Saxenda (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It's similar to GLP-1, which is a hormone that your body makes to control appetite. Saxenda (liraglutide) works by acting like GLP-1 in your body. It helps with weight loss by slowing down your gut, thus causing you to feel less hungry.
The actions of GLP-1 are the target of Ozempic® and Saxenda®. This class of medications are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s). They mimic the actions of the hormone GLP-1.
Saxenda has a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
It also boosts energy, general physical performance and metabolism, making it easier and quicker to burn fat, reduce weight, and tone muscles.
It also decelerates stomach emptying but reacts with other drugs that may enter your system. Moreover, there are many reported side effects and risks that question its credibility as a safe weight loss solution! It is for this reason that health care professionals discourage Saxenda.
The UK is reviewing diabetes medicine and weight-loss treatments Ozempic and Saxenda after some patients reported suicidal or self-harming thoughts. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it was reviewing safety data on a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Another reason you may be gaining weight on Saxenda is you need more physical activity. Using medication alone is not enough, and getting enough exercise is essential to achieve weight loss results. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
To date, 3 good studies on anti-obesity medications (Belviq, Saxenda and Wegovy) have demonstrated rapid regain once the medication has stopped. In one of these studies, it was after weight loss had been maintained for 3 years – when the drug was discontinued, the weight returned rapidly towards baseline.
They will decide if the medication is still the best option for you and is having the desired effect, however you should only continue over a period of 12 weeks if you demonstrate weight loss of 5% when used in conjunction with a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise.
This medicine is not recommended if you have a severe stomach or gut problem which results in delayed stomach emptying (called gastroparesis), or if you have an inflammatory bowel disease. People with diabetes If you have diabetes, do not use Saxenda® as a replacement for insulin.
The concern with Saxenda is pancreatic cancer. Saxenda lawsuits were filed some years ago alleging the diet drug causes pancreatic cancer. This page was updated in January 2023.
you or any of your family have ever had MTC or if you have MEN 2. you have had a serious allergic reaction to liraglutide or any of the ingredients in Saxenda®. See symptoms of serious allergic reactions in "What are the possible side effects of Saxenda®?" you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Studies have also shown that Wegovy® leads to fewer side effects and adverse events than Saxenda®, with people tolerating Wegovy® better. So, if you're looking for a GLP-1 receptor agonist to help you lose weight and improve your blood sugar levels, Wegovy® is the better option.
PhenQ is naturally formulated, making it a safer alternative to Saxenda. Unlike Saxenda, PhenQ does not require a prescription, and users do not have to worry about the risk of side effects or drug interactions.
Interestingly, more recent studies have shown that semaglutide (Ozempic® and Wegovy®) is more effective at supporting weight loss and type 2 diabetes than liraglutide (Saxenda®). It's not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with a family history of thyroid cancer to take GLP-1s.
Saxenda is non-addictive, but when you stop taking it, you may experience changes in appetite, and experience nausea and vomiting. This is due to your body adjusting to the change in hormones. Your doctor may suggest slowly reducing your dose in order to minimise the possibility of these side effects.
While many people stop taking Saxenda suddenly without any problems, this can vary depending on your health situation. Some people who stop taking Saxenda without gradually reducing their dose, feel sick or are sick. This is because their digestive system is adjusting to the changes in the hunger hormones.
In a single-center study, researchers also found that the relative effects of liraglutide 3 mg (Saxenda, Novo Nordisk) on fat reduction were two times greater in the abdominal viscera and six times greater in the liver than seen on overall body weight.
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.
How do you get the best results from Saxenda? Saxenda works alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. To get the best results, follow your medical provider's guidance on how to take your medication correctly, how many calories you should eat in a day, and how much exercise you should be getting.
There may be several reasons why you feel that Saxenda is not working. It takes time for Saxenda to work. If you have only been taking Saxenda for a short period of time, it may be too soon for it to have an effect. You will need to take Saxenda for 5 weeks to reach the full daily dose.
In the first month, patients typically lose anywhere from 4 to 11 pounds on average while using Saxenda as directed. Most of the initial lost weight occurs in the first 3 to 6 months, after which the rate of loss slows down. But body weight reduction can still continue for those adhering to the program.
Exercise—In addition to diet, increased physical activity is needed for Saxenda to be effective in helping people lose weight and keep it off. It's essential to maintain regular levels of activity to sustain weight loss. Medications—Certain medications can affect how well Saxenda works and vice versa.
Both Saxenda and Ozempic are injectable medications used with diet and exercise. Ozempic is intended for people with type 2 diabetes, and Saxenda helps people with overweight or obesity manage weight loss. They are both GLP-1 agonists that help maintain blood sugar levels and curb appetite.