How does Saxenda work?

How does Saxenda work?

Saxenda is an FDA approved weight loss injection available only on prescription. It is used for adults who are regarded as obese (BMI of 30 or more) or adults with a BMI of 25 or more and a weight related illness such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. It can also be prescribed for children between 12–17 with a body weight over 60kg.

It is used as a treatment for weight loss alongside a reduced calorie diet and an increase in exercise activity.

Research has shown that Saxenda helps patients lose significant amounts of weight over several weeks.

It works by imitating a hormone in the body called glucagon-like-peptide (GLP-1) otherwise known as an appetite hormone that helps to control how hungry you feel.

The injection gives you a feeling of fullness, which causes you to eat less and consume fewer calories, resulting in weight loss.

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How effective is Saxenda?

Effective weight loss for people who are prescribed Saxena will depend on several factors including whether they are following a healthy, well-balanced, nutritious diet, and if they are exercising regularly.

A 13 month study of more than 3500 adults with a BMI between 27 and 30 (without type 2 diabetes) found that 85% who took Saxenda lost some weight

In fact, 60% of participants in the study managed to lose an average of 5% of their body weight, while 33% of participants lost 10% or more of their body weight.

It’s important to note that most people achieved these weight loss results when combining the medication with a healthier diet and a regular exercise program.

One of the benefits of this drug is that the manufacturers provide a FREE support program called SaxendaCare which provides personalized support to patients to help them implement weight-loss strategies to achieve their long-term healthy weight goals. This support is in the form of emails and coach calls and extra information.

Side Effects

As with any medication, it’s very important to be aware of the possible side effects of taking Saxenda.

The most common side effects are:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain

As we’ve mentioned earlier, Saxenda is a prescription-only medicine so you should not consider taking it without agreement from a doctor, and an understanding of all the possible side effects.

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Who is Saxenda not useful for?

If your BMI is below 27, Saxenda is not a weight loss medication that is right for you.

In addition to this, pregnant women, people with a history of illnesses in their stomach, pancreas, or kidneys, people allergic to any ingredients in Saxenda or liraglutide should avoid Saxenda.

If you are unsure speak to your doctor and ensure you disclose any medical conditions or history that may determine whether this is right for you or not.

For those who do take Saxenda, remember long-term weight loss will not be realistic without a change to your diet and an increase in exercise.

Cost of Saxenda

The price of Saxenda varies depending on where your location and your pharmacy, but a general estimate for the monthly cost in the US is $1200.

We recommend speaking to your health insurance company to check if your medication will be covered, as you could potentially save yourself a lot of money.

You can also shop around online to see the lowest price for Saxenda in your local area.

However, remember to talk to your doctor before ordering it for some expert advice.

Some top tips to lose weight that you can try alongside a supplement include:

• Eat fewer carbs: Avoid eating carb-heavy foods such as white rice and white pasta and replace them with whole foods (e.g. vegetables, brown rice/pasta, wholegrain bread) and lean meats.
• Lower your calorie consumption: Avoid high-calorie snacks and drinks in order to achieve a calorie deficit whereby you burn more calories than you consume.
• Eat more fruit and vegetables
• Stay well-hydrated: drink plenty of water
• Avoid alcohol- this causes weight gain.
• Exercise regularly: Try to incorporate both a cardio and strength resistance training regime into your weekly schedule. For cardio exercise ideas, you can do at home see here. For strength resistance training suggestions at home see here.
• Learn how to relax
• Get a good night’s sleep

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