There's no single calorie number for Saxenda, but most people aim for a 1,200-1,900 calorie range, creating a 500-1000 calorie daily deficit for weight loss, often meaning around 1,400 for women and 1,900 for men, depending on activity level. Saxenda naturally lowers appetite, but you still need nutrient-dense foods, lean protein, and fibre, while avoiding processed foods and sugars, to support weight loss and minimize GI side effects like nausea.
5 tips to reduce side effects on Saxenda
Here are some other things you can do to feel better: Eat regularly. Skipping meals can cause low blood sugar, which can worsen symptoms like nausea, says Abayev.
Saxenda works best when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. Ensure you maintain a consistent routine for optimal results. Consuming unhealthy foods and sticking to a static exercise routine can hinder weight loss efforts. Incorporate a variety of healthy foods and diverse physical activities.
How long does it take to lose 20 lbs on Saxenda? Weight loss with Saxenda varies by individual. Many patients lose 5-10% of their body weight over 12-16 weeks. Losing 20 pounds may take several months, depending on adherence to diet and exercise.
The best foods to eat on Saxenda
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.
Saxenda® should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Click here for full Indications and Usage.
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.
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.
Generally, you should cut down on, or try to avoid the following foods when taking Saxenda:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eating fruits and vegetables is highly suggested while taking Saxenda. Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that support your body's overall health and function. The amount of fruits and vegetables you need daily depends on your age, size, gender, and other factors.
Take the Saxenda pen out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature for a minimum of 15 minutes before injecting. The cold solution is more painful to inject.
Additionally, some of the gastrointestinal side effects associated with Saxenda, such as nausea or abdominal discomfort, could potentially disrupt sleep if they occur during the night.
For most people, this occurs after 4-8 weeks. Clinical trials have shown that people who use Saxenda alongside a healthy lifestyle can lose, on average, 5% of their body weight in 8 weeks, 7% in 16 weeks, 8% in 24-36 weeks, and 9% in 56 weeks.
Saxenda works primarily on appetite regulation and glucose metabolism, not directly on reproductive hormones. Any menstrual changes are likely secondary to weight loss rather than a direct drug effect.
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.
Saxenda can make you tired until you get used to the medication. To limit any tiredness, try to get at least 8 hours of sleep, eat a healthy and balanced diet and keep active.
However, studies have also shown that Ozempic leads to fewer side effects and adverse events than Saxenda, with people tolerating Ozempic better.
Saxenda® should be injected under the skin (this is called subcutaneous injection) in the stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm as instructed by your (or your teen's) health care provider. Do not inject into a vein or muscle.
Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) can interact with insulin, sulfonylureas, and glinides. It can also interact with oral medications and those that raise blood glucose (sugar) levels, such as prednisone and metoprolol. These interactions can usually be managed with dosage adjustments and blood sugar monitoring.