What is Saxenda?
Find out what Saxenda is and how it works
Saxenda is essentially just Victoza in a larger dose. Victoza is a medication developed for patients with type 2 diabetes. One of the discovered side effects of the medication is weight loss, and by developing Saxenda, which as mentioned is Victoza in a larger dose, the drug can and may be used as a weight loss medication. Saxenda is based on the drug Liraglutide.
Who needs Saxenda?
Saxenda is a medication developed for people struggling with overweight or obesity and who have not succeeded in losing weight with lifestyle changes.
How does Saxenda work?
Saxenda is based on the drug Liraglutide. Liraglutide works by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, which lowers blood sugar and suppresses appetite. GLP-1 is secreted from the intestine but only works for a relatively short time after a meal. Semaglutide has the same effect as GLP-1 but is much more stable and works for a much longer time than the natural hormone. Liraglutide is less stable and works for a shorter duration compared to the drug Semaglutide, found in Ozempic and Wegovy.
Clinical trials involving overweight individuals have shown that these drugs have the side effect of not only treating diabetes but also leading to weight loss. The reason is precisely that they work by reducing appetite. The body is thereby helped to reduce energy intake by affecting the satiety center in the brain and reducing the feeling of hunger and cravings. Additionally, the craving for calorie-rich food is reduced. You lose weight because the medication affects the feeling of satiety, meaning the amount of food you consume decreases due to reduced appetite. This is how a calorie deficit is achieved. Some people also experience nausea and aversion to food, which is also part of the reason they do not consume as much food. It is due to these side effects that many have to give up taking the medication. Nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain are not pleasant companions. Dizziness can also be a very annoying side effect for many. If you experience adverse side effects from your medication, we recommend talking to your doctor.
How do I take Saxenda?
Saxenda is taken through daily injections, which you are trained to administer yourself at home. You gradually increase to the dose that has an effect while any side effects remain tolerable.
Get answers to typical questions about Saxenda
Saxenda is a medication approved for weight loss, based on the active ingredient Liraglutide, which is also used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes under the trade name Victoza. Saxenda is used in a higher dose than Victoza, specifically for the treatment of severe overweight in individuals who have not achieved sufficient weight loss through diet and exercise.
Saxenda is designed for adults with severe overweight, BMI over 30, who have tried to lose weight through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise without success. It can also be prescribed to individuals with a BMI over 27 and a weight-related health condition.
Saxenda works by mimicking GLP-1, a natural hormone that regulates appetite and calorie intake through increased satiety and reduced hunger. This contributes to weight loss by reducing the amount of food you feel the need to consume, creating a calorie deficit.
Saxenda is administered through daily injections, which the patient learns to perform at home. Treatment starts with a low dose, gradually increasing to the most effective dose while ensuring any side effects remain manageable.
Saxenda and Victoza contain the same active ingredient, Liraglutide. The difference lies in the dosage and application: Victoza is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, while Saxenda is used for weight loss in severely overweight patients.
Common side effects of Saxenda include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and in some cases, dizziness. These side effects can be temporary, but if they persist or are particularly bothersome, it is important to contact your doctor.
Not all individuals with overweight or obesity will be suitable for treatment with Saxenda. A doctor will assess the patient’s health, previous weight loss attempts, and any other health issues before making a decision. It is important to have a thorough discussion with a healthcare professional to determine if Saxenda is the right choice.
If you experience side effects while taking Saxenda, it is strongly recommended to contact your doctor. In some cases, it may be necessary to adjust the dosage or stop the treatment. Your doctor can provide guidance and support in finding the best solution.