Saxenda weight loss injection has become a popular option for people looking to lose weight effectively. Approved by the FDA, this injectable treatment uses liraglutide to help regulate appetite, making it easier to shed unwanted pounds. Whether you’re struggling with obesity or managing weight-related health issues, Saxenda offers a promising path toward weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
On this page, you will learn what Saxenda weight loss injection is, how much weight you can lose with Saxenda, and if it is safe among other basics.
What Is Saxenda Weight Loss Injection?
Saxenda is a weight loss injection with liraglutide. It’s used to help obese adults or overweight adults with weight-related medical problems lose weight and maintain that loss. It’s also approved for children aged 12 to 17 with obesity and a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg). Read more here
Saxenda is combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise for best results. Administered once daily, Saxenda is a subcutaneous injection delivered from a multi-dose pen.
It shares its active ingredient, liraglutide, with Victoza, though they differ in strength and FDA-approved uses. Unlike Victoza, Saxenda is not used for treating type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and its safety in children under 12 or those aged 12 to 17 with type 2 diabetes remains unconfirmed.
Saxenda works by lowering appetite and slowing gastric emptying so you can feel full longer and reduce calorie intake. It mimics a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar, insulin levels, and digestion. This weight loss injection belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists class.
Approved by the FDA for weight loss and weight maintenance, Saxenda is suitable for:
- Adults: Obese (BMI 30 kg/m² or greater) or overweight (BMI 27 kg/m² or greater) with related health issues like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia.
- Children (12+): Weighing over 132 pounds (60 kg) with a BMI corresponding to 30 kg/m² or greater for adults.
How Much Weight Can I Lose with Saxenda?
Losing weight with Saxenda takes time and patience. When you start the medication, the dose is low and gradually increases to help you avoid side effects like nausea and constipation. Once you reach the goal dose of 3 mg daily, the rate of weight loss typically increases. So, how much weight can you lose in a month with Saxenda?
Results vary, but many people start seeing weight loss within the first two to four weeks. You might lose about 2% to 4% of your body weight with Saxenda in one month. According to clinical trials, people who take Saxenda see significant weight loss, with at least 5% after eight weeks of treatment.
After one year, you may lose between 21 pounds or 9.2% of your weight. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body responds differently to the medication so this is just a general estimation.
At your 16-week follow-up visit, your provider will evaluate your progress. If you haven’t lost at least 4% of your starting body weight by then, they may advise you to stop taking Saxenda.
Sometimes, despite following the plan correctly, your body might not respond to Saxenda, and your provider can suggest alternative approaches. Real quick, here are the factors that will affect your rate of weight loss with Saxenda weight loss injection;
- Consistency with Medication: Taking Saxenda at the same time each day is crucial. It helps maintain a steady level of the medication in your body to maximize the effectiveness of this weight loss injection.
- Diet: Saxenda works best when combined with a low-calorie diet. Your provider can guide you on the appropriate daily calorie intake. Keeping track of your meals and calories can help you reach your desired weight loss goals.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity enhances Saxenda’s effectiveness. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise five days a week. Always consult your provider before starting any new exercise regimen.
- Time: Be patient. The medication dosage increases gradually, so give your body time to adjust. Ideally, you shouldn’t expect immediate results from this weight loss injection. Instead, focus on building healthy habits like consistent exercise and a balanced diet.
Starting Saxenda involves a careful dosing schedule to help your body adapt. The initial dose is 0.6 mg per day and it increases weekly by 0.6 mg until reaching 3 mg.
Side effects may prolong this process. While some people can see early weight loss, others might not notice changes until later.
Sometimes, it all comes down to how consistent you are with this weight loss injection, and by week five, your body should be accustomed to the medication to allow for more noticeable weight loss. If by week 16 you haven’t seen enough progress, your provider may suggest a different treatment plan.
Is Saxenda Safe for Weight Loss?
Considering how Saxenda weight loss injection works, it is natural to be curious about the safety of using it. That is why so many people frequently ask; is it safe to use Saxenda for weight loss?
The answer is yes, Saxenda is safe to use for weight loss. It was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2014 for adult obesity treatment and later for adolescents aged 12 to 17. It primarily supports weight management and facilitates weight loss by slowing stomach emptying to increase feelings of fullness.
Now, even though Saxenda is safe for weight loss, it should only be used under proper medical guidance. Many people also frequently ask; who should avoid Saxenda?
You should avoid Saxenda weight loss injection if you or your family has a history of MTC or MEN 2, or if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to liraglutide. The other group that should avoid Saxenda is pregnant women due to possible harm to the unborn child.
This recommendation isn’t conclusive. So, we recommend consulting your provider to determine suitability. Another question we get a lot about Saxenda weight loss injection in Singapore is; do you regain weight after stopping Saxenda?
The answer is yes, there is a possibility of regaining weight if you stop Saxenda. If you’re wondering why, remember that Saxenda helps control appetite. So, when you stop, there is a possibility of the unhealthy habits creeping back in.
To avoid this setback, establish healthy eating habits and regular exercise during treatment to help you sustain weight loss maintenance post-Saxenda. This is particularly important as abrupt cessation without lifestyle adjustments may lead to appetite changes and potential weight fluctuations.
Closing Thoughts
Saxenda can be a game-changer if you’ve struggled with weight loss. However, it requires a commitment to medication, diet, and exercise. Be patient, follow your provider’s advice, and give your body time to respond.
Do you find Saxenda weight loss injection fascinating and would love to try it? Why not give us a visit today or drop us a line to schedule an appointment and discuss your suitability, expectations, and when to start? See details for the appointment below;
Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic / #02-12/13 Changi City Point, 5 Changi Business Park Central 1, Singapore 486038 / +65 6904 2218
