Hi there – my name is Henry, and I used to be clinically obese. I then started taking Saxenda injections and things changed. Read my story….
What we like: Unequivocal weight loss ability; Appetite suppressant; Weight just drops off; Pen makes injections easy.
What we don’t like: Injections; Prescription-only; Some mild stomach discomfort.
I have a confession to make.
I’ve been obese for most of my adult life (I’m 43 at the moment), and have never been able to find a combination of exercise, diet or fat-burning supplements which could shift the weight. I always knew it was getting out of control, but enjoyed food and alcohol too much.
The number on the scales always seemed to go up, and never down!
Then recently I became aware of Saxenda (medical name of Liraglutide). It is a prescription-only treatment which needs to be injected into your stomach or upper arms on a daily basis. I have had stunning results using Saxenda, and can highly recommend it if you feel like you need help with your weight.
But don’t just take my word for it! In addition to my personal journey, I’ve sifted through data on the internet, including ratings on WebMD and Drugs.com and personal experiences from users on platforms like Trustpilot, Reddit, and Mumsnet. The reviews are very positive and you should certainly check them out.
Below I will discuss everything from how I obtained a prescription (I’m based in the UK) to the results I saw and the (not so bad) side effects I got.
Key Takeaways
- Saxenda is a prescription injection that helps with weight loss by reducing appetite, boosting energy levels, and improving mood.
- You will need to visit your healthcare provider to obtain a prescription for Saxenda in the USA. In the UK, visiting a private weight loss clinic is possible, but check first with your GP.
- Saxenda is quite expensive, but there are potential cost-saving options available such as insurance coverage or savings programs (in the USA). In the UK, you may get free or subsidized prescriptions if your health is in danger due to your weight.
- You are likely to also need to make lifestyle changes such as healthy eating habits and regular exercise. These are crucial for long-term success alongside this medication.
Based on my personal experience, it is very important that you discuss your personal situation with a doctor before starting Saxenda treatment. You can then both carefully discuss the risks versus the benefits.
How To Get A Prescription For Saxenda
In The USA
Obtaining a prescription for Saxenda in the USA requires visiting your healthcare provider. You’ll need to discuss your weight management goals and previous efforts to lose weight with them, such as changing your diet or increasing exercise.
During your consultation, your doctor should explain that this medication is specifically designed for adults with obesity and those struggling with long-term weight management. After evaluating whether you are an appropriate candidate (based on your BMI and other health indicators), they may provide you with a prescription for Saxenda.
To assist financially in covering the cost of the treatment, you should also explore private insurance coverage options together; however, not all plans will cover this medication, so you need to properly do your research.
In The UK
Obtaining a prescription for Saxenda is slightly different in the UK than in the USA. Although it has been approved for use within the NHS, your GP or family doctor may be unable to prescribe it.
To receive a prescription for Saxenda in the UK, I found that visiting a private weight loss clinic was my best option. These clinics specialize in weight management and can provide personalized consultations tailored to your needs.
Saxenda treatment costs vary depending on where you go, although often online pharmacists have the best prices if you are paying for it yourself. You can also sometimes obtain an online prescription without seeing your doctor, by filling in a detailed questionnaire.
Knowing that this medication could help me improve my health while shedding excess pounds made it a win-win in my book.
Typical Cost Of Saxenda
The typical cost of Saxenda can be quite prohibitive for some individuals at around $1000 per month in the US. This is significantly more expensive than other available weight loss treatments or diet supplements.
However, there are ways to reduce the financial burden of using this medication.
If you’re eligible, you may be able to sign up for a coupon savings code which can reduce your bill by up to $200 per prescription for up to 12 months. Lowering the cost of Saxenda in this way could make weight loss treatments more accessible to those who need it most.
In the UK, the price is around £75 for two days of treatment (assuming 3mg per day – the recommended max dose). Again this is about £1100 per month at the maximum dose, but of course you can reduce from this level if you are seeing good results before you get up to that dosage.
The price of Saxenda is a major reason why it has yet to be fully taken up by the public – rest assured though that many rich celebrities are juiced up on it (Elon Musk, Piers Morgan and Jeremy Clarkson being well known examples).
My Experience With Saxenda
As described above, I went to see my GP (I’m UK-based) after years of being around 30 BMI – I’m 6ft 3 inches tall and have weighed around 105 to 110kg over the past ten years or so. Not massively obese, but enough to make me feel fairly lumbering and unattractive.
I had no success with my GP unfortunately. For starters, it was difficult to get an appointment, and when I finally got to see her, she basically insinuated that I needed to deal with my weight by myself via dieting and exercise – not the most encouraging start as I had failed at that for basically my whole adult life!
Undeterred, I paid for a private appointment at a clinic I saw advertised online which was near my home town of Birmingham. This interaction went much better (I wonder why!), and it wasn’t long until some of the new dieting products were mentioned such as Saxenda and Wegovy. The doctor recommended Saxenda for my set of circumstances (weight loss is not as drastic), and wrote me a prescription.
Dosage And Administration
I started taking Saxenda as part of my weight loss journey, at the recommended starting dosage of 0.6mg each day. I upped the dosage each week by 0.6mg until I eventually hit the maintenance dose of 3mg once a day.
To ensure I stuck to my schedule, I set a reminder on my phone every evening to take my daily injection of Saxenda at the same time each day. The injections were completely painless – I was a bit worried about that, but after 6 seconds it’s over and you hardly feel anything – just a little prick! Oooh matron!
The Benefits I Found with Saxenda
Saxenda can provide a range of benefits for individuals struggling with weight loss. One of the primary benefits is that it helps to reduce your appetite, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet and make better food choices. This is exactly what I found – those cravings I’ve had all my life seemed to ebb away quite quickly after the first dose.
The weight seemed to drop off more quickly than with other methods I’ve tried such as fat burners. I saw big weight loss in just a few weeks , which was incredibly encouraging for someone like me who’s struggled with stubborn pounds in the past.
My Side Effects
I experienced some side effects while taking Saxenda, including occasional nausea and mild stomach discomfort. However, these symptoms were manageable and didn’t really bother me – in fact, I couldn’t be 100% sure that they were due to the Saxenda.
Overall, I would not worry about the side effects, but I am not a doctor, so don’t listen to me on that front – I’m just describing my experiences.
My Weight Loss Journey
I began my journey with Saxenda weighing in at 110kg, feeling insecure and unhappy with my appearance. After starting on a low dose of Saxenda and making some lifestyle changes, including healthier food choices and regular exercise, I started to notice positive changes within just the first few weeks.
My appetite significantly decreased, making it easier for me to stick to my new healthy habits without feeling like I was constantly fighting cravings.
With each passing week, I found myself feeling more energized and motivated to keep going. By week 12, I had lost 16kg (35 pounds) total – an accomplishment that made me feel proud of all my hard work. My BMI had dropped from 30 to 25.7 which is a significant drop over that timescale – 14%!
My Weight Loss Over 12 Weeks From 110kg To 94kg In One Week Intervals
During my 12-week journey with Saxenda, I diligently tracked my weight loss progress using my smart scales. Here’s a table showing my weight loss, measured in one-week intervals, starting from 110kg to 94kg.
| Week | Weight (kg) | Weight loss (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 107 | 3 |
| 2 | 104 | 3 |
| 3 | 102 | 2 |
| 4 | 100 | 2 |
| 5 | 98 | 2 |
| 6 | 97 | 1 |
| 7 | 96 | 1 |
| 8 | 95 | 1 |
| 9 | 94 | 1 |
| 10 | 94 | 0 |
| 11 | 94 | 0 |
| 12 | 94 | 0 |
As you can see, my weight loss was consistent in the first nine weeks, and then it plateaued during the final three weeks. It should be clear how much of a role Saxenda played in helping me lose 16kg over the course of 12 weeks.
Saxenda Reviews From Other Users
As discussed, I’ve been using Saxenda for well over 12 weeks now, and my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Despite some minor side effects with my stomach feeling unsettled, I’ve seen a significant improvement in my weight.
There are many examples on the internet from happy users as well – for instance:
- Sarah lost 20 pounds in just three months after starting Saxenda.
- John noticed a decrease in his appetite within the first week of starting Saxenda.
- Melissa has been able to maintain her weight loss even after stopping Saxenda, thanks to the lifestyle changes she made while taking it.
- Sandra’s doctor prescribed her Saxenda to help control her diabetes, and she has seen improvements in both her blood sugar levels and weight.
These success stories and my own experience show that Saxenda can be an effective tool for weight management. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience may differ, and working closely with your doctor while taking this medication is essential.
Common Complaints
I have encountered a few complaints from other Saxenda users, and I want to share them with you so that you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right weight-loss solution for you. Here are some common complaints:
- Nausea: This is one of the most reported side effects of Saxenda, which can cause discomfort and may lead to vomiting. I had a bit of this.
- Diarrhea: Some users have reported experiencing diarrhea after using Saxenda, which can be pretty uncomfortable, and is definitely not a viable route to weight loss!
- Constipation: On the other hand, others have experienced constipation, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain.
- Injection site reactions: Some users have experienced redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site.
- Headaches: Headaches are another common complaint among Saxenda users.
- Low blood sugar: Since Saxenda regulates blood sugar levels, some people have experienced low blood sugar levels after using it.
It’s essential to remember that everyone reacts differently to medication, and what works for one person might not work for another. While these side effects are not severe and tend to go away on their own over time, it’s always best to consult a doctor if they persist or worsen.
Conclusions And Recommendations
Frankly, I’ve been blown away by my experience with Saxenda after years of suffering from high BMI and essentially being clinically obese (I hate that word). The speed at which the weight has come off and my associated drop in appetite has been revelatory. However, part of me worries about the long terms side effects of drugs like this, and I will definitely try and lower my dose and maintain my new weight. I’m still technically overweight (BMI of 25.7), but am hoping that in combination with increased exercise and reduced diet, I can continue the trajectory.
After my personal experience and also researching Saxenda experiences from other users, I recommend discussing with your doctor before starting this weight loss treatment. The potential benefits may outweigh the side effects for many individuals, but it’s important to talk with an expert on this.
It’s also important to note that while Saxenda may aid in weight loss efforts, lifestyle changes such as healthy eating habits and regular exercise are crucial for long-term success.
FAQs:
- What is Saxenda used for?
Saxenda is an FDA-approved medication typically prescribed to help individuals with obesity and weight management issues. The drug mimics the body’s natural hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and promote feelings of fullness after meals.
- How is Saxenda administered?
Saxenda comes in a pre-filled pen that you self-inject subcutaneously into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once per day at any time during the day. Your healthcare provider will instruct you on how to use the pen properly.
- Are there any side effects associated with taking Saxenda?
Like all medications, Saxenda may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation when starting treatment. These symptoms should resolve within a few days as your body adjusts to the medication; however, if they persist or worsen over time, you must speak with your doctor.
- Is Saxenda effective in promoting weight loss?
Studies have shown that when combined with diet and exercise changes and other behavioral modifications tailored towards lifestyle improvement, it can result in significant reductions in both BMI and long-term health improvements over longer periods compared to relatively traditional treatments alone, “such as diet/exercise.” However – like most treatments available today – individual results may vary based on personal needs & makeup, so it’s always worth consulting medical professionals before starting this type of regimen specifically designed around meeting goals set between patients and practitioners alike
