Michael J. Ormsbee is the editor of Fast Lose Fat. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Sciences and Interim Director of the Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine in the College of Human Sciences at Florida State University.
What is the Average Weight Loss Per Week on Saxenda Injections?
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Written by
Michael J. Ormsbee
- LAST UPDATED October 8, 2023
Saxenda is an injectable medication that doctors prescribe mainly for chronic weight management in patients struggling with obesity or overweight individuals with at least one weight-related health issue. It is intended for concurrent use with an appropriate dietary regime and consistent physical exercise. The function of this medication revolves around curbing cravings, enhancing feelings of satiety, and hence promoting better dietary practices. Yet, one frequent query is: What is the average weight loss per week on Saxenda?
In this comprehensive review, we will rummage through clinical trial data to provide insight into the Saxenda average weekly weight loss. We will further investigate the numerous elements that influence personal outcomes. This offers a clearer understanding of what one can expect when adopting Saxenda as part of their weight management strategy.
Anticipated Average Weight Loss per Week on Saxenda
Saxenda, recognized generically as liraglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that received FDA’s approval in 2014 for managing chronic weight. Data from various clinical trials contributing to this approval demonstrated that Saxenda provided significant weight loss in patients classified as overweight or obese. The prescribing information reveals that during a 12-week timeframe, patients on Saxenda experienced an average weight loss per week on Saxenda that was 4.5% greater than the placebo group. This difference in weight loss when compared to the placebo group increased to 8% over the span of 56 weeks.
Interpreting clinical trials, it can be estimated that most patients can anticipate about 5-10% loss of their base body weight within 6 months following a course of Saxenda. For an individual weighing 200 pounds, this translates into roughly 10-20 lbs of weight loss in the initial half-year. Over a one-year treatment period, the Saxenda average weekly weight loss can escalate up to a 10% decrement. Nevertheless, weight loss outcomes can significantly diverge, influenced by patient compliance, dosage, lifestyle, and diet aspects. Patients who do not adhere to the suggested low-calorie diet regime and step up their physical activity may witness negligible or no weight loss.
The average weight loss per week on Saxenda tends to be highest in the initial 6 months, as this is when patients are usually most compliant. During clinical trials, the calculated average monthly weight decline fluctuated between 1.5-2.5 kg or approximately 3.3-5.5 pounds. However, weight loss seldom follows a linear pattern. Some patients might encounter more drastic weight loss during the first 3-4 months, followed by a weight plateau phase. In the 56-week study, major weight loss was observed during the initial 16-28 weeks with Saxenda.
Since the primary mechanism of Saxenda is to suppress appetite, the dietary caloric deficit becomes an integral factor in determining the average weight loss per week on Saxenda. The medication facilitates easier adherence to a low-calorie diet, thereby driving weight loss. Patients who are dedicated to following a low-calorie meal plan and active lifestyle can realize an average weight loss of 5-10% of their total body weight. If a patient neglects these lifestyle adjustments, the amount of weight loss will generally be significantly less.
Noteworthy insights on the average weight loss observed in studies cover:
- Average monthly weight decrease of 1.5-2.5 kg or 3.3-5.5 lbs
- At least 5% weight loss achieved by 62% of participants
- 2-3 times greater weight loss than placebo groups
- Average total weight loss around 7-10% of initial weight over 6 months
- The majority of weight loss in the initial 4-6 months, with modest losses continuing through 1 year
While Saxenda’s use for longer than 12 months remains less extensively studied, it is anticipated that weight loss will plateau after the first year as the body adjusts metabolically. As Saxenda is designed for long-term chronic weight management, it does not instigate consistent weight loss indefinitely and the extent of appetite suppression may diminish over time. Consequently, the average weight loss per week on Saxenda is typically highest during the first 3-6 months.
Factors Impacting the Average Weight Loss per Week on Saxenda
While the Saxenda-induced average weight loss per week is roughly calculated to be around 5-10% of the total body weight over 6 months, individual outcomes can significantly deviate based on several key determinants.
Strict Adherence to Dosage Guidelines
It’s imperative to administer Saxenda exactly as prescribed to optimize the average weight loss per week on Saxenda. For freshly initiating the treatment, the recommended dosage schedule is:
- Week 1: 0.6 mg per day
- Week 2: 1.2 mg per day
- Week 3: 1.8 mg per day
- Week 4 and beyond: 3 mg per day
This graduated dosage timetable is designed to minimize any gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea by slowly titrating up. If patients veer away from this precise dosage instruction, the efficacy of Saxenda may diminish. Consistency in taking the medication daily, and at the appointed time, is also pivotal. Saxenda must be subcutaneously injected daily, 60 minutes prior to the first or the main meal, to ensure optimal Saxenda average weekly weight loss.
Noncompliance in terms of skipping or decreasing doses, or irregularity in injection timing, could lead to less weight loss. Missing a dose requires it to be taken within the next 12 hours or to await the timing of the ensuing dose. Irregular Saxenda administration could diminish its weight loss benefits.
Adopting Recommended Lifestyle Changes
Saxenda isn’t designed to solely induce weight loss, it needs to be accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes. Expecting significant weight loss solely from Saxenda injections, without adopting diet and exercise modifications, typically leads to disappointment.
Prescribing information advocates a 500-700 daily calorie deficit diet coupled with increased physical activity for users. The integration of Saxenda shots, regular physical exercise, and a nutritious low-calorie diet can optimize the average weight loss per week on Saxenda. Instituting and maintaining healthy habits surrounding diet and physical activity can facilitate weight loss.
Individual Response Variation
Just like any medication, the body’s response to Saxenda will vary significantly based on individual patient factors. Genetics, baseline insulin resistance, and other medical conditions can fluctuate the effects of the medication, leading to different average weight loss per week on Saxenda.
Concurrently consumed medications and supplements could impact weight loss effects too. Medications causing weight gain can lessen the effectiveness of Saxenda. It is best to combine such medications with Saxenda under medical supervision due to the unpredictability of the effects.
Alternatively, certain diabetes medications administered alongside Saxenda could enhance weight loss. However, combining such medications with Saxenda requires caution in order to avoid increased side effects. Furthermore, weight loss supplements or diet pills taken with Saxenda could reinforce their collective outcomes but may also introduce the risk of adverse effects.
Boosting Your Average Weight Loss per Week on Saxenda: Valuable Advice
Saxenda typically aids in shedding approximately 5-10% of total body weight over a 6-month span, but results can differ individually. Here are a few tips to optimize your Saxenda treatment:
Abide by Prescribing Directions
To attain the reported average weight loss per week on Saxenda, it’s crucial to strictly follow the prescribing instructions. Administer the medication at the same time each day, stick to the titration schedule, and avoid missed doses. Proper usage of Saxenda allows maximum appetite-suppressing effects, promoting weight loss. If you encounter difficulties following the dosage guidelines, notify your doctor as soon as possible.
Incorporate Diet and Exercise
By itself, Saxenda does not guarantee substantial weight loss. To achieve the average weight loss per week on Saxenda, it’s recommended to merge your Saxenda treatment with the required lifestyle modifications. Implement a nutritious, calorie-deficit diet, and include 150-300 minutes per week of moderate exercise to boost calorie burning. Activities like walking, swimming, cycling, and strength training are excellent choices. A consistent combination of Saxenda, diet, and exercise can provide a synergistic effect, boosting weight loss significantly.
Set Attainable Weight Loss Targets
Users typically experience approximately 5-10% total weight loss over 6 months while on Saxenda. However, aim for a steady weight loss of 0.5-2 pounds every week, depending on your initial weight. A healthy weight loss goal is losing 1-2 pounds per week, encouraging long-term weight maintenance without extreme dietary constraints. A more prominent drop in weight in the first week is usually due to fluid loss, which will stabilize over time. Slow and steady weight loss is the most effective.
Keep Track of Progress and Side Effects
Recording your weight once a week, preferably in the morning before eating or drinking, can help monitor progress and detect plateaus early on. Watching appetite levels, hunger signals, and eating habits can also provide useful insights. Report any disturbing side effects such as severe nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting to your healthcare provider. Open communication with your healthcare advisor aids in maximizing the average weight loss per week on Saxenda while minimizing adverse side effects.
Increase Hydration
Drinking more water and limiting sugary drinks enhances the Saxenda average weight loss per week. Aim to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily, and sip throughout the day. Hydration before meals can reduce hunger levels, promoting better appetite control. Water intake also counters fluid retention that may hide actual fat loss when you step on the scale.
Monitor Nutrition Intake
Saxenda primarily fosters weight loss by reducing caloric intake due to decreased appetite and food cravings. However, focusing on the quality of nutrition is equally important. Prioritize a diet centered around lean proteins, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and dairy. Avoid added sugars and processed foods. Ensure a balanced diet that creates a sustainable calorie deficit without feeling starved. With a decreased appetite, it may be challenging to get sufficient micronutrients, underlining the importance of nutritional value in your diet.
Potential Side Effects Affecting Average Weight Loss per Week on Saxenda
Saxenda, like all other medications, may produce some side effects which are vital to understand before starting the treatment. Side effects could influence your Saxenda average weight loss per week and being aware of them can help you manage them better. The most commonly reported adverse effects include:
Gastrointestinal Effects
The most typical side effects concern gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Saxenda affects receptors in the gut, making stomach upset very common, particularly in the beginning. Approximately 40% of patients report nausea, with 5% experiencing severe nausea. Close to 20% of patients experience vomiting or diarrhea. Starting with lower doses and gradually increasing over four weeks can help lessen nausea and vomiting. Remaining well hydrated and taking anti-nausea medications can help control gastrointestinal side effects.
For most patients, gastrointestinal effects are strongest during the first 1-2 months on Saxenda but decrease over time. However, if severe nausea and vomiting persist beyond the initial couple of months, causing dehydration, difficulty keeping food down, or non-compliance with medication, it’s essential to inform your doctor. Managing nausea successfully is crucial for tolerating Saxenda treatment and achieving the desired average weight loss per week on Saxenda.
Hypoglycemia
As Saxenda can lower blood glucose levels, hypoglycemia can become a risk, particularly for patients with type 2 diabetes who are also using insulin or oral diabetes medications. Symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, sweating, headache, irritability, confusion, and rapid heart rate. It’s important to increase blood sugar monitoring when starting Saxenda to avoid hypoglycemia as it can impact the average weekly weight loss on Saxenda. In the event of hypoglycemia, consuming 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates can help reverse the low blood sugar level. Hypoglycemia is more likely when meals are skipped or delayed after taking Saxenda doses. Consuming enough carbs with each meal helps prevent hypoglycemia.
Increased Heart Rate
Saxenda can raise the resting heart rate by an average of 2 to 4 beats per minute. An increased heart rate contributes to boosting metabolism, but it also carries risks if excessive. Patients with existing heart conditions, such as arrhythmias and tachycardia, should exercise caution when using Saxenda and be monitored for cardiac effects. Inform your doctor if you experience palpitations, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or other cardiac symptoms while using Saxenda, as these could affect the potential average weight loss per week on Saxenda.
Dizziness and Headache
Some patients experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or headaches, especially when standing up quickly after sitting or lying down. Saxenda can lower both blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Drinking plenty of fluids, getting up slowly, and moving carefully can help counter any lightheadedness. Severe or ongoing headache and dizziness may necessitate dosage adjustments or discontinuation of the medication, impacting your average weekly weight loss on Saxenda.
Constipation
Although diarrhea is common initially, constipation can also occur as a side effect of Saxenda. The medication slows down digestion, which may further exacerbate pre-existing constipation. Staying hydrated, consuming high-fiber foods, and exercising regularly can help minimize constipation. Consider using stool softeners or laxatives if needed for relief. If constipation persists and causes discomfort, inform your doctor as it may affect the average weight loss per week on Saxenda.
The main objective is to be aware of potential side effects and work closely with your healthcare provider to adjust dosages as needed for tolerability. Be sure to report any severe, concerning, or long-lasting side effects promptly rather than attempting to manage them independently. For the majority of patients who can tolerate Saxenda, the weight loss benefits outweigh the temporary adverse effects, helping them achieve the desired Saxenda average weight loss per week.
Considerations Before Starting Saxenda
Before determining if Saxenda is the right choice for your average weight loss per week on Saxenda goals, there are several key considerations to take into account:
Cost
The retail cost of Saxenda can be prohibitive, often exceeding $1000 per month without insurance. Unfortunately, many insurance plans do not cover weight loss medications, making Saxenda financially out of reach for individuals without insurance or high copays. Comparing costs at various pharmacies and looking into prescription savings programs or payment plans may help improve affordability, especially if you’re aiming for a specific average weight loss per week on Saxenda.
Daily Injections
Saxenda is administered via subcutaneous injection once daily using the prefilled pen device. Although the needles are thin, some patients may dislike self-injecting or feel uneasy about giving themselves daily shots. However, most patients report that injections become quick and easy over time. The necessity for long-term daily injections may make compliance less convenient for some, which could affect their Saxenda average weight loss per week. Saxenda currently has no pill form available. Discuss concerns about self-injecting with your healthcare professional.
Requires Lifestyle Changes
To achieve significant weight loss and reach your desired average weight loss per week on Saxenda, it’s essential to combine Saxenda with a reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity, and other behavioral modifications. Patients must commit to making healthier changes in their eating habits, meal planning, exercise routines, stress relief practices, sleep schedules, and more. Saxenda assists with appetite reduction but does not replace the necessary lifestyle changes. Being prepared and willing to implement these changes also improves success rates.
Potential Side Effects
As with any medication, Saxenda comes with potential side effects like nausea, headache, dizziness, and increased heart rate. These side effects may outweigh the benefits of Saxenda treatment for some patients and could impact their average weight loss per week on Saxenda. However, most side effects lessen over time or can be managed by dosage adjustments, hydration, medications, diet, and lifestyle changes. Close monitoring and medical supervision should be factored into the decision to start Saxenda treatment.
No Indefinite Weight Loss
It’s essential to understand that Saxenda does not produce continuous weight loss without limitations and indefinitely after the treatment is stopped. Most data show the average weight loss slowing down after 6 months on Saxenda, as the body adapts metabolically. While weight management may continue, it may take place at a slower pace. Any weight loss is likely to return if healthy habits are not maintained. Saxenda aids in facilitating dietary and lifestyle changes needed for lasting weight control, but those behaviors must be maintained even after stopping the treatment to preserve the results.
These key considerations offer a realistic understanding of what to expect with Saxenda treatment, helping patients make an informed decision regarding whether it’s the right option for their individual weight loss needs. Having reasonable expectations about average weight loss per week on Saxenda, costs, injection administration, required lifestyle adjustments, possible side effects, and long-term maintenance sets patients up for optimal success while using Saxenda.
Conclusion
The typical average weight loss per week on Saxenda over a 6-month period equates to approximately a total of 5-10% of baseline body weight, with most weight shed during the initial 3-6 months of therapy. However, this rate of weight loss can differ based on individual factors such as treatment compliance, dietary habits, physical activity, genetic predisposition, other medications, and more. Attaining maximal weight loss necessitates strongly adhering to the dosage instructions and living the lifestyle modifications recommended. Being informed about the potential side effects and what contributes to lasting success helps patients optimize the efficacy of Saxenda. Collaborating closely with healthcare professionals facilitates safe weight loss on Saxenda when it is considered an appropriate option for managing chronic weight issues.
FAQs about Average Weight Loss Per Week on Saxena
How much weight can you lose in 2 weeks with Saxenda?
In the first 2 weeks on Saxenda, you can expect to lose around 3-7 pounds, but this is mostly fluid loss, not fat loss. When starting Saxenda, there is usually a more rapid drop in weight during the first 1-2 weeks as your body adjusts. However, this initial decrease is mainly from losing water weight and glycogen stores as your appetite decreases and carb intake lowers. After this fluid loss stabilizes, aim for fat loss of around 1-2 pounds per week. Losing more than 2-3 pounds of actual body fat weekly is very difficult to sustain long-term. Be patient, focus on body composition improvements, and make healthy lifestyle changes for lasting results.
How quickly do you lose weight on Saxenda?
Most patients lose weight fastest in the first 3-6 months on Saxenda, then weight loss plateaus after that initial period. In the first month, you might lose around 5 pounds or more, but don’t expect this pace to continue as the body adapts metabolically. Average weekly weight loss is typically 0.5 to 2 pounds after the initial drop in water weight when starting Saxenda. Losing 1-2 pounds a week is a healthy balance for most. Weight loss results can vary substantially based on individual differences in dose-response, diet, exercise, body composition, genetics, and other factors.
How much weight will I lose in 6 months on Saxenda?
On average, most patients lose around 5-10% of their starting body weight over a 6-month period on Saxenda, alongside diet and exercise. For a 200-pound person, this would equate to 10-20 pounds of weight loss in 6 months. However, results vary widely. Some lose very little while others lose 15% or more of their starting weight over 6 months. The most important thing is focusing on sustainable healthy habits, not just the number on the scale. Saxenda helps facilitate long-term weight management but requires major lifestyle adjustments for optimal loss.
How to lose weight fast while on Saxenda?
To maximize weight loss on Saxenda, combine it with a nutritious reduced-calorie diet, 150+ minutes of exercise per week, increased water intake, stress management, and sleep hygiene. Taking Saxenda exactly as prescribed is also key. If trying to accelerate weight loss, speak to your doctor before attempting very low-calorie diets or fasts to make sure it is safe for your situation. Losing weight in a gradual, moderate fashion is recommended for most people to help promote maintenance of loss after stopping Saxenda.
How much weight can you lose in 3 weeks on Saxenda?
Expect to lose around 4-8 pounds in the first 3 weeks on Saxenda, with most of the decrease occurring in week 1. You may drop 5 pounds or more just in the first 1-2 weeks due to fluid loss and going into a calorie deficit. However, this rapid initial drop will begin to taper off. Stable weight loss after the first couple of weeks averages around 1-2 pounds per week on Saxenda, or about 2-4 more pounds lost in weeks 2-3. Remaining patient and keeping expectations realistic is key to staying motivated and achieving long-term weight control with Saxenda.
How much weight can I lose in 3 months on Saxenda?
Over a 3 month period on Saxenda, most patients lose 6-12% of their starting weight if also adhering to the recommended reduced-calorie diet and increased activity. On average, this equates to around 12-24 pounds of weight loss in 3 months for most people starting Saxenda. However, results can vary substantially based on individual differences in dose-response, metabolism, lifestyle factors, and degree of compliance. Focus less on your weekly or monthly weight loss goals and more on developing healthy nutrition and exercise habits that support your weight management.
