SAXENDA, is it the ultimate solution to obesity has become over time a global scourge that threatens more than one society.
The causes are multiple, the most important: our way of life which promotes comfort and leads to passivity and non-action. This phenomenon even affects children.
Treatments resulting from scientific research are multiplying and new ones are emerging every moment.
Saxenda is a new treatment for obesity. Let’s take a tour of this new hope against obesity.
A new hope to treat obesity
The problem of obesity and related diseases today poses real challenges for the medical profession, which increasingly offers drugs to fight against excess weight.
Being overweight is no longer considered an aesthetic or social image problem, but a real health concern because it is the cause of several serious chronic diseases, some of which are:
- Type 2 diabetes;
- metabolic disorders;
- Dyslipidemia: excess cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood;
- Osteoarthritis problems;
- Liver problems;
- High blood pressure ;
- Certain cancers.
Of more and more drugs on the market…
In this context, several drugs are prescribed by doctors to help their patients lose weight and therefore relieve the weight of these associated diseases.
However, in the majority of cases, these drugs turn out to be either dangerous due to their side effects, or not really effective and end up being withdrawn from the market.
But hope remains and research is advancing to find new and above all better treatments!
Recently, a drug has been proposed specifically for weight loss. It enjoys the notoriety and seriousness of its manufacturing laboratory.
Indeed, it is the Danish laboratory Novo Nordisk, world leader in products against diabetes, which obtained authorization from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to market its new creation Saxenda as a treatment for obesity.
This new drug, subject to medical prescription and delivered only on prescription, is in fact a version with a higher dose of active ingredient than another drug called Victoza and indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
We have devoted an entire article to Victoza, which is indicated exclusively for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and has never been indicated for weight loss.
Coming back to Saxenda, we have conducted research to provide you with the necessary information in case you want to discuss it with your doctor as part of your quest to lose weight. Right away, the Saxenda test…
What is Saxenda?
The active substance in Saxenda is called Liraglutide.
Liraglutide is a synthetic molecule that resembles a hormone produced by the body called Incretin.
Incretin is synthesized by the intestine and causes the pancreas to produce more insulin when the body receives food. This action allows, therefore, to control the level of sugar in the blood.
The Incretin hormone has one major downside. It breaks down quickly and is eliminated from the bloodstream within minutes. Therefore, its action lasts only a very short time.
It is Liraglutide that remedies this situation: it takes the same action as Incretin, while ensuring an effect lasts all day.
To simplify: the Liraglutide allows to have an additional insulin secretion in case of ingestion of food and its action lasts 24 hours.
This is what stabilizes the blood sugar level, and this is why the molecule of Liraglutide is used to treat type 2 diabetes that causes decreased insulin secretion.
In patients using treatment with Liraglutidea reduction in weight associated with a stabilization of diabetes was observed.
For weight loss purposes, the recommended dose of Liraglutide is 3mg.
This inspired the manufacturer lab to come up with a form designed specifically for weight loss, dubbed Saxenda.
It contains a higher dose of active ingredient and has already been the subject of the necessary studies to prove its effectiveness on weight loss.
In December 2014, Saxenda obtained FDA approval in the USA for marketing as a treatment for obesity.
Directions by Saxenda
Saxenda is indicated as a treatment for weight loss in obese and overweight adults who have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
In Europe, Saxenda is currently being studied by European health authorities for its effects on weight loss.
The evidence of effectiveness from Saxenda for weight loss
Saxenda has a so-called “glucose-dependent” action. That is to say that in case of the presence of sugar in the blood, this drug stimulates the secretion of insulin.
The latter by reducing blood sugar, slows down gastric emptying, thus reducing the feeling of hunger and providing a feeling of satiety.
Result: no more desire to snack. Weight loss is a natural consequence of decreasing calorie intake.
A study concluded the effectiveness of Liraglutide for weight loss, and its results showed that three quarters of the patients who were subjects of the study, and who took a daily dose of Liraglutide, lost more than 5% of their initial weight.
What are the Terms of use from Saxenda?
Saxenda is a recent drug indicated for the treatment of obesity and in specific conditions.
It is obligatorily subject to a medical prescription and its intake must be subject to regular monitoring by a confirmed practitioner.
How utilize Saxenda?
Saxenda is a solution for injection in the form of a pre-filled pen, dosed at 3 mg of Liraglutide.
This dose is injected subcutaneously, ie under the skin, once a day.
This mode of administration by injection may seem restrictive, but it is what guarantees the product to be as effective as possible. In addition, millions of patients around the world use these pens and adapt to them since it allows them to control the evolution of their disease and to have a normal life.
What Side effects from Saxenda?
Saxenda is likely to cause significant side effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, cramps, heartburn, insomnia, fatigue, heart trouble , fainting or kidney problems.
This medicine is very new, and it is possible that side effects not yet mentioned may occur over time.
In this case, it is advisable to inform the prescribing doctor immediately, who will be able to make the appropriate decision.
What disadvantages from Saxenda?
Saxenda has 2 disadvantages:
- It is an injectable solution, which can put off more than one.
Besides, no one deep down likes injections. But if your doctor thinks this product can help you, the little sting will pass without a problem! - The price is very high and is not systematically reimbursed by social security and health insurance.
Saxenda can be an effective solution for weight loss with regular monitoring by the treating physician.
Like any product indicated for weight loss, a balanced diet and regular physical activity are the best allies for obtaining lasting results.
This is all the more true in the case of Saxenda, which is already aimed at obese or overweight people and who suffer at the same time from other pathologies such as type 2 diabetes, which require adopting a healthy and A balanced diet.
Attention : The main ingredient in Saxenda (liraglutide) interacts with many other ingredients. So, if you are already under medication, it is imperative to take advice from your doctor before starting the injections of this product!
Are there any contraindications ?
Taking Saxenda is absolutely prohibited in the following cases:
- If allergic to liraglutide or any other ingredient of the medicine;
- in case of heart failure;
- in case of endocrine neoplasia;
- in case of renal insufficiency;
- in case of liver problem;
- people under 18 and 75 or over;
- pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Saxenda: our opinion
Saxenda is a prescription drug and is not sold online. But, for more information you can consult the official website of its manufacturer (in English) clicking here. For online purchase, it’s here.
Let us remember all the same that with the significant undesirable effects which can occur with this product, it is essential to be followed by a doctor and to inform this one as soon as you are confronted with a side effect linked to taking this product. “Saxena”!
Last update: August 2, 2022.