Saxenda
Saxenda is a brand name for the medication liraglutide. It is an injectable prescription medication used for weight management in adolescents (≥12 years) and adults who are overweight or obese and have weight-related medical conditions.
What is Saxenda
Saxenda (Liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which works by acting on specific receptors in the brain to regulate appetite and food intake.
How does it work
Saxenda works in the brain to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. It activates specific receptors in the brain that help regulate hunger and satiety, leading to a decreased desire to eat.
GLP-1, the hormone mimicked by Saxenda, also slows down the emptying of the stomach. This results in a longer feeling of fullness and helps control overeating and snacking.
Saxenda helps to reduce cravings for high-calorie and unhealthy foods, which can contribute to better food choices and overall calorie intake reduction.
By combining these effects, Saxenda helps individuals achieve weight loss by reducing calorie intake, promoting a feeling of fullness, and encouraging healthier food choices.
Benefits
Saxenda is not a magic solution for weight loss and should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for the best results.
The benefits of Saxenda (liraglutide) include:
Saxenda is FDA-approved for weight management in adults who are overweight or obese. It can help individuals achieve significant weight loss when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Saxenda works in the brain to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, which can help control overeating and reduce overall calorie intake.
Saxenda can improve blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. It enhances insulin sensitivity and helps regulate glucose metabolism.
Some studies suggest that Saxenda may have cardiovascular benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Saxenda has been shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in individuals with prediabetes who are overweight or obese.
Saxenda can lead to improvements in various health markers, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and waist circumference.
For individuals who achieve weight loss with Saxenda, the medication can help with long-term weight maintenance when combined with lifestyle changes.
Who is suitable
Saxenda is suitable for individuals who are:
- Adolescent aged ≥12 years with a body weight above 60kg
- Adult with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m² (obese)
- Adult with a BMI of ≥27 kg/m² (overweight), with at least one weight-related medical condition (eg, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol)
Treatment Protocol
Saxenda is available as a subcutaneous injection and is usually self-administered once daily. Along with Saxenda, individual is usually advised to follow a reduced-calorie diet and increase physical activity to support weight loss efforts.
The duration of Saxenda treatment varies depending on individual weight loss goals and response to the medication. In some cases, it may be used for a few months to achieve weight loss goals, while in others, it may be used for a more extended period to support weight maintenance.