April 6, 2023 | Written by Luke Perry

Saxenda 101

What is Saxenda?

Perhaps you’ve heard about it in the media?

Perhaps you known someone taking it?

In this blog, we’re going to unpack all things Saxenda.

So, lets get into it.

What actually is Saxenda?

Saxenda is a once-daily injectable Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist, or GLP-1 for short.

GLP-1s are a class of medications that first hit the market in 2005, and now there are a number of GLP-1 medications on the market, including Ozempic, Trulicity, and Saxenda. GLP-1’s were initially and still are being used for managing Type 2 Diabetes. Interestingly, it was found that all these people with diabetes were not only succeeding with better blood sugar control, but they were also losing weight.

How does Saxenda work?

GLP-1 is a hormone that is naturally created by the body. When Saxenda is used, we essentially increase the amount of GLP-1 hormone that is in the body in order to boost the effects of what GLP-1 does in the body. Very broadly, GLP-1 reduces blood sugars and acts in the brain to reduce your craving of food and your food-seeking behaviours. This in turn, helps us to manage our weight.

Does Saxenda have side effects?

Saxenda is safe, but like all medications, there are common side effects that one might encounter. The most common are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation. For managing these, check out our other articles- link.

There are less common side effects to be aware of and look out for. These include: low blood sugar, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, thyroid problems, kidney impairment, depression & suicidal thoughts.

Anyone taking these medications should speak with their doctor to ensure the treatment is correct for you.

How is Saxenda administered?

The injection can be placed under the skin in various locations. Often, people choose the waist, thigh or upper arm.

Why all the excitement?

The SCALE Study was a large double-blind, randomised controlled study that looked at the evidence for Saxenda in weight loss in individuals with Obesity.

All patients received counselling on lifestyle modifications which included following a diet that was 500 calories less than they burnt each day.

Amazingly, the group that took Saxenda lost weight and kept the weight off over the year long study. Staggeringly, they lost, on average, 8% of their total body weight!

And if it couldn’t get any better, participants also experienced reductions in blood sugars, lipids (cholesterol), insulin resistance, and blood pressure. All key factors in overall health!

The results of this study were published in the prestigious publication New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

How much does it cost?

Reformr’s metabolic reset program is a comprehensive package that includes medication, doctor & pharmacist support and coaching.

The total costs for most patients is close to $16 a day.

With the prices of food, especially compared to take-outs, many patients report significant savings from their reduction in appetite.

Who can use Saxenda?

Eligibility is determined through a consult with your doctor, alternatively Reformr offers free online consultations to help discover if Saxenda might be right for you.

In essence, anyone who is clinically obese may be able to access this treatment. If you’re overweight and have weight-related medical problems, you may be eligible.

Your doctor will ensure there are no other medical conditions or medications you are taking which might impact upon the suitability for Saxenda.

How long does the treatment last?

Your clinician will keep track of your progress over the first 12 weeks. Treatment continues on if you’ve experienced a five percent weight loss of your initial weight.

On average, the programme lasts between nine and twelve months.

What role does diet play?

Diet as part of an overall healthy lifestyle remains integral to healthy weight loss. Many patients find adherence to a healthy diet easier as a consequence of their reduction in appetite.

In general, a diet that is low in unhealthy fats and sugars and processed foods is recommended. Instead a diet with plenty of grains, fresh fruits and vegetables is best.

How long until I see results?

Typically, patients start to see weight loss within the first couple of weeks. As you can see from the SCALE study, weight loss was most pronounced in the first 8 weeks but continued steadily for the duration of the study.

Ultimately each person’s situation is unique and by chatting to your doctor you can get a better if idea of what results you can expect to see.

I’m interested! What next?

If you are interested in losing weight, Saxenda may be able to help as part of an programme that focuses on a healthy lifestyle.

Saxenda is a safe, effective and evidence-based treatment which is why at Reformr we are excited to include it as part of our metabolic reset programme. A company and 100% owned by doctor clinical-scientists.

Want to see if you’re eligible? Take our quiz to find out today.