Is Saxenda Injections Better Than Other Options?

Weight loss is a deeply personal and often challenging journey, and finding the right treatment can make all the difference. Among the many medical interventions available, Saxenda injections have gained attention for their effectiveness in supporting sustainable weight loss. If you're researching Saxenda Injections in Dubai, you might be wondering how this treatment compares to other weight loss options. 

What Is Saxenda?

Saxenda (liraglutide) is an FDA-approved injectable medication used for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight and have at least one weight-related condition (such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol). It belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Victoza, liraglutide was later approved at a higher dose for weight management and rebranded as Saxenda.

How Does Saxenda Work?

Saxenda mimics a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone plays a role in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism. When injected daily, Saxenda:

Helps you feel full sooner during meals

Reduces hunger between meals

Slows down the emptying of the stomach

Aids in reducing overall calorie intake

How Much Weight Can You Lose With Saxenda?

Clinical trials have shown that individuals using Saxenda can lose 5% to 10% of their body weight over 12 months, depending on adherence to the treatment and lifestyle modifications. For many patients, this is enough to improve or resolve conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or prediabetes.

The weight loss may vary, but here are some general observations from research:

5% body weight loss: Often leads to better blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar control.

10% body weight loss: Provides even more significant health benefits and can reduce the need for certain medications.

Comparing Saxenda to Other Weight Loss Options

Let’s break down how Saxenda compares to other popular and medically approved weight loss treatments:

Lifestyle Modifications (Diet and Exercise Alone)

This is the foundation of all weight loss plans. However, studies show that only 5-10% of people who rely solely on diet and exercise maintain long-term weight loss.

Pros:

              Natural

              No side effects

              Improves overall health

Cons:

             Difficult to maintain

             Results may be slow

             Plateaus are common

Saxenda vs Lifestyle: Saxenda enhances the results of diet and exercise by addressing hunger and satiety. It works with lifestyle changes, not instead of them.

 Prescription Weight Loss Pills (e.g., Orlistat, Phentermine, Contrave, Qsymia)

Weight loss pills offer another pharmacological route for managing obesity, with various mechanisms like fat absorption inhibition or appetite suppression.

Saxenda vs Pills: Saxenda is considered safer for long-term use and has fewer central nervous system side effects compared to stimulant-based pills like phentermine.

Other GLP-1 Medications (e.g., Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro)

Other GLP-1 receptor agonists are making headlines, such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). These newer medications often show even more dramatic weight loss results.

Saxenda vs Wegovy/Ozempic: Saxenda has been around longer and has a well-established safety profile. Wegovy may offer more significant weight loss, but Saxenda remains a solid, proven option for those who may not tolerate others or prefer daily injections.

Bariatric Surgery (e.g., Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy)

Surgical weight loss is an option for those with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with comorbidities) who have not succeeded with other treatments.

Saxenda vs Surgery: Saxenda is non-invasive and suitable for people who are not ready or eligible for surgery. It is often used before surgery or to prevent the need for surgery altogether.

Benefits of Saxenda Injections

Clinically Proven: Backed by extensive studies and approved by global regulatory authorities.

Reduces Appetite: Targets a fundamental cause of weight gain—hunger and cravings.

Improves Health Markers: Weight loss often results in improved blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Non-Stimulant: Doesn’t affect sleep, heart rate, or cause jitteriness.

Safe for Long-Term Use: Saxenda can be used beyond one year under medical supervision.

Potential Drawbacks

Like all medications, Saxenda isn’t perfect. Here are some common side effects:

Nausea

Diarrhea or constipation

Headache

Fatigue

Injection site reactions

These usually diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Rarely, more serious side effects like pancreatitis or gallbladder issues may occur.

It’s essential to use Saxenda under the supervision of a healthcare provider who can monitor and adjust the treatment as needed.

Who Should Consider Saxenda?

Saxenda is recommended for:

Adults with a BMI ≥ 30

Adults with a BMI ≥ 27 and at least one weight-related condition (like type 2 diabetes or hypertension)

People who have tried and struggled with lifestyle modifications alone

Those who are not eligible for or do not want surgery

Individuals seeking a medical approach to weight loss that’s sustainable

Who Should Not Use Saxenda?

Saxenda is not suitable for:

Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma

People with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Those allergic to liraglutide

Always consult a doctor to determine if Saxenda is appropriate for your unique situation.

Final Thoughts

Saxenda injections provide a balanced middle ground between lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. It is an evidence-based option that supports weight loss in a gradual and sustainable way.