Saxenda: A Comprehensive Guide For Australian Patients

Losing weight can be a challenging journey, and many individuals find it difficult to shed those extra pounds through traditional diet and exercise alone. Fortunately, medical advancements have introduced new options for those struggling with obesity. One such option is Saxenda, a medication designed to aid in weight loss. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of Saxenda, its benefits, how it works, and who it might be suitable for.

Understanding Saxenda: What Is It?

Saxenda, the brand name for liraglutide, is an TGA-approved medication for weight loss. It can be a valuable tool for individuals who have difficulty losing weight through other means. Saxenda is part of a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which are originally designed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In long term clinical trials involving overweight and obese patients, Saxenda, in conjunction with reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity, significantly lowered body weight by over 10%.

How Does Saxenda Work?

Saxenda works in several ways to promote weight loss:

Appetite Regulation: Saxenda helps regulate your appetite by affecting certain receptors in the brain that control hunger. By making you feel less hungry, you’re likely to consume fewer calories.

Gastric Emptying: It slows down the rate at which your stomach empties, keeping you fuller for longer after meals.

Blood Sugar Control: Saxenda helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which can prevent sudden cravings and overeating.

Promoting Satiety: It increases the feeling of fullness after eating, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet.

Reducing Emotional Eating: Some people find that Saxenda helps reduce emotional eating, as it impacts the reward centers in the brain.

How much weight will I lose on Saxenda? What are the benefits?

Saxenda offers several benefits for patients on their weight loss journey:

Effective Weight Loss: Clinical trials have shown that Saxenda can lead to significant weight loss when used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. A large global study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, evaluating patients with obesity without diabetes using Saxenda (liraglutide) 3mg once daily, showed over a 10% body weight loss. The majority of weight loss occurred within the first 12 months.

Improved Health: Weight loss is often accompanied by improved health outcomes, such as reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Shedding excess weight can lead to increased confidence, improved mobility, and a better overall quality of life.

Is Saxenda available in Australia?

Yes Saxenda is available in Australia. However, due to strong demand there continues to be issues with shortages of supply. Check with your health care professional.

Is Saxenda Right for You?

Saxenda may be suitable for individuals who:

– Have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher and at least one obesity-related condition, or a BMI of 30 or higher.

– Have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.

– Are committed to making lifestyle changes to support their weight loss goals.

It’s crucial to remember that Saxenda is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your healthcare provider will assess your individual situation and determine whether Saxenda is the right option for you.

How to inject Saxenda

Saxenda is a once daily subcutaneous injection at any time, independent of meals. It should be injected in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. The injection site and timing can be changed without dose adjustment. However it is preferable that Saxenda is injected around the same time of the day, when the most convenient time of the day has been chosen.

Each pen contains 3 mL solution and is able to deliver doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg and 3.0 mg.
Pack sizes of 1, 3 or 5 pre-filled pens. Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).

What is the dose of Saxenda?

The starting dose is 0.6 mg once daily. The dose should be increased to 3.0 mg daily inincrements of 0.6 mg with at least one week intervals to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

Saxenda Side Effects

Like any medication, Saxenda can have side effects, most commonly on starting the medication and as the dose is being increased. The most common side effects include:

– Nausea

– Vomiting

– Diarrhea

– Constipation

– Stomach pain

– Decreased appetite

Serious side effects are rare but may include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), kidney or gallbladder problems or an allergic reaction to Saxenda. In these cases, the prescriber should be notified immediately.  

It’s important to discuss these potential side effects with your healthcare provider, as they can provide guidance on managing them or adjusting your treatment plan if necessary.

Taking the First Step: Join Our Clinician-Led Weight Management Program

Embarking on a journey towards effective weight management begins with a conversation with a healthcare professional. This professional could be your general practitioner (GP) or a specialized weight management clinic such as Medmate. During this crucial consultation, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history, current health status, previous weight loss attempts, and your weight loss goals.

Assessment for Weight Management

At Medmate, our medical experts take a comprehensive approach to weight management. This approach considers various factors, including your Body Mass Index (BMI), any underlying health conditions, and the effectiveness of previous weight loss endeavors. Typically, eligibility for our medically assisted weight management program is determined when your BMI exceeds 30. The process kicks off with an initial comprehensive consultation and the issuance of a request for initial blood tests.

To calculate your BMI, click here.

The Weight Management Program

After the initial assessment, you will be enrolled in a comprehensive weight management program led by a Medmate clinician. This program covers a range of essential components:

– Defining your target weight and BMI.
– Evaluation of your current caloric intake.
– Determining a target caloric intake aligned with your weight management goals.
– Setting weekly exercise goals, starting with a daily 20-minute walk.
– Reviewing the results of your blood tests.
– If deemed clinically appropriate, issuing prescriptions for medications.
– Providing instructions for at-home care.
– Outlining a program for regular review with the Medmate nursing and medical team.

Lifestyle Considerations

While medications can be significant aids in weight management, it is crucial to understand that they are not standalone solutions. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight involves incorporating healthy lifestyle choices alongside medication. At Medmate, we are deeply committed to helping you achieve permanent weight loss to improve your immediate health and quality of life and to maximize your healthspan.

Your Medmate prescriber will help you consider the following lifestyle factors to complement your medication:

Diet

A high-protein, nutritious diet is essential for successful weight management. Your doctor will guide you through calorie tracking and establish your daily calorie target. Achieving a sustainable daily calorie deficit, at least 500 calories, is crucial. Medications may assist in reaching this goal. You may also be referred to a dietitian to create a meal plan that aligns with your goals. Maintaining lean muscle mass is important and involves tracking your macronutrients to ensure you meet your daily protein targets. We recommend using a tracking tool such as My Fitness Pal to monitor daily calories and macros.

To calculate your basal metabolic rate and determine your daily target, follow this formula: Subtract 500 calories from your basal metabolic rate. For example, if your basal metabolic rate was 2000 calories, your daily target would be 1500 calories.

To calculate your basal metabolic rate, click here.

Physical Activity

Gradually incorporating regular exercise into your routine contributes to the achievement and maintenance of a calorie deficit and a healthy weight. The goal is to increase daily movement while adhering to your calorie target, ultimately creating a calorie deficit conducive to weight reduction. Increasing lean muscle mass over time helps your body burn more energy at rest, enabling you to maintain a healthy weight and a leaner, more muscular physique. It’s a learning curve, and the first step is to kickstart the calorie deficit, measure results regularly, and learn how to incorporate both aerobic and resistance activity into your daily life. This is about a lifestyle change. Over time, your new habits will include a healthier diet and regular activity to keep you lean for the long term.

Stress Management

Stress can disrupt eating habits and contribute to weight gain. Exploring stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can be valuable in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Weight Loss Prescriptions and Medmate

If your healthcare provider determines that medications are a suitable component of your treatment plan, Medmate will facilitate the prescription process through our partner pharmacies that keep medication in stock.

Weight Loss Prescription Fulfillment and Delivery

After your consultation, your prescription will be sent to a Medmate pharmacy. Medmate collaborates with a network of trusted pharmacies throughout Australia, ensuring that medication is readily available and conveniently delivered to your doorstep.

Conclusion

Saxenda may be a suitable option for individuals struggling with obesity who have not achieved their weight loss goals through traditional means. While it’s not a magic solution, it can be an effective tool when used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The decision to start Saxenda should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your specific needs and monitor your progress.

Weight loss is a highly personal journey, and the right approach can vary from person to person. Saxenda is just one of many tools available to help you achieve your goals. The most important thing is to take the first step, seek professional guidance, and embark on a path to a healthier, happier you.

Please keep in mind that the information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek professional guidance tailored to your specific health requirements and goals.

Booking a Free Weight Loss Consultation 

Medmate’s Clinican Led Weight Management service starts by completing a short registration form. One of our friendly nurses will give you a free call for a quick chat to explain how everything works.. Register for a weight loss consultation with this expression of interest form and we will be in touch shortly.