A lot of people who suffer from obesity start taking Saxenda to help them lose weight, but after a while, they start to wonder, “Why am I not losing weight on Saxenda yet?” In this article, I will explain Saxenda, how it works, and why some people do not lose weight with it.
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda is the only injectable drug that promotes weight loss approved by FDA. It contains the active ingredient (Liraglutide 6 mg/mL), which is an analog to a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) in the body.
How does Saxenda work?
Normally, after a meal, the intestine lining cells release GLP-1 to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the amount of glucagon in the body. Glucagon works by inhibiting the action of insulin. As a result, it decreases appetite and food emptying from the stomach, making humans feel less hungry and fuller for a longer duration.
Saxenda will mimic the same effect of GLP-1; it will make you feel full for more extended periods and less hungry, so it helps people eat less and in turn reduce their body weight.
Is Saxenda suitable for Everyone?
Saxenda is not suitable for everyone; patients with certain criteria can use saxenda:
- Used for adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems
- Used for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30)
- Used for children aged 12-17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg) and obesity to help them lose weight.
Patients can use Saxenda only if previously tried and failed to lose weight in a healthy way through diet and exercise alone.
How do I use Saxenda?
When you start to use Saxenda, your doctor will gradually increase your dose by 0.6 mg over intervals until you reach the maintenance dose (3 mg daily) that you will continue on. You increase your dose as follows:
- Week 1 – 0.6 mg as a once-daily injection
- Week 2 – 1.2 mg as a once-daily injection
- Week 3 – 1.8 mg as a once-daily injection
- Week 4 – 2.4 mg as a once-daily injection
- Week 5 – 3.0 mg as a once-daily injection maintenance dose and continue onwards
When you first start to use Saxenda, a single pen will last about 17 days, and the first pack (five pens) will last six weeks. But, once you reach the maintenance dose, a pack of five pens will last only 30 days.
It’s better to take it at the same time each day, with or without food or drink.
Once you start using the Saxenda pen, you can keep it for 1 month either at room temperature (2 to 30°C) or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze.
It’s important to continue with a diet and exercise regime while you are taking Saxenda to achieve better results.
How Much Weight Can You Lose on Saxenda in a Month?
During the initial month of using Saxenda as prescribed, patients usually experience an average weight loss of 4 to 11 pounds. The majority of this weight loss tends to happen within the first 3 to 6 months, after which the rate of weight reduction may decrease. However, for those who consistently follow the program, the process of body weight reduction can still continue.
Why Am I Not Losing Weight on Saxenda Now?
There are three main causes, which are:
First, you should remember that Saxenda may take the first 2–4 weeks to get you to lose about 2%–4% of your weight. i.e. it may take about 8 weeks to achieve a significant weight loss (at least 5%).
Second, changes in appetite hormone levels make it difficult to lose weight. When you start to lose weight, your body’s natural response includes an increase in a hungry hormone and a decrease in fullness hormones, which make it difficult to lose weight and keep it off.
Third, with Saxenda, you should continue on a long-term, reduced-calorie diet and exercise program for the best weight loss results, so, with no dietary control or increased physical activity, losing weight may be slower.
Is Saxenda safe?
As with all medications, you can experience some side effects with Saxenda that range from mild to severe, necessitating treatment termination. Some of these side effects are:
- Mild side effects may occur at the start of treatment like stomach upset (vomiting or diarrhea), and you may also lose some bodily fluids. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. mild side effects that will settle once your body gets used to the new medication. However, if any side effect persists, stop the treatment and talk to a doctor.
- Feeling weak or tired
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia). This usually occurs in the first 3 months of treatment
- Low blood sugar, which may occur suddenly, may be presented as cold sweat, pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, feeling sick, feeling very hungry, changes in vision, feeling sleepy, feeling weak, nervous, being anxious, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and shaking (tremor). which necessitates immediately raising your blood sugar with sweats.
- A severe allergic reaction causes problems breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a fast heartbeat, you must stop treatment and get medical help immediately.
- There have only been a few reports of pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis). which is a serious, potentially life-threatening medical condition presented with severe and persistent pain in the abdomen (stomach area), which might reach through to your back with nausea or vomiting. You must stop treatment and get medical help immediately.
- Reduced kidney function
- Acute kidney failure. Signs may include reduction in urine volume, metallic taste in mouth & easy bruising
What Foods to Eat While on Saxenda?
- Focus on Calories: Pay attention to your calorie intake, as excess calories can lead to weight gain. Men typically need around 2,500 kcal per day, while women need around 2,000 kcal, but individual requirements vary.
- Prioritize Nutrient-Rich Foods: Opt for nutritious foods that provide essential vitamins, protein, and other nutrients necessary for your body’s functions and energy levels.
- Include Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Incorporate plenty of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables into your meals.
- Protein Sources: Depending on your dietary preferences, include protein-rich foods such as eggs, beans, lentils, lean meats (chicken, fish), dairy products, or dairy alternatives like tofu.
- Be Creative with Recipes: Use Saxenda as a tool to aid weight loss and get creative with your meals, substituting high-calorie ingredients with more nutritious, low-calorie alternatives.
What Foods to Avoid While on Saxenda?
- High-Sugar Foods: Cut down on foods like cakes, chocolates, biscuits, and sugary drinks.
- Fried Food: Reduce consumption of fried and high-fat foods.
- Excessive Alcohol: Limit alcohol intake, as it can contribute to weight gain.
- Large Portions: Be mindful of portion sizes and consider smaller, more frequent meals if it suits your preferences.
- High-Sugar Energy Drinks: Avoid high-sugar energy drinks and sweetened caffeinated beverages.
Saxenda vs Wegovy
Effectiveness
Regardings wegovy vs saxenda effectiveness:
- Wegovy® is more effective than Saxenda® in promoting weight loss and reducing blood sugar levels.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®’s active ingredient) demonstrates greater clinically significant results compared to liraglutide (Saxenda®’s active ingredient).
Side effects and safety:
Wegovy® is better tolerated than Saxenda®.
- In a randomized controlled trial, 50% more individuals discontinued Saxenda® due to side effects compared to Wegovy®.
- Both medications may cause severe and mild side effects like nausea, constipation, and cramping, but discomfort seems to be greater with Saxenda®.
- Individual responses to medications vary, so some individuals may respond better to Saxenda® and others to Wegovy®.
Cost:
- The cost of Saxenda® depends on the purchase location and intended duration of use.
- The current price for a complete package of Saxenda® in the U.S. is around $1,430.
- The cost of Wegovy® also depends on the purchase location and intended duration of use.
- The current price for a complete package of Wegovy® in the U.S. is around $1,350.
Conclusion
Why am I not losing weight on Saxenda, the answer simply that Saxenda promotes weight loss via decreasing appetite, but sometimes it takes a few weeks for the effect to be noticeable. Other times, the body will increase appetite to counteract the saxenda effect, making it difficult to lose weight. In addition, a lack of diet or physical activity will also play a role in hindering Saxenda’s weight loss success. I’d like to hear your thoughts and experiences about Saxena in the comments.
References
- Side effect list compiled from data taken from www.medicines.org.uk – Please visit their website for a complete and comprehensive list. Medicines.org.uk is a standalone entity and is in no way associated with this site.
- https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2313.pdf
- https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2313
