Saxenda (Liraglutide) 101 Guide: What Is It and How To Use It For Weight Loss Treatment

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is a brand name for the generic medication Liraglutide. This medication is an injectable drug that is similar to the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) that is naturally produced in the body. The drug is administered once a day through an injection pen, which patients can use to inject the medication into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

How does Saxenda work?

Saxenda works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, which is a hormone that regulates appetite and digestion. This hormone signals to the brain that the body is full, which leads to a reduction in hunger and a decrease in food intake. Saxenda helps patients feel full, leading to a reduction in food cravings and a decrease in calorie intake.

Saxenda also slows down the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach, which can help patients feel full for longer periods. This effect can lead to a decrease in overall food intake, resulting in weight loss.

Who is A Candidate For Saxenda?

Saxenda is typically prescribed for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which is considered obese, or for people with a BMI of 27 or higher who have weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

It is essential to note that Saxenda is not a weight loss solution for everyone. It is essential to speak with a healthcare provider to determine if Saxenda is a safe and effective weight loss treatment option.

Side Effects of Saxenda

Like any medication, Saxenda may cause side effects. The most common side effects reported by patients are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, low blood sugar, and decreased appetite. However, these side effects typically go away over time as the body adjusts to the medication.

It is essential to report any side effects to a healthcare provider immediately. In rare cases, Saxenda may cause more severe side effects such as pancreatitis or thyroid tumors.

Other Weight Loss Medication Available In Singapore

Panbesy

Panbesy is a brand-name prescription oral medication taken over a short period of time (about 12 weeks) used to aid weight loss by reducing your appetite or making you feel fuller for longer. Panbesy is to be used in tandem with regular exercise and diet changes.

So how does Panbesy work?

The main active ingredient in Panbesy is phentermine, which belongs to a classification of drugs called anorectics (otherwise also known as appetite suppressants). While it is still unclear how exactly Panbesy works for weight loss, phentermine has been thought to reduce appetite by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters present in the brain.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals to other cells to regulate vital bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate and (more specifically) appetite. By increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, you will find that your appetite wanes and decreases, helping you to eat less and lose weight.  

However, there is a possibility that your body might build a tolerance towards the medication within weeks of taking it. If that happens, your doctor will recommend against raising the dosage but instead to stop using Panbesy altogether.

If you are currently struggling to lose weight in spite of dietary and lifestyle changes, it is advisable that you consult a doctor. Here at Noah, doctors on our platform are best equipped with the knowledge to determine whether Panbesy is suitable for you as part of your weight loss plan. They will be able to advise you on the best treatment suitable for you, and can also prescribe you the right medication should you need it.