Saxenda

What Is Saxenda?

Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription-only, once daily weight loss injection, licensed to treat those with obesity (BMI of above 30) or who are overweight (BMI of above 27 with additional weight related comorbidities). It contains the medicine liraglutide. It should be used alongside a healthy and balanced diet and exercise to help aid weight loss.

How Does Saxenda Work?

The active ingredient in Saxenda is Liraglutide, a medication which is similar to a naturally occurring hormone in your body which is called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This is an appetite hormone that helps regulate hunger and is released by the intestines after a meal. Liraglutide helps to reduce your appetite and makes you feel fuller, which may lead to you consuming fewer calories and therefore losing weight. When paired with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise, this treatment can help you to lose weight and keep it off.

How Is Saxenda Taken?

Saxenda is a once-daily injection. It can be injected into your stomach area, upper leg or upper arm. Never inject into a vein or muscle. It can be administered at any time of day, independent of meal times.

Who Can And Cannot Use Saxenda?

Saxenda is suitable for those with a BMI above 30 (or 27 with a weight related co-morbidity). After you complete youronline consultation you will be assess by the prescriber who will take into account factors such as you BMI, your medical history, current medication etc.

Semaglutide will not be suitable and will not be prescribed if you fall into one of the categories below:

•  Under 18 or above 75 years of age
•  If you are breastfeeding, pregnant or actively trying to get pregnant.
•  Anyone who has had pancreatitis
•  Anyone with or a family history of thyroid tumours or thyroid cancer
•  Type 1 diabetics or patients taking certain diabetic medication