What to Know About Saxenda for Weight Loss in 2024?
Weight loss drugs have caught the attention of many, and one name that often takes the spotlight in 2024 is Saxenda. It was developed by the manufacturer Novo Nordisk for the treatment of diabetes. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a weight loss drug. It is now widely accepted that this drug can help people shed pounds and improve their overall health by managing chronic weight. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the drug, including what it is, how it works, its recommended dose, and its effectiveness. If you are considering it as part of your weight loss strategy, you can buy Saxenda online.
Does Saxenda Cause Weight Loss?
In obese people or those with health conditions related to their weight, Saxenda helps promote weight loss. Weight loss is typically gradual with Saxenda despite the fact that it is effective for achieving weight loss goals. It takes the adults about eight weeks to lose significant weight or experience a 5% change in weight. During the first two to four weeks after treatment, patients may lose around 2% to 4% of their body weight, according to the FDA.
In the 2017 SCALE Maintenance trial published in the National Library of Medicine, a greater percentage of people using Saxenda decreased their body weight by at least 5% or 10% than those using a placebo. Saxenda also improved blood sugar levels and had relatively mild side effects, according to researchers. It has been shown to be effective and safe for managing chronic weight, but results may vary. A person’s weight loss can vary depending on the amount of weight they started at, their adherence to a healthy diet, and their commitment to exercise.
How Does Saxenda Work for Weight Loss?
Saxenda contains the active ingredient liraglutide, a type of drug known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the effects of GLP-1, a hormone produced naturally by the body. Food intake can be reduced throughout the day by this hormone, which regulates hunger feelings. Aside from its appetite-suppressing effects, Saxenda also influences stomach emptying. By slowing down gastric emptying, the medication allows the individual to feel fuller for a longer period of time, which can reduce caloric intake. This is how it leads to significant body weight loss, including belly fat.
Who Can Take Saxenda for Weight Loss?
If you are overweight or obese, you can lose weight with Saxenda, which has FDA approval for weight loss. The medication is currently approved for the following conditions:
- Those with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher and medical problems caused by weight, such as diabetes type 2 or hypertension.
- Those with a BMI of 30 or higher who are obese
- Overweight or obese children aged 12-17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kilograms)
A doctor or healthcare provider will consider several factors before prescribing the medicine to you, including your BMI, medical history, and risk of side effects. It is not specifically indicated for those who don’t have diabetes. However, it can be prescribed for the treatment of weight loss in both those who have diabetes and those who don’t have diabetes but meet the above criteria.
It is important to follow the guidance and supervision of a healthcare provider when taking the drug. It may be harmful to your health if you misuse it to lose weight. If you take the drug without proper instructions, you are at an increased risk of experiencing side effects, developing potentially serious medical conditions, or experiencing medication interactions.
How Much Saxenda Can You Take to Lose Weight?
Saxenda injection is available as a prefilled, single-use pen, which may make its administration easier. As a starting dose, it is taken once every day for one week at a dosage of 0.6 mg. Once the standard dose of 3 mg per day is reached, the dose is increased by 0.6 mg each week. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection, which means that it goes directly into the fat under the skin. Ideally, injections should be administered in the upper arm, upper leg, or abdomen. After injecting, hold the injection pen at the site for several seconds to ensure proper absorption. You may be given additional instructions by your healthcare provider for administering the medication. It is typically dosed as follows:
- For the first week, the dose should be 0.6 mg
- In the second week, the dose should be 1.2 mg
- In the third week, the dose should be 1.8 mg
- In the fourth week, the dose should be 2.4 mg
- In the fifth week, the dose should be 3.0 mg
More information needs to be available on how much weight is lost with each dose. With this dosing schedule, any side effects associated with the once-daily injection are minimized. Increasing the dosage gradually may also result in better weight loss outcomes since it allows the body to adjust to the medication. When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, the 3.0 mg dose has been shown to be the most effective for weight loss.
How Can You Maximize Saxenda Benefits?
When used with certain strategies, Saxenda injections can be very effective for weight loss. In order to maximize its benefits, it is important to understand your body mass index (BMI). By using this index, you can determine whether you are overweight or obese and set weight loss goals that are appropriate for you and your care team.
Regular physical activity is another key to weight loss success with the medicine. Make sure you exercise at least 150 minutes a week, 75 minutes a week vigorously, as well as doing muscle-strengthening exercises two days a week. For detailed information on an exercise plan that may be right for you, talk to your healthcare team.
It is also important to combine the medication with a healthy, balanced diet in order to achieve weight loss success. To learn more about healthy eating habits, you may want to speak with your healthcare provider or dietitian. They may recommend fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while avoiding highly processed and sugary foods.
Following these tips can also help you get the most out of Saxenda:
- You should take it at the same time every day, preferably in the morning.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking the drug since it could increase side effects.
- Take the drug with caution if you are taking oral medications because it may slow their absorption. If you are taking any medications, talk with your healthcare provider about potential interactions.
- It should be injected as directed, making sure not to miss any doses. In case you forget a dose, please take it as soon as you remember unless it has been less than 12 hours since your last dose. If that happens, skip the missed dose and continue with the following day’s dose.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle along with the drug to maximize weight loss results. Keep in touch with your healthcare provider throughout your treatment journey and report any concerns or progress. Additionally, you can buy Saxenda online from the best Canadian online pharmacy for discounted prices.
Read Also – Do Weight Loss Drugs Like Saxenda Cause Suicidal Thoughts?
In Closing
Saxenda, initially invented to manage diabetes, is now widely acknowledged for its efficiency in promoting weight loss. With its active ingredient, liraglutide, it curbs appetite and slows stomach emptying by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1. It offers a gradual but significant reduction in weight, especially when coupled with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mindful usage as guided by healthcare professionals. The journey to optimal results involves adherence to prescribed doses, strategic lifestyle choices, and ongoing communication with your healthcare team. There is no doubt that the drug is a valuable option, but each person’s responses may vary, hence the importance of personalized advice to ensure safe and effective weight management.