Yes, Saxenda (liraglutide) can help reduce sugar and general food cravings. It achieves this by mimicking a natural hormone, GLP-1, which targets the areas of the brain that regulate appetite and reward-driven eating behavior.
Saxenda mainly reduces appetite by increasing feelings of fullness, but some people also notice fewer food cravings. This happens because Saxenda affects brain signals involved in hunger and reward-driven eating rather than relying on willpower alone.
Foods to avoid while on Saxenda® to reduce side effects
Take these tips from the Calibrate medical team for a spin: Avoid fried, greasy, or fatty foods and foods high in sugar: These tend to be the toughest for your body to digest and the most likely to cause nausea while taking a GLP-1 medication.
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a once-daily weight-loss injection. Saxenda may start working in as little as 2 weeks. Full effects are typically seen about 6 months after starting it. Saxenda works by mimicking a natural gut hormone that helps regulate appetite.
Saxenda seems to have minor effects on metabolism, our body's energy-burning process, that add to its appetite-lowering effects. Small studies indicate Saxenda may increase resting energy expenditure or metabolic rate. This modest increase in daily calorie burning could promote additional weight loss over time.
After 4 weeks of treatment, Saxenda users saw an average weight loss of b 3-4% of their starting body weight. After 2 months of treatment, people lost an average of 5% of their body weight, when Saxenda was combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
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.
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.
What is the dosing schedule? The starting dosage is 0.6 mg per day for 1 week and should increase each week until the 3 mg dose is reached, as prescribed. Teens may be instructed by their health care provider to reduce their dose to 2.4 mg daily if the maximum dose is not tolerated.
Insufficient protein consumption can leave you hungry despite Saxenda treatment. Protein creates greater satiety than carbohydrates or fats, helping extend the medication's appetite-suppressing effects. Aim for at least 0.8-1 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily, spread throughout your meals.
Drink enough water to avoid dehydration
When starting Saxenda, it can cause nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick) and diarrhoea (runny poo) that can last for a few days. This increases your risk of dehydration, which can cause serious kidney problems. Be sure to drink plenty of water or non-sugary beverages.
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.
Generally, you should cut down on, or try to avoid the following foods when taking Saxenda:
An analysis of 143 studies revealed that phentermine-topiramate and GLP-1 receptor agonists (like liraglutide and semaglutide) are among the most effective medications for reducing weight in people with obesity. The typical body weight reduction with these medications is 6% to 11%.
Taking Saxenda helps promote feelings of fullness and reduce appetite. But it does not prevent you from eating beyond that feeling. Overeating may result in gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain.
Saxenda (liraglutide) works by mimicking GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. Whilst it does not directly alter sex hormones like oestrogen or testosterone, it does influence metabolic hormones and can indirectly affect hormonal balance through weight loss.
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.
You can use Saxenda® at any time of day, with or without food and drinks. It is preferable to use Saxenda® at about the same time each day, at a time that is most convenient for you. Only continue using Saxenda® if you have lost at least 5% of your initial body weight after 12 weeks on the 3.0 mg/day dose.
Saxenda is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). The best places to inject are the front of your waist (abdomen), the front of your thighs or your upper arm. Change the place where you inject each day to reduce the risk of developing lumps. Do not inject into a vein or muscle.
GPs are reminded the GLP-1 receptor agonist Saxenda will no longer be available in Australia by year end. Saxenda will be unavailable for purchase in Australia after December 2025, and GPs are being advised to discuss alternative treatments with patients.
1. Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
In Australia, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda (liraglutide) are approved for weight loss. People on these medications commonly report they no longer have constant, incessant thoughts about food — sometimes called "food noise" — and that their cravings for sweets and fried treats disappear.
She followed a low-carb diet, high in lean proteins and healthy fats, and eliminated processed foods from her meals. This helped in reducing her calorie intake while maintaining her energy levels for her workouts.
The 30-30-30 rule for weight loss is a simple morning routine: eat 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking, then do 30 minutes of low-intensity cardio (like a brisk walk) to help with fat loss and appetite control, according to this article from Moshy. Popularized by Tim Ferriss and wellness podcaster Gary Brecka, this method aims to kickstart your metabolism, increase fullness, and burn fat by leveraging your body's depleted glycogen stores after sleep, but it's not a magic bullet and works best as part of a balanced lifestyle, note Healthline and this article from bodyandsoul.com.au.
Kelly Clarkson apologized to fans for canceling and postponing several dates of her Las Vegas residency in July 2025 due to vocal strain and health issues, expressing regret for inconveniencing them and emphasizing her need to rest to deliver quality shows, stating, "We can't help our bodies sometimes".