Studies Show Saxenda Can Boost Weight Loss With Exercise

Mehedi HasanLast Updated: June 1, 2021

The prevalence of obesity in the United States has risen to a staggering 40%. As a result, complications related to obesity, such as diabetes, heart diseases, and certain cancers are also on the rise. If left unchecked, these complications can all lead to a lowered life expectancy.

Our bodies try to hold on to excess fat which makes weight loss challenging. Quick weight-loss schemes will unlikely provide results and often lead to frustration.

In 2010, a medication called Victoza, prescribed to help adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in improving glycemic control, also contained an active component called liraglutide.

Liraglutide, a glucagon-like-peptide-1(GLP-1) analogue, in larger doses, has become an effective treatment for adults battling obesity.

In 2012, a breakthrough drug would be prescribed by doctors containing a higher dose of liraglutide for weight loss only.

What Is Saxenda?

Saxenda, a brand containing liraglutide, was developed by drug manufacturers called Novo Nordisk. It is commonly prescribed by doctors to help patients struggling with weight management.

Similar to Victoza, Saxenda is administered daily through an injectable pen. It contains a higher dose of 3.0 mg of liraglutide, which is almost twice that of Victoza.

In addition, this medication helps beta cells normalize blood sugar that causes the body to produce and release insulin. It’s also beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes in regulating blood sugar.

In combination with exercise and diet, Saxenda has proven to be significantly helpful for patients to finally drop their unwanted weight. It mimics the action of the appetite hormone GLP-1 that tells your brain you’re full.

Results can vary depending on whether the patients are willing to stick to a diet and exercise program. Several studies have concluded that patients who used Saxenda (liraglutide) have lost a considerable amount of weight more than those who just took a placebo.

Weight Loss Accelerated With Liraglutide

In a study performed by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, they found that adult subjects who were given 3mg of liraglutide a day and followed a moderate-to-vigorous exercise regimen saw greater results (21 lbs. in 1 year) in comparison to those who were on the placebo with regular activity (P<0.001).

The study consisted of 195 participants between the ages of 18-65 with obesity. Those with diabetes were excluded from the study.

The side effects from participants taking liraglutide included nausea and diarrhea.

Throughout the study, participants were put on exercise and diet plans depending on their group.

Exercise-alone group: Lost 9 lbs.
Liraglutide-alone group: Lost 15 lbs.
Exercise + Liraglutide: Lost 21 lbs.

In examining the results from three groups in the study, the group that observed the combination of exercise and liraglutide lost 12 pounds more than the group on exercise alone. The group on liraglutide alone also lost more than the exercise-alone group.

Studies On Saxenda

In 2014, the Food and Drug Administration approved liraglutide to treat adults with obesity and a BMI of 30+ or a BMI of 27+ and at least one medical condition related to obesity.

The approval by the FDA was based on phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The safety and efficacy of Saxenda were tested on 251 participants between the ages of 12-17, with a BMI of 30kg/m2 or greater and at the 95th percentile or greater for their sex and age for 56 weeks. The primary endpoint measured in the study was the difference in BMI.

The results of the study found that not only did the participants who use Saxenda significantly lost more weight than the placebo group, but lost an average of 2.65% of their body weight.

From this trial, side effects reported by patients included dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Using 3.0 mg of liraglutide once a day in combination with diet and exercise has shown to provide significant weight loss in overweight or obese individuals. In addition, patients also saw reductions in glycemic variables, multiple cardiometabolic risk factors, and an overall improvement in quality of life.

Saxenda Improves Glycemic Control

Other studies have shown that on average, those who use Saxenda lost 5-7% of their overall body weight. One out of four people lost over 10% of their body weight.

It was discovered that many participants who had diabetes and prediabetes in the Saxenda trials had improved glycemic control.

After a year, subjects with prediabetes were able to return to normal glucose levels which meant that they did not have diabetes nor prediabetes in the first place.

Saxenda Side Effects

Like any medication, side effects may occur. Common side effects from taking Saxenda may include:

Abdominal pain
Bloating
Dry mouth
Changes in taste
Anxiety
Insomnia
Headaches
Gas
Weakness (lack of energy)
Injection site reactions
Diarrhea
Decreased Appetite
Dizziness
Fatigue
Indigestion
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation

Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:

Racing heartbeat or heart palpitations
Suicidal thoughts or change in mood or behavior
Dehydration symptoms
Low blood sugar
Pancreas or gallbladder issues
Signs of thyroid tumor

Who Should Not Use Saxenda

Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Those who have had serious adverse reactions to liraglutide in the past
Have personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
If you are already taking another GLP-1 receptor agonist
If you are using insulin
If you are currently taking Victoza

Cost Of Saxenda

While the results of using Saxenda are promising, this medication can be costly for many Americans and not available to just anyone.

The monthly cost of Saxenda for those without medical insurance on average is USD$1,500 per month for 5 pens.

If you already have a prescription, you can order Saxenda online from the online Canadian pharmacy Buy Canadian Insulin and save almost 70% on the average cost.