Undeniably, managing and maintaining weight is an uphill task. And oftentimes, lifestyle alterations such as diet and exercise are not sufficient on their own. This is where new and advanced treatments like Saxenda injections can help. Saxenda injection is a prescription drug intended to support healthy lifestyle modifications and effective weight management in adults and adolescents. But does it truly work? Let’s find out!
Continue reading to know more about Saxenda injections.
What Are Saxenda Injections?
Liraglutide, marketed under the trade name Saxenda, is a drug that functions by imitating the body’s natural GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone. This hormone aids in controlling hunger and caloric intake. Liraglutide was first created at a lower dosage to treat type 2 diabetes, but the higher-dose version (Saxenda) has been authorized for weight control.
How Does The Treatment Work?
Saxenda injections make you feel fuller for longer by slowing down the emptying of your stomach. By influencing the brain’s hunger centers, it also lessens appetite, which results in consuming fewer calories. Saxenda injections are intended to promote progressive, sustainable weight loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle, as opposed to suppressing metabolism or causing abrupt weight loss like some other weight-loss drugs do.
According to clinical studies, Saxenda users who also maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen can lose a lot more weight than those who just make lifestyle adjustments. It usually takes 12 to 16 weeks to notice significant changes, while some users might experience effects in as little as a few weeks.
Who Should Use Saxenda Injections?
Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more (categorized as obese) or 27 or higher if they have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol are usually prescribed the Saxenda pen.
However, remember that not everyone is a good fit for it. Saxenda injections should be avoided by persons who are pregnant or nursing, have a personal or family history of a particular form of thyroid cancer, or have specific medical disorders, including pancreatitis.
To make sure Saxenda is a safe and suitable choice for you, a healthcare provider will evaluate your general health, weight history, and lifestyle before you begin taking it.
How to Take Saxenda Injections?
Subcutaneous injections, or injections beneath the skin, are used to give Saxenda. Injections are typically administered in the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. Saxenda is easy to use at home because it comes in a pre-filled pen.
To lessen adverse effects, the dosage is increased gradually over a few weeks:
- Week 1: once daily, 0.6 mg
- Week 2: once daily, 1.2 mg
- Week 3: once daily, 1.8 mg
- Week 4: once daily, 2.4 mg
- Week 5 and beyond: maximum dose of 3 mg once a day
It’s critical to pay close attention to the dosage plan and avoid missing any doses. With or without meals, the injection can be administered at any time of day.
Effective Strategies to Use Saxenda Injections
- Maintain consistency: To keep your medicine levels constant, take your injection at the same time every day.
Adhere to dietary recommendations: Maintain a balanced, low-calorie diet to minimize adverse effects and maximize weight loss. - Remain active: Include frequent exercise that is appropriate for your level of fitness.
Engage in dialogue with your medical team: Any negative effects or issues should be reported right away. - Control expectations: Saxenda helps people lose weight gradually and is most effective when used in conjunction with a comprehensive lifestyle plan.
Are Saxenda Injections Right for You?
Making a personal decision about whether the Saxenda injection is right for your weight reduction journey requires expert advice. It is neither a stand-alone remedy nor a quick fix. It can, however, be a useful tool for people who are still having weight problems in spite of changing their lifestyle. You can visit Hash Clinics to consult the expert doctors and get the right guidance.