Saxenda is a treatment for adults who want to lose weight. The active ingredient in Saxenda is liraglutide. You can take it yourself in the form of a daily injection.

The treatment only works when combined with a well-balanced, low-calorie diet. Exercising regularly also helps.¹

Saxenda isn’t available to everyone. But people who are of white backgrounds may be prescribed it if they have a high BMI (35 or more) and one of the following conditions:

• non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)²
• if you’re at high risk of heart problems such as heart attacks and strokes.²

People who are of South Asian, Chinese, Black African or African Caribbean origin will only be prescribed liraglutide if they have one of these health conditions and a BMI score of 32.5 or more.²

Your GP may recommend you take liraglutide if diet and exercise haven’t worked for you on their own. It may also be suitable for people who cannot take other forms of weight loss medication, such as orlistat, or who do not want to have weight loss surgery.²

The active drug in Saxenda, known as liraglutide, it works by reducing your appetite and making you feel less hungry.^{1, 2} If you feel less hungry, you’re more likely to consume fewer calories. This may then lead to weight loss.

For Saxenda to work well, it’s important to also follow a well-balanced, low-calorie diet and exercise regularly. Eating simple, small meals and avoiding foods high in fat can also reduce the chance of feeling sick (nausea). The NHS website has more information about how to eat well and exercise safely.

Like any other medication, there are advantages and disadvantages to liraglutide. Your GP will go through these with you to help you decide if liraglutide is right for you.

Advantages

• It can help you lose weight when used at the same time as eating a low-calorie diet and exercising – this will help to improve your overall health and may prevent your risk of getting other health conditions in the future.
• It can be used if other attempts to lose weight have not worked.
• It is less invasive than other forms of weight loss treatment, such as surgery.

Disadvantages

• It is given in the form of an injection, which some people find uncomfortable, but not usually painful.
• You may have side effects (see below), such as nausea (feeling sick) and bruising around the area of your body where the injection is given.

As with any medication, you may experience side effects when taking liraglutide. But everyone is different, and you may not experience all, or any, of the side effects listed here.

The most common side effects can include:

• bruising or soreness around the area where the injection is given.
• nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick).
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
• headaches.

For a full list of side effects, read the leaflet that comes with the medication.

Talk to your GP if you’re experiencing any side effects that you think they may be caused by your medication. They may need to adjust your dose.

Saxenda is given as an injection, into your abdomen area (tummy), which you do yourself at home. You will have one injection each day.

A GP or nurse will show you how to administer the injection safely. They will make sure you’re confident with giving the injection to yourself. If you’re not sure, ask them to talk you through it again.

Typically, the dose you receive increases gradually over time – you will start off with a small dose and gradually increase it each day.¹ This helps your body to get used to the medication. Your GP or nurse will tell you more about the dose that is right for you.

When used with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise, liraglutide can help people who are obese to lose weight and keep it off in the long term.^{3, 4}

The NHS website has more information about how to eat well and exercise safely. Or talk to your doctor – they may refer you to local services or groups that could help you lose weight.

As well as exercise and low-calorie diets, your GP may suggest other treatments including:

• Orlistat² – a medication in the form of a swallowable capsule, which is prescribed to you by your GP.⁵
• Weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) – a treatment option for people who are severely obese, which involves permanently changing the way your stomach receives food.²

The NHS website has more information about other weight loss treatments, including surgery. They have information about how they work, the side effects and the advantages and disadvantages.

It’s important to eat a well-balanced, low-calorie diet whilst taking liraglutide. Exercising more and being active is also important for weight loss. Always talk to your GP or pharmacist before starting a new diet or exercise routine.

Other ways you can maintain a healthily lifestyle include:

• stopping or cutting back on smoking
• drinking less alcohol
• looking after your mental health.