Saxenda (Liraglutide): A Comprehensive Guide for Weight Loss

What Is Saxenda (Liraglutide)?

Saxenda, known scientifically as liraglutide, was initially created to help manage diabetes. However, was reclassified and later approved by the United States Food & Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) for the treatment of obesity. It activates GLP-1 receptors in the body, which are important for controlling hunger and managing weight effectively.

How Saxenda Works with Your Body

Saxenda's effectiveness in promoting weight loss and regulating blood sugar is due to its interaction with various systems in your body:

Brain

One of Saxenda's key areas of action is the brain, specifically the hypothalamus - a region vital for regulating hunger. By acting here, saxenda helps to control appetite and induce a feeling of fullness faster than usual. 

This action is important in long-term weight management, as it assists in naturally reducing caloric intake and avoiding overeating.

Stomach

Saxenda slows the rate at which the stomach empties its contents. By delaying gastric emptying, you will feel satiated/fuller for a longer period after eating. 

This delay in stomach emptying helps you reduce your overall frequency of meals and snacking, which is a significant benefit if you’re looking to shed those pounds. By feeling fuller for longer, you're less likely to need those extra calories to keep you going throughout the day. 

Liver

In the liver, Saxenda reduces the production of glucose and contributes to lower overall blood sugar levels. This is an especially important factor for individuals managing diabetes. 

Additionally, improved glucose regulation can also aid in better cholesterol management, contributing to overall metabolic health and supporting weight loss efforts.

Pancreas

At the level of the pancreas, Saxenda enhances insulin production to also stabilize blood sugar levels, another important aspect of diabetes management. Stable blood sugar levels aid in weight loss by improving your body's efficiency in processing and storing fats and nutrients.

How GLP-1 Works to Sustain Weight Loss

GLP-1, a hormone produced in the small intestine, has various important roles in weight management. Saxenda works by imitating the effects of this hormone in your body to assist with:

1. Regulating Insulin: It stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, promoting more efficient energy usage and stable blood sugar levels.

2. Maintaining Blood Sugar Stability: GLP-1 helps keep blood sugar levels steady by preventing the release of glucagon, a hormone that would otherwise raise your blood sugar.

3. Slowing Stomach Emptying: GLP-1 delays the emptying of the stomach, making you feel full for longer and reducing the desire to eat frequently.

4. Increasing Feelings of Fullness: by sending signals to the parts of the brain involved in hunger regulation, you’ll get better control over cravings between meals.

Other Forms of GLP-1 Agonists

Outside of Saxenda, other medications that activate GLP-1 include WeGovy, Victoza, and Ozempic. Each of these medicines have a specific role in weight management and diabetes care.

Administering Saxenda

Proper administration of Saxenda is vital for optimal results. It's injected subcutaneously. Meaning, under the skin, usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, once a day. 

The needle used is small and fine (only going up to about 8mm), making the injection as pain-free as possible.

How To Get The Best Results With Saxenda

Combining Saxenda with a healthy diet and regular exercise enhances its effectiveness in weight reduction and contributes to overall health improvement.

Monitoring Effectiveness

Your Saxenda journey can be divided into 3 milestones. These are the changes and improvements you might experience along the way:

Months 1-3: Users often notice improved metabolic function, reduced cravings, and a decrease in caloric intake, marking the beginning of the weight management journey.

Months 4-6: This period typically sees about 5% weight loss, accompanied by better control over eating habits, enhanced energy levels, and improved sleep patterns.

Months 7-12: Users can experience up to 10% weight reduction. Significant improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels are common during this phase, reflecting overall biometric health enhancements.

Understanding the Side Effects

Common side effects from using Saxenda are:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Injection site reactions
• Low blood sugar

Note, however, that these are usually mild and manageable. Consulting with a doctor is advisable for guidance on managing any potential side effects.

Here at Noah, we offer free follow-up consults so you can check in with your doctor to discuss these side effects and what the next steps are to ensure the best and safest possible experience.  

Eligibility for Saxenda

Saxenda is not suitable for everyone. As a prescription medication for obesity, Saxenda is typically prescribed for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which is considered obese. 

It is also for people with a BMI of 27 or higher who have weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Saxenda is not recommended for individuals with specific medical conditions such as a history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC), Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or have allergic reactions to liraglutide and/or any other components of Saxenda. 

Additionally, it is not intended for use in individuals with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saxenda the Same as Ozempic, Saxenda, or WeGovy?

While Saxenda, Ozempic, Victoza, and WeGovy are all GLP-1 agonists, they are not exactly the same medication. While Saxenda and Victoza have the same active ingredient of liraglutide, they are classified differently with Saxenda for weight management and Victoza for diabetes. 

Compared to other weight loss medications like WeGovy and Ozempic, each medication has a specific formulation and dosage and may be prescribed for different aspects of weight management and diabetes care. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine which medication is most suitable for your individual health needs.

Will I Regain Weight if I Stop Using Saxenda?

No, stopping Saxenda doesn't necessarily mean you'll regain weight. The medication works by adjusting your body's natural weight 'set point,' helping to sustain weight loss even after discontinuation.

Injections vs. Oral Pills: Which is More Effective?

Injections, like Saxenda, are typically more effective for weight loss and diabetes management than oral pills. Oral pills often lead to weight rebound after stopping, while injections provide a more sustained and consistent effect as they adjust your “set-point” (the average weight that your body is used to).

Is It Safe to Buy Saxenda Online?

Yes, but it's important to buy from legitimate and verified sources. Saxenda needs proper storage, ideally between 2 to 8°C. Purchasing from unverified sources may risk the quality due to uncertain temperature control during shipping.

With Noah, a zero-judgment digital health clinic for men in Hong Kong, you can get the weight loss treatment you need from the comfort of home.

Getting started couldn't be simpler - just visit our site, answer an online medical evaluation and see a licensed doctor; all without having to leave your home (or even moving from your couch or bed). If prescribed, your weight loss medication will be discreetly delivered right to your door within 4 hours at no additional cost. 

If you are experiencing weight-related problems that impact your health, it is advisable that you consult a doctor. Here at Noah, our doctors are best equipped with the knowledge to help you ascertain the root cause of your weight problems and can determine whether Saxenda is right for you. They will be able to advise you on the best treatment suited for you, and can also prescribe you the right medication should you need it.

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