Saxenda, a slimming pen

SAXENDA, the ultimate solution to obesity, has over time become a global scourge that threatens more than one society.

There are many causes, the most important of which is our lifestyle, which favors comfort and encourages passivity and inaction. This phenomenon even affects children.

Treatments based on scientific research are multiplying, and new ones are being developed all the time.

Saxenda is a treatment for obesity. Let’s take a look at this new hope in the fight against obesity.

A new hope to treat obesity

Today, the problem of obesity and related diseases poses real challenges for the medical profession, which is increasingly proposing drugs to combat excess weight.

Overweight is no longer seen as an aesthetic or social image problem, but as a genuine health concern, as it is the cause of a number of serious chronic diseases, including:

• Type 2 diabetes;
• Metabolic disorders;
• Dyslipidemia: excess cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood;
• Osteoarthritis problems;
• Liver problems;
• High blood pressure;
• certain cancers.

From more and more drugs on the market…

In this context, a number of drugs are being prescribed by doctors to help their patients lose weight and, consequently, relieve the burden of these associated diseases.

However, in the majority of cases, these drugs prove to be either dangerous because of their side effects, or not really effective, and are eventually withdrawn from the market.

But hope remains, and research is advancing to find new and, above all, better treatments!
Recently, a drug has been proposed specifically for weight loss. It benefits from the reputation and reliability of its manufacturer.

In fact, the Danish laboratory Novo Nordisk, world leader in diabetes products, has obtained FDA (Food and Drug Adiministration) approval to market its new creation Saxenda as a treatment for obesity.

(Source: FDA. Press release dated December 23, 2014).

The drug, which is subject to medical prescription and available only on prescription, is in fact a higher-dose version of the active ingredient than another drug called Victoza and indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

We devoted an entire article to Victoza, which is indicated exclusively for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and has never been indicated for weight loss.

Coming back to Saxenda, we’ve done some research to provide you with the information you need in case you want to discuss it with your doctor as part of your quest to lose weight. Right away, the Saxenda test…

What is Saxenda?

The active ingredient in Saxenda is Liraglutide.

Liraglutide is a synthetic molecule which resembles a hormone produced by the body, called Incretin.

Incretin is synthesized by the intestine and prompts the pancreas to produce more insulin when the body receives food. This action helps control blood sugar levels.

The Incretin hormone has one major drawback. It degrades rapidly and is eliminated from the bloodstream within minutes. As a result, its action lasts only a very short time.

Liraglutide remedies this situation: it has the same action as Incretin, but with an all-day effect.
In simple terms Liraglutide provides additional insulin secretion when food is ingested, and its action lasts for 24 hours.

This is what stabilizes blood sugar levels, and why the Liraglutide molecule is used to treat type 2 diabetes, which causes a reduction in insulin secretion.

In patients taking Liraglutide, treatment, weight loss and stabilization of diabetes have been observed.

For weight-loss purposes, the recommended dose of Liraglutide is 3 mg.

This inspired the manufacturer to propose a form specifically designed for weight loss, called Saxenda.

It contains a higher dose of active ingredient and has already undergone the necessary studies to prove its efficacy on weight loss.

In December 2014, Saxenda received approval from the FDA in the USA to be marketed as a treatment for obesity.

Indications of Saxenda

Saxenda is indicated as a weight-loss treatment for obese and overweight adults suffering from type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

In Europe, Saxenda is currently being studied by the European health authorities for its effects on weight loss.

The evidence of efficacy of Saxenda for weight loss

Saxenda has a “glucose-dependent” action. In other words, when sugar is present in the blood, this drug stimulates insulin secretion.

By lowering blood sugar levels, insulin slows gastric emptying, thus reducing the sensation of hunger and providing a feeling of satiety.

Result: no more urge to snack. Weight loss is a natural consequence of reduced caloric intake.

One study concluded that Liraglutide is effective for weight loss, and the results showed that three-quarters of patients in the study who received a daily dose of Liraglutide lost more than 5% of their initial weight.

What are the conditions of use Saxenda?

Saxenda is a new drug indicated for the treatment of obesity under specific conditions.

It must be prescribed by a physician and regularly monitored by a qualified practitioner.

How to use Saxenda?

Saxenda is an injectable solution in the form of a pre-filled pen, containing 3 mg of Liraglutide.

This dose is injected subcutaneously, i.e. under the skin, once a day.

This method of administration by injection may seem restrictive, but it’s what ensures that the product is as effective as possible. What’s more, millions of patients around the world use these pens, and live with the fact that they can control the progression of their disease and lead a normal life.

What side effects of Saxenda?

As with any medication, Saxenda may cause side effects such as headaches and gastrointestinal disorders.

This is a very new drug, and it is possible that side effects not yet mentioned may occur over time.

In such cases, you should immediately inform the prescribing physician, who will take the appropriate decision.

What disadvantages of Saxenda?

Saxenda has 2 disadvantages:

1. It’s an injectable solution, which may put many people off.

   In fact, no one really likes injections. But if your doctor feels that this product can help you, the little injection will go down without a hitch!

2. The price is very high.

   But as long as it’s a drug prescribed by a doctor, it will naturally be reimbursed by social security and mutual health insurance companies, unless there’s proof to the contrary.

Saxenda can be an effective weight-loss solution if regularly monitored by your GP.

As with any product indicated for weight loss, a balanced diet and regular physical activity are the best allies for lasting results.

This is all the more true in the case of Saxenda, which is already aimed at obese or overweight people who suffer in parallel from other pathologies such as type 2 diabetes, which require the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.

Saxenda : our Opinion

Saxenda is a prescription drug and is not sold online. However, for more information, you can visit the manufacturer’s official website by clicking here.