Saxenda: Weight Loss Medication, Uses, Side Effects, and What You Need to Know

When you hear Saxenda, a once-daily injectable medication used for long-term weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions. Also known as liraglutide, it works by mimicking a hormone your body naturally makes to control appetite and blood sugar. It’s not a quick fix. It’s a tool—used alongside diet and exercise—that helps your brain feel full faster and stay full longer. That’s why people who use it often eat less without feeling constantly hungry.

Saxenda belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists, medications that activate the GLP-1 receptor to slow digestion and reduce hunger. It’s the same active ingredient as Victoza, which is used for type 2 diabetes, but Saxenda is prescribed at a higher dose specifically for weight loss. It’s not for everyone. It’s approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It’s also used in teens aged 12 and older who weigh more than 60 kg and have obesity.

People who’ve tried Saxenda often report losing 5% to 10% of their body weight in the first six months—if they stick with it. That might not sound like much, but it’s enough to lower blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce joint pain. The real challenge? Side effects. Nausea is the most common, especially when starting. Many people get used to it after a few weeks. Others experience vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or low blood sugar if they’re also taking diabetes meds. A small number report more serious issues like pancreatitis or gallbladder disease. That’s why you need a doctor to monitor you.

It’s also important to know Saxenda isn’t a magic pill. You still have to eat better and move more. Studies show that if you stop taking it, most people regain the weight. That’s why it’s meant for long-term use, not a short-term diet. Insurance doesn’t always cover it, and the cost can be high without help. Some people find it easier to stick with when they pair it with regular check-ins with a dietitian or support group.

There’s a lot of confusion around weight loss drugs these days. Some think Saxenda is the same as Ozempic or Wegovy—but while they’re related, they’re not interchangeable. Wegovy is the same drug as Saxenda but approved at a higher dose for weight loss alone. Saxenda was the first of its kind approved for obesity treatment in the U.S., and it’s still one of the most studied. It’s not for people with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, or those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before starting.

Below, you’ll find real patient experiences and medical insights about Saxenda, including how it interacts with other medications, what to do if you miss a dose, how it affects blood sugar, and how it compares to other weight loss options. Whether you’re considering it, already using it, or just trying to understand why it’s getting so much attention, these articles give you the facts—not the hype.