Saxenda: Weight Loss Medication, Side Effects, and How It Works

When you hear Saxenda, a prescription weight loss medication containing liraglutide, used to help adults with obesity or overweight manage their weight. Also known as liraglutide, it's one of the most prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists for long-term weight management. Unlike diet pills that promise quick fixes, Saxenda works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body that tells your brain you're full. It doesn’t zap fat overnight—it helps you eat less, slowly and steadily, over months.

This drug is meant for people who’ve tried diet and exercise but still struggle with weight. It’s not a magic pill, but it’s backed by real studies showing people lose 5-10% of their body weight in a year when combined with lifestyle changes. It’s injected once a day, usually in the belly, thigh, or upper arm. The most common side effects? Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—especially at first. Most people get used to it, but if you feel dizzy, have severe stomach pain, or notice changes in your mood or energy, talk to your doctor. It’s not for everyone: if you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, or certain pancreas issues, Saxenda may not be safe for you.

Saxenda doesn’t work alone. It’s part of a bigger plan that includes eating better, moving more, and tracking progress. Many people who stop using it gain weight back—not because the drug failed, but because the habits didn’t stick. That’s why doctors pair it with counseling or support programs. It’s also expensive without insurance, and some insurers require you to try other methods first. But for those who qualify, it’s one of the few FDA-approved tools that actually changes how your body signals hunger.

Behind Saxenda is a whole family of similar drugs—like Ozempic and Wegovy—that all target the same hormone pathway. They’re changing how we treat obesity, not just as a lifestyle issue but as a medical condition. If you’re considering Saxenda, know what you’re signing up for: daily injections, possible side effects, and a long-term commitment. But if it helps you take back control, it’s worth understanding how it fits into your health journey.

Below, you’ll find real stories and science-backed insights about Saxenda, from how it compares to other weight loss drugs to what patients actually experience when they start—and sometimes stop—using it.