Saxenda® (Liraglutide Injection) is a prescription medication used for weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight and have at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Saxenda® is an injectable medication that is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which plays a key role in regulating appetite and food intake.
How Does Saxenda® Work?
Saxenda® aids in weight loss through several mechanisms, primarily focusing on reducing appetite and promoting satiety. Here’s how it works:
1. Appetite Suppression:
Saxenda® works by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, particularly in areas involved in appetite regulation, such as the hypothalamus. When these receptors are activated, they help increase feelings of fullness and decrease feelings of hunger. This helps reduce the amount of food consumed and promotes a lower calorie intake, which is essential for weight loss.
2. Slowing Gastric Emptying:
Saxenda® slows down gastric emptying, which is the process by which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. By delaying this process, Saxenda® helps prolong the sensation of fullness after eating, making it easier to control portions and reduce overall food intake. This slowing of gastric emptying also leads to more gradual increases in blood sugar levels after meals, which is beneficial for individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
3. Regulating Blood Sugar Levels:
Saxenda® helps improve blood sugar control by stimulating insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon release when blood sugar levels are high. This dual action helps lower blood sugar levels, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. By stabilizing blood sugar levels, Saxenda® also helps reduce cravings for high-calorie foods, which can contribute to weight gain.
4. Encouraging Caloric Deficit:
By reducing hunger and enhancing satiety, Saxenda® encourages a caloric deficit, which is necessary for weight loss. A caloric deficit occurs when the number of calories consumed is less than the number of calories burned by the body. This deficit forces the body to use stored fat for energy, leading to weight loss over time.
Clinical Evidence and Effectiveness
Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of Saxenda® in promoting weight loss. In the SCALE (Satiety and Clinical Adiposity—Liraglutide Evidence in Non-Diabetic and Diabetic Individuals) trials, participants using Saxenda® lost significantly more weight compared to those using a placebo. Many participants achieved a weight loss of at least 5% to 10% of their initial body weight, which is associated with significant improvements in health markers, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control.
Usage and Administration
Saxenda® is administered once daily as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin). The dose is gradually increased over the first few weeks to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, which are common with GLP-1 receptor agonists. These side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, particularly at the beginning of treatment.
It is important to use Saxenda® under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with existing medical conditions or those taking other medications.