There is little experience with Saxenda® in patients ≥ 75 years old. It is not recommended if you are 75 years or older.
Aiming for a gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week is generally considered sustainable and safe. Over six months, this can translate to a weight loss of 20 lbs, provided that the individual commits to using Saxenda alongside a disciplined diet and consistent exercise regimen.
To be eligible for weight loss medication, you usually need to have a certain BMI. This is normally defined as a BMIover 30, or between 27 and 30 with a weight related medical condition or risk factor. You'll also need to be over 18.
It's also approved for use in people with a BMI of 27 or greater, who have an accompanying overweight- or obesity-related condition, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea,” Dr. Dominguez says. Ozempic is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss but is mostly used to treat people with diabetes, she says.
Five early signs of diabetes include frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, fatigue, blurry vision, and slow-healing sores or frequent infections, stemming from high blood sugar levels that affect the body's ability to use glucose for energy, leading to these common symptoms.
During the fetal period, a thin-fat phenotype can develop, so in underweight individuals, it should be considered that fat cells continue to play an essential role in the development of insulin resistance (9). Unhealthy lifestyles and diets are linked to both obesity and being underweight.
Nausea is the most common side effect when first starting Saxenda®. If you (or your teen) experience nausea, speak with your respective health care providers about ways to manage it. They may suggest some of the following: Eat bland, low-fat foods, like crackers, toast, and rice.
Kelly Clarkson uses a prescription weight-loss medication, but specified it's not Ozempic, though she hasn't revealed the exact drug; it helps her body break down sugar, a necessity due to pre-diabetes, alongside healthy habits like a high-protein diet, increased walking, and a better lifestyle after moving to New York. Her doctor encouraged medication due to concerning blood work, leading her to start after a health scare prompted change, though she initially hesitated due to thyroid issues.
Candidates for Ozempic treatment for weight loss include individuals who have a BMI of 30 or higher and those with a BMI of 27 or higher as well as at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is not the right weight loss approach for everyone.
Generally, you should cut down on, or try to avoid the following foods when taking Saxenda:
Saxenda® does not target belly fat specifically, but it can lead to overall body fat loss, which may include abdominal fat. By reducing appetite and calorie intake, it helps with total weight reduction and may also lower visceral fat when combined with healthy eating and exercise.
Saxenda® may help some adults with excess weight (BMI of greater than 27 to 29.9) who also have weight-related medical problems or obesity, BMI of greater than or equal to 30, to lose weight and keep it off. To learn more about BMI, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
However, studies have also shown that Ozempic leads to fewer side effects and adverse events than Saxenda, with people tolerating Ozempic better.
Saxenda and alcohol can both affect your blood sugar levels. Saxenda is designed to regulate your blood glucose levels, but alcohol can disrupt this. Alcohol can lower your blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This can be dangerous if you're being treated for diabetes.
This research shows that, while both weight-loss injections can help you lose a lot of weight if you have obesity, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) may be more effective than semaglutide (Wegovy). For people living with obesity, losing more weight may further reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke.
Simplifying The 7 Days Diet Plan For Weight Loss:
Her diet included meals like vegetable poha, fruit, roti, and grilled chicken. Alia trained with Yasmin Karachiwala, blending Pilates, cardio, and strength exercises. Her 7-day routine included running, push-ups, yoga, squats, and crunches to tone and lose weight.
According to fitness coach Raj Ganpath, losing 10 kg in 2-3 months is possible but highly unsustainable. He explains that to achieve this, you need a daily calorie deficit of about 1,300, which is extremely difficult to maintain.