Why Saxenda Injections May Be a Poor Weight Loss Choice

Saxenda is the latest innovation in the field of weight loss.  It is the fourth weight loss medication approved by the FDA since 2012 and it hit the market in May of 2015. 

As such a newcomer to the weight loss game, the long term effects of Saxenda are still not known but it is already giving many people who struggle with weight loss some cause for hope.  But is it really the best choice for losing weight?  That remains to be seen as well.

Saxenda is actually a form of the diabetes medication Victoza.  It came about when individuals taking Victoza began reporting weight loss as a side effect.  This revelation led researchers to develop what is basically a double dose of Victoza, which they marketed under the name Saxenda. 

How well does it really work?

Unlike the other new weight loss medications, like Belviq, Qsymia and Contrave, Saxenda is not taken orally.  Like standard Victoza, it is injected once a day. 

It works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in the intestines that regulates blood sugar levels and causes the stomach to empty itself slower, leading to increased feelings of fullness.  Since it does not cause addictive symptoms or withdrawal symptoms like the other medications, it can be taken over a longer period of time.  This is what has caused so much excitement over Saxenda, but it still doesn’t guarantee its effectiveness.

In one year studies of the drug, over 60% of people who used it had a 5% reduction in body weight.  31% of those taking it had a 10% weight loss.  It should be noted that Saxenda is not recommended for those dealing with extreme obesity or for those who just need to drop a few pounds. 

It is specifically designed for individuals who are designated as clinically obese or those who are overweight and have another medical condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

What about Saxenda side effects?

Of course, as with any medication, Saxenda comes with a host of potentially serious side effects.  The most common side effect is nausea which can become intolerable.  Other side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, low blood sugar and increased appetite. 

While these side effects are cause for concern in themselves, there are other potential risks that are even more serious.  Chief among these is a possible increased risk of developing thyroid tumors.  Individuals with a family history of thyroid cancer should not take Saxenda.  

Use of Saxenda can also lead to instances of pancreatitis, gall bladder disease, kidney disease and suicidal thoughts. 

 Because of these and other potential side effects, the FDA is continuing to do research on Saxenda and it will monitor the use of it closely to determine if any other warnings are necessary.

What's the Bottom Line?

Though Saxenda seems to bring some cause for optimism, it is still a very serious medication and it should never be taken without proper caution.  Like all of the other new weight loss medications that are on the market now, it should not be considered a miracle cure. 

There is still no medication that can instantly reduce weight without getting some outside help in the form of weight loss and exercise.  If you go in expecting to get maximum results with minimum effort you will be sorely disappointed.

Doctors still recommend a balanced diet and plenty of exercise as the best method for losing weight in a healthy manner.  Not only is it better for you, it is still the only known way of not only losing weight but keeping it off over a prolonged period of time. 

For those who truly need some kind of additional boost to their diet and exercise plan, there are some all-natural weight loss aids that you can take like green coffee extract and garcinia cambogia which won’t expose your body to the dangers of synthetic chemicals.

No matter how you look at it, the best approach to weight loss is still the old fashioned one.  Some things just can’t be improved upon by science!

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