Are you looking for ways to lose weight and have you heard about the Saxenda weight loss injection? The path to a healthy weight is full of uncertainties and questions. That's why you need to be well informed in order to know which type of weight loss is right for you.
Saxenda, whose active ingredient is liraglutide, is an option that you may have heard about from your doctor or discovered during your research. This weight loss injection has been on the market for several years, since 2014 to be precise. But it is a medical treatment that does more than just lose a few pounds.
In this article we explain the properties of the weight loss injection Saxenda, the effect of liraglutide and the indications for its use. We will also discuss the side effects and the costs of the treatment.
Let's go!
How does Saxenda work?
Saxenda is a medicine specifically prescribed for the treatment of overweight and obesity . It contains the active ingredient liraglutide , which mimics the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) by regulating appetite and satiety.
Liraglutide is available as an injection solution that is injected subcutaneously daily using a prefilled injection pen . It is usually injected into the abdomen, thigh, or arm.
Each Saxenda pen contains several doses of liraglutide, which are set using a dose selector according to your doctor's prescription. The starting dose of Saxenda is usually 0.6 mg daily and can be gradually increased each week in increments of 0.6 mg until the recommended dose of 3.0 mg daily is reached. This gradual increase helps to improve the tolerability of the treatment and avoid discomfort and side effects .
If your doctor has prescribed Saxenda for you, it is very important that you carefully follow your doctor's instructions on dosing, injecting, and storing the injections.
Saxenda for weight loss: What is the effect of Liraglutide
Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda, is suitable for weight control in people with a high body mass index (BMI), especially in those who struggle with obesity and have not had success with other weight loss strategies.
Its mechanism of action is based on the interaction with the GLP-1 receptors (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) in the human body. This interaction triggers several reactions that significantly affect appetite control and thus weight loss. Here's how it works, in simple terms:
- Appetite reduction: The liraglutide contained in Saxenda helps to curb appetite, which logically leads to a natural reduction in the number of calories consumed daily. Of course, this change in eating habits and reduction in the amount of food consumed directly contributes to weight loss.
- Delayed gastric emptying : Another important point about the action of liraglutide is the delay in gastric emptying. By slowing down this process, food stays in the digestive tract for longer. This makes you feel full for longer and gives you a longer feeling of satiety after meals. It therefore helps to control snack cravings and the urge to constantly snack, thus contributing to weight loss.
- Control of blood sugar levels : In addition to affecting weight loss, liraglutide also has a positive effect on controlling blood sugar levels. This function is also important for people with type 2 diabetes, a condition that is often associated with obesity.
In short: By reducing appetite, prolonging the feeling of satiety and regulating blood sugar levels, the liraglutide contained in Saxenda enables steady and sustainable weight loss .
Who can use the Saxenda weight loss injection?
Saxenda is recommended for adults with a high BMI , usually 30 or higher, but it may also be prescribed to people with a BMI of 27 or higher who have additional health problems , such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Your doctor will first examine you to see if you should take Saxenda. Among other things, he will look at how much weight you have lost so far, whether you are willing to make lifestyle changes, and whether you are at risk for diseases related to your weight.
It is important to emphasize that Saxenda for weight loss is not magic. Yes, it works, but only in conjunction with a balanced diet and real physical exercise and sport. Also, let's not forget that it is a prescription drug. It should never be taken without medical supervision , because Saxenda, like any other drug, can cause side effects.
Does Saxenda have side effects?
If you take Saxenda as your doctor has told you, it is a safe medication. However, side effects can still occur. The severity and frequency of these differs from person to person. It is important to know about side effects in order to monitor them and adjust treatment. Some examples:
- Nausea and stomach discomfort , especially when starting treatment with Saxenda. These symptoms usually decrease over time as the body gets used to liraglutide. To avoid such discomfort, always start with a small dose and increase it gradually.
- Diarrhea or constipation : Some people may also experience changes in their gastrointestinal tract when switching to liraglutide, either diarrhea or constipation. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet can help manage these effects.
- Headache : Headache is another side effect that may occur during treatment with Saxenda. These symptoms are usually mild and temporary.
- Reactions at the injection site : When injecting Saxenda, redness, swelling or itching may occur at the injection site. These reactions are usually temporary and usually do not require further medical treatment. Here are some good tips for a pain-free injection: 10 tips on how to inject insulin without pain!
- Hypoglycaemia : In some rare cases, Saxenda can lower blood sugar levels, which may cause symptoms of hypoglycaemia such as dizziness, sweating and weakness. This is more likely if you are taking another medicine for diabetes at the same time as Saxenda.
- Gallbladder problems : There is a potential risk of gallbladder problems, such as gallstones, when taking Saxenda. It is important to report any gallbladder-related symptoms to your doctor, especially if you are experiencing severe abdominal pain.
This list of Saxenda side effects is not exhaustive. Before starting treatment, we recommend reading the official list of all possible side effects and discussing it with your doctor if you have any doubts.
How much does Saxenda cost per month?
The price of Saxenda can vary considerably depending on where you live, whether you have health insurance, whether your health insurance covers the costs, and which pharmacy you buy Saxenda from.
In German pharmacies, Saxenda costs almost the same everywhere. The 3x3 ml dosage costs around 180 euros, the 5x3 ml dosage around 290 euros. Unlike other medications, the price difference depending on the pack size is not very large.
However, it is important to check with your health insurance provider to see if they will cover all or part of the cost of the injections. In addition, Saxenda's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk , may offer patient assistance programs to help reduce costs.
We're always happy to hear from you! Do you use Saxenda or have questions about weight loss injections? Leave us your comments below!
