What is Saxenda and how does it work?
Saxenda is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Liraglutide is similar to a natural hormone produced in the gut after eating.
Saxenda helps with weight loss by mimicking this hormone to influence appetite and digestion. This includes reducing appetite, slowing digestion, and stabilizing blood sugar. Saxenda is intended to be used in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Who is a candidate for Saxenda?
Healthcare providers determine suitability for Saxenda based on FDA guidelines for chronic weight management. It is approved for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who have a weight-related health issue. It is also approved for adolescents aged 12-17 with a qualifying BMI and weight. Certain individuals, such as those with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, should not use Saxenda.
The Saxenda treatment plan
Saxenda is a once-daily subcutaneous injection administered using a pre-filled pen. Dosing typically starts low and increases gradually over several weeks to reduce side effects, following a specific schedule for adults and adolescents.
Potential benefits of Saxenda
When used with diet and exercise, Saxenda has shown positive results in weight loss.
- In clinical studies, adults using Saxenda typically lost between 5% and 8% of their initial body weight over a year, with a significant number losing over 10%.
- Adolescents in trials also saw weight reduction.
- Beyond weight loss, Saxenda may also contribute to improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
Common side effects and safety considerations
Common side effects of Saxenda are often related to the digestive system, such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. These usually become less frequent over time as the body adjusts. Other potential common side effects are listed in the references.
Less common but serious side effects are possible, including issues with the pancreas or gallbladder, increased heart rate, kidney problems, or severe allergic reactions.
Saxenda has a boxed warning about a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors observed in animal studies; it is not known if this risk applies to humans. Individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 should not use Saxenda.
It is important to note that stopping Saxenda may lead to regaining lost weight.
Saxenda vs. other weight management medications
Saxenda is a daily injectable GLP-1 medication. It contains the same active ingredient as Victoza, used for Type 2 diabetes, but at a higher dose for weight management. Other GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) are also available for weight management and are administered weekly.
| Feature | Saxenda (Liraglutide) | Wegovy (Semaglutide) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Liraglutide | Semaglutide |
| Dosing Frequency | Daily injection | Weekly injection |
| Typical Weight Loss (Clinical Trials) | ~8% over 1 year | ~15% over 68 weeks |
| FDA Approval for Weight Loss | Yes (since 2014) | Yes (since 2021) |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
Studies suggest semaglutide may result in greater weight loss compared to liraglutide, though individual responses vary. The best choice of medication depends on individual patient factors, including medical history, tolerance for side effects, and insurance coverage. Supply availability can also be a factor.
Conclusion: A tool for lasting change
The purpose of Saxenda is to serve as an important tool in the comprehensive, long-term management of obesity and overweight conditions. By mimicking a natural appetite-regulating hormone, it helps patients reduce hunger and feel full, supporting a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity. It is not a miracle cure but a facilitator for behavior change. For Saxenda to be effective and its benefits sustained, patients must commit to ongoing lifestyle modifications under the supervision of a healthcare provider. The decision to use Saxenda should involve a thorough discussion with a doctor, weighing the potential benefits against the risks and side effects. This medical support system, combined with personal commitment, is the key to achieving and maintaining a healthier weight over the long term. Clinical trials have demonstrated Saxenda's efficacy and provide a solid foundation for its role in pharmacotherapy for weight management.
For more detailed information, a key clinical trial report can be found at A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management.
