How much weight can you lose on Saxenda in a month?
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In the discourse of medical advancement and solutions to weight loss, Saxenda emerges as a widely discussed subject. Saxenda, a trademark of the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, is an FDA-approved prescription injectable medicine that may assist adults with excess weight or obesity in losing and managing their weight.
Diving into the nitty-gritty, Saxenda, the brand name for liraglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. "Saxenda mimics the functions of the GLP-1 hormone produced in the intestine. This hormone is released in response to food intake, and its role is to increase insulin secretion, decrease glucagon secretion, and reduce appetite", explains Dr. Graham Collins.
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In essence, Saxenda is a potent tool for weight management. "The primary purpose of Saxenda is to help individuals who are battling with obesity or weight-related medical problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, to lose weight and keep it off," elucidates Dr. Emily Burns.
Saxenda's efficacy for weight loss lies in its interaction with the body's appetite and digestion system. "It works by acting on receptors in the brain that control your appetite, causing you to feel fuller and less hungry. As a result, it reduces calorie intake and promotes weight loss," asserts Dr. Michael Mosley.
Clinical studies, such as the SCALE (Satiety and Clinical Adiposity−Liraglutide Evidence in Non-diabetic and Diabetic people) programme, offer robust evidence of Saxenda's weight loss efficacy. The SCALE programme, conducted over a span of 56 weeks in 2015, incorporated approximately 5,000 participants across 45 countries, making it one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind.
On average, the participants in the SCALE study lost about 5-10% of their initial body weight with Saxenda, equating to approximately 2-3 kilograms per month, on average. "For patients with obesity seeking medical help, Saxenda offers a practical and effective solution", notes British Medical Journal.
Individuals who have used Saxenda often share positive experiences. For instance, Sarah from Birmingham was struggling with obesity and related health issues. She began using Saxenda and reported losing about 3-4 kilograms per month, noticeably improving her quality of life and self-esteem. These real-life experiences further endorse Saxenda's potency as a weight loss tool.
While many users share successful weight loss stories with Saxenda, it's crucial to note that results can vary. Factors such as starting weight, lifestyle, diet, and physical activity can significantly influence monthly weight loss. " It's important to maintain realistic expectations and a healthy lifestyle alongside using Saxenda for effective, long-term weight management", says Dr. Rachel Batterham.
The impact of Saxenda on weight loss is not one-size-fits-all. Individual metabolic rates and body compositions play a significant role in how much weight a person may lose while on Saxenda. "A person's metabolic rate - the rate at which they burn calories - varies widely. Those with a lower metabolic rate may not lose as much weight as those with a higher rate, even if they are using Saxenda", says Dr. Jane Rowley. Similarly, body composition also influences weight loss. People with higher muscle mass tend to have a higher metabolic rate and, consequently, may see more dramatic weight loss results. "It's why a comprehensive approach that includes diet and exercise, along with Saxenda, is so important for effective weight loss", adds Dr. Rowley.
Lifestyle choices significantly affect the success of Saxenda in weight loss. A healthy diet and regular physical activity can enhance Saxenda's effectiveness. "Saxenda is not a magic bullet for weight loss. It works best in combination with a balanced, low-calorie diet and regular physical activity. It's about creating a sustainable lifestyle change", according to Dr. Amanda Avery, a senior dietitian.
A wealth of queries frequently arises about Saxenda and weight loss. Addressing these will provide a better understanding of how Saxenda works and its potential side effects.
"Saxenda works by mimicking a hormone in the intestines called GLP-1 that tells the brain the stomach is full. As a result, it helps to reduce feelings of hunger, leading to lower caloric intake and weight loss," explains Dr. Graham Collins, Royal College of Physicians.
"Saxenda is administered once daily by subcutaneous injection. The dose is gradually increased over a period of four weeks to minimise side effects. It should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity," says Dr. Emily Burns, Diabetes UK.
"Saxenda can cause side effects, such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, headache, and decreased appetite. Most side effects are mild and will go away after your body gets used to the medication," Dr. Michael Mosley, The Fast Diet.
"Saxenda is for adults who are overweight or have obesity. It's also suitable for people with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes. However, it's not suitable for everyone. People with a history of pancreatitis, certain types of cancer, or those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not use Saxenda," warns Dr. Rachel Batterham.
Recently, a surge in searches regarding the long-term efficacy of Saxenda has been noticed. To answer this "While Saxenda has been shown to be effective for weight loss over 56 weeks, the long-term effects beyond that are still being studied. It's important for patients to discuss the duration of use with their doctor", advises Dr. Collins.
There have been recent discussions about the cost-effectiveness of Saxenda. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK is currently evaluating Saxenda for this aspect. As per their initial report, "Saxenda, when combined with lifestyle changes, could be a cost-effective option for adults who are overweight or obese," marking a potential game-changer in weight management strategies.
The use of Saxenda, like any medication, may result in a range of side effects. "Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and headache. Usually, these symptoms are mild and diminish over time as the body adapts to the medication", says Dr. Emily Burns of Diabetes UK. In contrast, less common, but more severe side effects could also occur. "Saxenda may, in rare cases, cause pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or kidney problems. It may also potentially increase heart rate. If you experience severe abdominal pain, rapid heartbeat, or changes in urination, seek medical help immediately", highlights Dr. Michael Mosley.
Though Saxenda is generally safe, it's crucial to be aware of its potential health risks. "While serious health risks associated with Saxenda are uncommon, they can be severe. Pancreatitis, for example, can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is essential to monitor any symptoms and report them to your doctor as soon as possible", warns Dr. Graham Collins.
Using Saxenda correctly is vital for achieving desired weight loss outcomes. "Saxenda is an injectable medication, and patients usually start with a low dose, which is gradually increased over a period of four weeks to minimise side effects. The medication is administered once daily," advises Dr. Burns.
Oversight from a medical professional is critical when using Saxenda. "Because of potential side effects and health risks, it is imperative to use Saxenda under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Regular follow-up visits are also crucial to monitor progress and adjust dosage if needed", says Dr. Collins.
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