Body Contouring – Magic pen Saxenda® (Liraglutide)

Introduction to Saxenda® (Liraglutide)

Saxenda®, also known as Liraglutide, is gaining popularity as a non-surgical weight loss option, approved by the FDA in the United States and Thailand. Offered by Siam Clinic Phuket, this “Magic Pen” injectable drug is designed for individuals aiming to lose 5-10% of their original weight within a span of 12 weeks to 3 months.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of Saxenda® involves mimicking the body’s natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone, released from the gut after meals, plays a crucial role in signaling the brain to feel full, thereby reducing hunger and subsequent food intake. Additionally, Saxenda® contributes to lowering blood sugar levels and slowing down stomach movements, factors that further aid in weight management.

Magic Pen Saxenda® (Liraglutide)
Increase satiety Reduce hunger

Eligibility and Supervised Use

Saxenda® is particularly recommended for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeding 30 kg/m², or for those with a BMI over 27 kg/m² accompanied by chronic conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or hyperlipidemia. It is crucial that Saxenda® be used under the supervision of a physician, as self-administration could be ineffective and potentially harmful.


Administration Guidelines

 

Saxenda injection ® (Liraglutide)

Example

The administration of Saxenda® is user-friendly, requiring a daily injection, which can be done at any time of the day and does not have to coincide with meal times. The preferred areas for injection are the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms, with the recommendation to alternate the injection site within the same area every 4-8 weeks.


Side Effects and Safety

While Saxenda® is deemed safe and effective, it does come with possible side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and potentially low blood sugar when used in conjunction with certain diabetes medications. Notably, Saxenda® is not recommended for individuals younger than 18 or older than 75, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with a family history of certain types of cancer, or people with underlying kidney, liver, intestinal, or stomach diseases.


Storage and Handling

For storage, Saxenda® pens should be kept in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius and should not be frozen. After the first use, the drug remains effective for up to one month.


Research Findings on Saxenda® (Liraglutide)

A comprehensive study involving 3,713 participants evaluated the effectiveness of Saxenda® (Liraglutide) in weight loss. The study yielded significant results, with 85% of the participants experiencing weight loss. The breakdown of the findings is as follows:

  • Approximately 60% of the participants succeeded in losing an average of 5% of their initial body weight, translating to about 5.4 kilograms.

  • Around 33% of the individuals were able to achieve a weight reduction equal to or exceeding 10.5 kilograms, representing more than 5% of their initial body weight.

  • Notably, about 6% of the participants managed a substantial weight loss of up to 20% compared to their weight before the study.

These results are available for review at Saxenda’s official website.


Long-term Efficacy and the Yoyo Effect

Another aspect of Saxenda® research focused on its long-term efficacy and the potential for a yoyo effect post-treatment. In a three-year longitudinal study, the following observations were made:

  • 56% of the participants successfully achieved their targeted weight loss within the first year.
  • More importantly, these individuals were able to maintain their reduced weight over a three-year period. This was observed in the context of continuous use of Saxenda® as a supplement to manage food intake, alongside an increase in physical activity.
  • The study suggests that sustaining the weight loss achieved with Saxenda® is feasible with consistent behavioral therapy, including diet management, regular exercise, and maintaining self-discipline.

In conclusion, the research indicates that Saxenda® (Liraglutide), under a medically supervised regimen, not only facilitates initial weight loss but also helps in maintaining the reduced weight over an extended period, thereby potentially preventing the yoyo effect commonly associated with weight loss treatments.


Consultation and Professional Guidance at Siam Clinic

Siam Clinic Phuket emphasizes the importance of a pre-treatment consultation, which includes a medical history review and physical examination. This ensures that patients can use Saxenda® safely and effectively, under professional guidance and with regular monitoring.


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