Saxenda is an injectable weight management prescription medication. Saxenda works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in the body called GLP-1, which helps to regulate food intake.
Losing weight on Saxenda
It has proven effective for many people however, some individuals may have a lack of results due to certain reasons. Lifestyle, emotional well-being, and dosing of medicine can be managed for a better result.
Incomplete lifestyle changes
Saxenda is designed to aid in weight loss however alone it cannot result in success. It is effective when combined with lifestyle modifications like reduced calorie diet and exercise. Without these adjustments to lifestyle, an individual will not gain the desired results.
Healthy diet
Saxenda works best with a healthy reduced calorie intake. A healthy diet on saxenda should include a variety of lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Consuming a diet that is high in processed food and low in nutritious foods can deter weight loss.
Calories can be obtained through food and drinks with extra calories consumed through sugary drinks e.g. coffee drinks, sweetened drinks. An unadjusted diet could be the reason why weight is not being lost.
Drinking enough water also plays a role in weight loss. A well-hydrated body functions properly especially when trying to maintain a healthy weight. Water helps with suppressing the appetite, increased metabolism and reduced calorie intake.
Physical activity
Physical activity has a role in weight loss. It is recommended to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times a week. A boost in metabolism means you’ll burn more calories at rest and when active. Weight loss results may not be seen if regular exercise is not included.
Exercise is effective in helping lose weight. Research also shows it can help with reducing the likelihood of developing medical conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Therefore it should be included in everyone’s lifestyle.
Incorrect dosage
Saxenda dosing follows a gradual escalation in dose. This is designed to allow the body time to adjust and minimise the side effects such as nausea. If the dosage is too low it might not provide the full appetite suppressing effects needed for weight loss. It is important to follow the dosing schedule to be able to tolerate the medicine and this achieve the results required.
Individuals should wait till the maximum dose of 3mg is achieved in a few weeks to assess their weight loss results.
Impatience
Weight loss is a long journey and requires consistent effort to see results, usually takes time and success does not occur overnight. A healthy weight loss means 0.5-1 kg loss a week, which could vary depending on the dose of Saxenda, the diet and exercise requirements and if individuals are following the journey effectively.
Emotional wellbeing
Similarly to physical wellbeing, our emotional well being is related to weight loss. How the body copes with stress and how much sleep a person gets is related to body weight.
Stress
Stress affects weight loss in two ways. Chronic stress can stop the body from burning as many calories as usual. The body protects itself through a protective response to the threat causing stress. Stress can also cause overeating, leading to weight gain or losing weight slowly.
To effectively lose weight, it’s important to manage stress by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, meditating, journaling, and talking to someone.
Adequate sleep
Sleep studies have shown that not getting enough sleep may affect the hormones which regulate the appetite. The imbalance can make you more likely to overeat and less hours of sleep can affect energy levels, making it harder to stick to a healthy diet and exercise plan. Therefore not getting enough sleep can negatively impact weight loss efforts.
Weight plateau
Sometimes the body stops losing weight for several weeks to months even if individuals are in calorie deficit. Although frustrating, a plateau is a common occurrence when losing weight. Individuals should seek the support of a doctor or dietician to help overcome the weight loss plateau.
Availability and Cost
There could be delays in seeing results if the medication becomes out of stock or isn’t as easily available to purchase. Saxenda is not available on the PBS hence, the cost is private out of pocket and could, in some people, create a barrier to accessibility.
Contact the doctor
It is important to consult a doctor for any concerns regarding weight not moving whilst on Saxenda. Research shows that Saxenda works for most people. However, some individuals may not lose weight while using the medication. This could be due to not effectively modifying lifestyle habits, the inability to exercise regularly and possibly medical conditions which alter the way Saxenda works.
Working with a dietician can help adjust weight loss goals and help create a personalized meal plan, taking into account dietary restrictions and preferences. Consulting a health professional is essential for a successful weight loss journey.
