What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is a prescription injectable medicine used for weight loss. It contains the active ingredient liraglutide.

Key Facts

• Active Ingredient: Liraglutide
• Frequency: Daily injection
• Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
• Approval: FDA-approved for chronic weight management

How It Works

Saxenda mimics a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) that regulates appetite. By activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, it helps you feel fuller sooner and less hungry, leading to reduced calorie intake.

Effectiveness

In clinical trials, patients taking Saxenda lost significantly more weight than those on a placebo. On average, patients can expect to lose about 5-10% of their body weight when combined with diet and exercise. While less effective than newer weekly injections like Wegovy or Mounjaro, it remains a valuable option for many.