What is Saxenda and how does it help with weight loss?

Managing your weight can feel discouraging, especially when your efforts don’t lead to lasting change. We understand how hard it can be to eat well, stay active, and not see the results of the hard work. You don’t have to face this challenge alone – medical support may be the next step that makes a real difference for you.

At London Medical, we offer weight management plans designed around you. One option we may recommend is Saxenda, which helps regulate appetite and can make it easier to follow healthy eating habits long-term. With ongoing medical supervision and lifestyle support, we’ll build a plan around your needs – not a one-size-fits-all approach.

In this guide, we explain what Saxenda is, how it works, and whether it could be the right step forward for your health.

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is a prescription-only weight loss medication designed to support adults who are overweight or living with obesity. It’s taken as a daily injection and contains liraglutide – a medication that works similarly to the natural hormones your body uses to regulate appetite.

When you use Saxenda, it activates receptors in the brain that help manage feelings of hunger and fullness. This can help you feel more satisfied after meals, reduce your cravings, and naturally lead to smaller portions and less snacking.
The goal with Saxenda isn’t rapid weight loss – it’s steady, achievable progress. By helping you eat less without feeling constantly hungry, it gives you the space to focus on building healthier habits that last.

How does Saxenda help with weight loss?

Saxenda works by targeting part of your brain that regulates appetite. Its active ingredient, liraglutide, mimics a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which your body releases after eating.

This hormone plays several key roles in weight regulation by helping to:

• slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach
• increase feelings of fullness
• reduce appetite and food intake

By enhancing these natural effects, Saxenda can make it easier for you to cut back on calories without feeling deprived. Many people taking Saxenda notice fewer cravings and find it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet.

When combined with physical activity and balanced nutrition, Saxenda can support steady, gradual weight loss. In clinical studies, people using the medication alongside lifestyle changes lost more weight over a year than those making lifestyle changes alone.

Who is Saxenda suitable for?

Saxenda may be an option for you if:

• your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above
• your BMI is 27 or above and you’re also living with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnoea

It might also be considered if you’ve already tried other ways of managing your weight but found it difficult to achieve sustainable results. Many people choose Saxenda when they want a structured, medically supported approach that doesn’t involve surgery.

At London Medical, we’ll take the time to understand your health history, challenges, and goals before recommending treatment. If Saxenda is suitable, you’ll receive a personalised plan that combines the medication with guidance from our experienced weight management consultants.

Who shouldn’t take Saxenda?

Saxenda is not the right option for everyone, which is why it’s important to have a proper medical evaluation before starting treatment.

You should not use Saxenda if:

• you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
• you’re planning a pregnancy soon
• you’ve had thyroid cancer or endocrine gland tumours
• you’re allergic to liraglutide or any of the ingredients in the weight loss injection

If you have a history of pancreatitis or gallbladder problems, Saxenda may not be suitable, or you may need close monitoring. And if you’re already taking other medicines for diabetes or weight loss, we’ll carefully review these to ensure everything works safely together.

How do I take Saxenda?

Saxenda is a once-daily injection delivered using a pre-filled pen. You inject it just under the skin – usually in your stomach, upper leg, or upper arm. The process is quick and straightforward, and we’ll make sure you feel completely confident before trying it at home.

To help your body adjust, treatment begins with a low starting dose of 0.6mg per day. The dose is then gradually increased each week in small steps, up to a maximum dose of 3.0mg if well tolerated. This slow increase is designed to keep you comfortable and help reduce the chance of side effects.

Throughout your treatment, your London Medical team will monitor your progress, check in regularly, and adjust your support plan if needed.

Side effects of Saxenda

As with most medicines, some people may notice side effects when starting Saxenda – but not everyone experiences them, and they often improve over time.

Common side effects include:

• nausea
• diarrhoea or constipation
• loss of appetite
• headache
• tiredness
• indigestion or bloating

These effects are usually mild and tend to settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Simple steps such as eating smaller meals, avoiding high-fat foods, and gradually increasing the dose can make them easier to manage.

Rare but more serious side effects include inflammation of the pancreas and gallbladder problems. We provide regular check-ins, so we can quickly spot any concerns and give you the right support throughout your treatment.

How does Saxenda compare to other weight loss treatments?

Saxenda is part of a newer group of medicines designed to work with your body’s appetite signals to support weight loss. 

It’s often compared with medicines such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, but there are some differences:

• Saxenda contains liraglutide and is taken once a day
• Wegovy contains semaglutide and is taken once a week
• Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, is taken once a week and targets two appetite hormones instead of one

While Wegovy and Mounjaro may lead to more weight loss in some people, Saxenda is still an effective option, especially if you prefer a daily treatment or have responded well to liraglutide in the past.

At London Medical, we know it can feel overwhelming to compare options on your own. That’s why we’ll take the time to talk you through your choices and help you understand the pros and cons of each treatment. The right choice is always the one that feels both safe and sustainable for you.

Is Saxenda available on the NHS?

Saxenda is available through the NHS in limited cases. It may be prescribed by specialist weight management services if your BMI is over 35 and you have another weight-related condition – and if lifestyle interventions alone haven’t worked.

Due to these restrictions, many people choose to access Saxenda privately. At London Medical, we offer Saxenda as part of a fully supported programme that doesn’t involve long waits or strict NHS referral criteria.

You’ll be guided by a dedicated team of experts who understand both the physical and emotional sides of weight loss and will help you stay on track.

Take control of your health today

If you’re ready to take a more structured approach to weight loss, Saxenda could be part of the solution. At London Medical, we take a holistic view – looking at your health history, lifestyle, and personal goals.

We combine medical treatment with real support, so you feel empowered to make changes that last. Our team is here to help you decide if Saxenda is right for you and guide you every step of the way.
Start your weight loss journey with expert help you can trust. Contact London Medical today to learn more about Saxenda and book your first consultation.