What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is a common treatment for overweight. But what is it really, and when is it used? In this blog post, we explain what Saxenda is, how it works within a medical treatment plan, and why it can be included in your weight loss plan at Goodweigh.

What is Saxenda developed for?

Saxenda is specifically developed for the medical treatment of overweight and obesity in adults, and not for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This distinction is important: where similar drugs such as Ozempic are primarily approved as blood sugar lowering agents, Saxenda is exclusively registered for weight control. According to an overview Published in JAMA Drug therapy is included today in standard care for obesity when lifestyle interventions do not produce adequate results. Saxenda fits perfectly into that treatment landscape: it is an aid for people who, despite efforts, find it difficult to lose weight.

What kind of medicines does Saxenda belong to?

Saxenda contains the active substance liraglutide and belongs to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a hormone that the body produces naturally after meals. It stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon (the hormone that raises blood sugar) and sends via the hypothalamus a signal of satiety. Liraglutide mimics this hormone: it has a 97 percent sequence homology with endogenous GLP-1 and has a half-life of approximately 13 hours, meaning that daily administration via a subcutaneous injection is required. More about how Saxenda works you can read in a separate blog. According to an overview Published in JAMA GLP-1 receptor agonists are currently one of the best documented classes of weight loss drugs available.

Who is Saxenda intended for?

Saxenda is indicated for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or for people with a BMI of 27 or higher in combination with a weight-related illness such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea or prediabetes. Thus, the indication is always medical: a doctor assesses whether Saxenda is suitable for your situation. A randomized controlled trial showed that participants who received liraglutide 3 mg on average lost significantly more weight than the control group, especially when the drug was combined with a calorie-restricted diet and more exercise. Want to know if you're eligible? The criteria for GLP-1 drugs explained in detail on our knowledge page.

What is the difference between Saxenda and standard slimming methods?

Diet and exercise are the foundation of any healthy weight loss, but for some people it's not enough. Obesity often has a complex biology: a disturbed hunger and satiety mechanism, a lowered basal metabolism or hormonal factors come into play. Saxenda affects precisely these mechanisms. By affecting the hypothalamic hunger and satiety centers, liraglutide helps reduce appetite and delay gastric emptying, making you feel full longer after a meal. It's a physiologically different mechanism than pure willpower or portion control. A comprehensive A review article in The Lancet concluded that drug support in the case of severe overweight has a demonstrable added value compared to lifestyle intervention alone. Saxenda is therefore not a quick fix, but a medical aid that acts via proven biological pathways.

Is Saxenda replacing a lifestyle change?

The No. That is a crucial point. Saxenda supports behavior change, but does not replace it. The drug is always intended as a supplement to a healthier diet and more exercise, not as a substitute for these. That's also how Goodweigh uses it: medication as an aid within a broader program, where coaching and tracking progress form the core. Anyone who uses Saxenda without taking lifestyle into account will see worse results and be at greater risk of relapse when treatment is stopped.

What can you expect from a Saxenda program at Goodweigh?

At Goodweigh, each program begins with an online intake, followed by a medical assessment by a physician. Your doctor will assess whether Saxenda is appropriate based on your health data, BMI and any contraindications, such as previous cases of pancreatitis or pregnancy. When Saxenda is printed, it is discreetly delivered to your home. The dosage is stepped up incrementally to limit side effects such as nausea or diarrhea, which are common at the beginning. During treatment, you will receive coaching and your development and reaction to the drug will be monitored. You can read more about Goodweight Program on our program page. A randomized controlled trial showed that guidance and monitoring significantly increase the effectiveness of liraglutide. On Saxenda Product Page you will find all practical information about the drug, including how to use it and how long does a Saxenda pen last.

How does Saxenda differ from other drugs such as Ozempic or Wegovy?

The main practical differences lie in the active substance, the frequency of dosing and the registered indication. Saxenda contains liraglutide and is injected daily. Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide and are administered once a week. A direct comparative study showed that semaglutide once a week led to an average greater weight loss than liraglutide daily. researching published in The Lancet showed that semaglutide at higher doses was more effective than liraglutide in achieving a weight loss of more than five percent. This does not mean that Saxenda is less suitable: the choice depends on your medical situation, personal preferences and tolerance. A detailed explanation of difference between Ozempic and Saxenda is in a separate blog post.

Is Saxenda for you?

Saxenda is one of the proven options within the GoodWeight program for people with excess weight seeking medical guidance. Whether it fits your situation depends on your BMI, your health history and your personal goals. Do the intake to assess together with a doctor what treatment is best for you.

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