Why Am I Not Losing Weight on Saxenda®?

There could be several reasons why you are not losing weight while taking Saxenda®, a medication that is commonly used as an aid for weight loss. This article will explore some of the more common reasons:

Inconsistent Dosage:
Taking an inconsistent dosage of Saxenda® can impact its effectiveness in aiding weight loss. Saxenda® is designed to be taken once a day, at the same time every day, as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Skipping doses or taking a larger or smaller amount than recommended can affect the medication’s ability to regulate your appetite and metabolism.

By taking Saxenda® consistently and as directed, you can ensure that you are receiving the full benefits of the medication and maximizing its impact on your weight loss efforts.

Unhealthy Diet:
Weight loss requires a balanced diet along with regular physical activity. Consuming high-calorie and high-fat foods can negatively impact weight loss efforts, even with the help of Saxenda®.

A diet that is high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats can contribute to weight gain and make it more difficult to lose weight.

In order to lose weight effectively, it is important to follow a balanced diet that is low in calories and high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Lack of Physical Activity:
Regular exercise is crucial for weight loss. Exercise helps to increase your metabolism and burn calories, which can help you lose weight.

If you are not engaging in physical activity, even with the help of Saxenda®, you may not see significant results in terms of weight loss.

Aim to incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as walking or cycling, into your daily routine in order to support your weight loss efforts.

Medical Issues:
There could be underlying medical issues that are affecting your ability to lose weight, such as hormonal imbalances or certain medical conditions.

For example, conditions such as hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can impact your metabolism and make it more difficult to lose weight.

It is important to consult your healthcare provider to rule out any medical issues that may be impacting your weight loss efforts, and to discuss appropriate treatment options.

Genetics:
Genetics can play a role in weight loss and weight management. Some individuals may have a slower metabolism, which can impact weight loss, even with the help of medication like Saxenda®.

Additionally, some people may have a genetic predisposition to carrying excess weight, making weight loss more challenging.

However, with the right combination of diet, exercise, and medication, it is possible to overcome these genetic factors and achieve successful weight loss.

Individuals have reported losing weight within 2 to 4 weeks of starting treatment with Saxenda®.

According to clinical studies, significant weight loss of at least 5% was observed after 8 weeks of taking the medication.

After a year of treatment, 85% of adult patients who took Saxenda® lost weight, averaging a loss of 21 lbs (9.5 kg), or 9.2% of their body weight. Keep in mind that your results may vary.

It is important to follow up with your doctor after 16 weeks of taking Saxenda® to assess its effectiveness for you. If you have not lost at least 4% of your body weight by this point, your doctor may suggest discontinuing the medication.

Although patients may be following all the recommended steps, not everyone will experience significant weight loss while taking Saxenda®.

If Saxenda® is not working well for you, there are alternative options for weight loss, including other medications and weight loss surgery.

Your doctor can provide you with more information and help you determine the best approach for you.

While not everyone may experience weight loss while taking Saxenda®, most people do in combination with a balanced diet and exercise program over the course of one year.

A 56-week study was conducted, with participants having an average BMI of 38.3 kg/m2 and body weight of 233.9 lbs (106.3 kg) at the start of the trial.

The study involved two groups: one group received Saxenda® (2,487 patients) and the other received a placebo (1,244 patients). Both groups followed a reduced calorie diet (500 fewer calories per day) and were given exercise guidelines.

In the Saxenda® group, 62.3% of patients lost at least 5% of their weight (an average of 11.7 lbs [5.3 kg]), compared to 34.4% of those in the placebo group.

Significant weight loss was typically seen after 8 weeks of treatment. 33.9% of patients in the Saxenda® group lost at least 10% of their weight (an average weight loss of 23.4 lbs [10.6 kg]), compared to 15.4% of those in the placebo group.

Although not the main focus of the study, some individuals lost 20% or more of their weight, with 6% of patients taking Saxenda® losing an average of 46.8 lbs (21.3 kg), compared to 3% of those in the placebo group.

It’s possible that you may regain the weight you lost if you discontinue taking Saxenda®. However, studies indicate that sustained weight loss can be maintained if you continue treatment.

In studies that lasted for three years, over half of patients taking Saxenda® were able to achieve and maintain clinically significant weight loss over the first year and throughout the 3-year period.

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare providers to learn how a balanced diet and ongoing exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight in the long term.

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge for many people living with obesity, and weight loss journeys can be frustrating, especially if you experience a slowdown or weight gain.

If you’re taking Saxenda® but not losing weight, several factors could be at play, including:

Diet: Saxenda® is intended to be used in combination with a low-calorie diet, so if your diet hasn’t changed accordingly, it could impact your weight loss progress.

Exercise: Regular physical activity is crucial for Saxenda® to be effective in helping you lose weight and keep it off. Make sure you are maintaining an exercise plan.

Medications: Some medications may affect the effectiveness of Saxenda®, or vice versa. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Timing: Research has shown that people who start losing weight early in their treatment with Saxenda® are more likely to be successful in maintaining their weight loss.

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for you.

Gaining weight after losing weight can be a significant concern for those treating obesity, and if you’re experiencing weight gain while taking Saxenda®, it can be confusing and alarming. However, there are steps you can take to manage weight regain.

To support weight management through diet, aim to eat foods high in nutrients and low in calories. This can include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins such as seafood, skinless poultry, or egg whites.

Additionally, including calcium-rich foods like low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese in your diet can help.

In terms of exercise, research suggests that following the World Health Organization’s recommended 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity activity can help you see the results you’re hoping for and prevent weight gain.

Engaging in heart-pumping exercises like running, cycling, or brisk walking along with taking Saxenda® may even lead to losing around 20 pounds and maintaining that weight loss for a full year.

To maximize your weight loss results with Saxenda®, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely. This includes taking the prescribed dosage, eating a healthy diet, and staying active.

Communication with your provider is key, especially if you experience any side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, or allergic reactions at the injection site.

If you’re struggling with side effects, don’t reduce your medication without consulting your provider first, as this may diminish Saxenda®’s effectiveness.

In conclusion, there are several reasons why you may not be losing weight on Saxenda®. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure that you are taking the medication correctly, following a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity.

Other factors, such as medications or underlying health conditions, may also play a role in your weight loss journey.

By understanding these potential challenges and making necessary changes, you can increase your chances of successfully losing weight with Saxenda® and maintaining a healthy weight long-term.