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Liraglutide is the active ingredient in Saxenda. It is a prescription injectable drug that is used to assist overweight people in losing weight and keeping it off. Liraglutide is similar to incretin, a natural hormone produced by the body. It affects parts of the brain that control your appetite. Liraglutide makes you feel fuller for a longer period, resulting in lower calorie consumption and gradual weight loss.
Liraglutide can be combined with other lifestyle adjustment such as increased physical activities and a reduced fat and carbohydrate intake. This can help overweight adults with weight-related medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and high cholesterol to lose weight.
Liraglutide is a medication that mimics the action of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors in the body. Liraglutide (Saxenda) is an injectable prescription drug that helps overweight individuals lose weight and maintain weight loss. It is similar to incretin, a natural hormone produced by the body, and affects parts of the brain that control your appetite. Liraglutide makes you feel fuller for a longer period, resulting in lower calorie consumption and gradual weight loss.
GLP-1 is a hormone that is naturally produced in the intestines in response to food intake. When activated by liraglutide, GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas stimulate the release of insulin, especially when blood glucose levels are high. This helps lower blood glucose levels by allowing cells to take up more glucose.
Liraglutide also reduces the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood glucose levels by promoting glucose production in the liver. By suppressing glucagon, liraglutide helps prevent excessive glucose production.
Liraglutide slows the emptying of the stomach, which leads to a feeling of fullness (satiety). This helps reduce appetite and food intake, making it useful for weight management. By acting on the brain’s appetite centers, liraglutide helps decrease hunger and caloric intake, which contributes to weight loss.
Liraglutide has been extensively studied for its effectiveness in weight loss, particularly in people who are overweight or obese. The clinical trials evaluating liraglutide’s impact on weight loss are pivotal in demonstrating its efficacy and safety. Liraglutide 3.0 mg has been shown to significantly reduce body weight and BMI in both adults and adolescents. The treatment is particularly effective in achieving clinically meaningful weight loss (5% or more of body weight). Liraglutide is generally well tolerated, with the most common side effects being gastrointestinal, such as nausea and diarrhea, which typically decrease over time. These studies underline liraglutide’s effectiveness as part of a comprehensive weight management program, which includes dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioral counseling.
Liraglutide (Saxenda) is suitable for:
Individuals with medical conditions such as medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), and liraglutide allergy should not take Saxenda. Pregnant women should not use Liraglutide because it may cause harm to the unborn child. During your doctor’s consultation, it is critical to disclose all medical issues or pregnancy so that your doctor can determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
Liraglutide has several contraindications, meaning it should not be used in certain situations or by individuals with specific conditions.
Liraglutide comes in the form of an injectable pen, which means you can inject it yourself at home. Our doctor will demonstrate how to safely administer this medication. As recommended, Liraglutide is injected beneath the skin in the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms once daily. Start with a low dose and gradually raise it over the next three weeks. This drug should not be injected straight into a vein or muscle. Never give another person your Liraglutide injection pen.
Liraglutide starts with a low dose, and the dosage increases gradually until it reaches the highest dose or the most effective dose. It is important to understand how to use the device appropriately in order to deliver the correct dosage safely.
It is not appropriate to give “medical advice” over the internet, so it is better to keep the information more general rather than detailed medical advice such as dosage, etc.
The most common side effects include nausea, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and heartburn. Serious side effects associated with Saxenda are rare. Potential long-term risks include thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney function impairment. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider are essential to manage these risks and optimize the benefits of liraglutide.
Diet and exercise are crucial components of a comprehensive treatment plan when using liraglutide, whether for type 2 diabetes management or weight loss.
It is important to monitor the progress during the process of using Liraglutide.
Track Progress:
Regularly monitor your diet and exercise progress. Adjust your plan as needed to ensure continued progress toward your health goals.
Collaborate with Healthcare Providers:
Keep in close contact with your healthcare provider while using liraglutide, especially if you experience significant weight loss or changes in your blood glucose levels, as medication doses may need to be adjusted.
Liraglutide offers significant benefits, including improved glycemic control, weight loss, and cardiovascular protection, which can positively impact long-term health. However, these benefits must be weighed against potential risks such as gastrointestinal issues, thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney function impairment. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider are essential to manage these risks and optimize the benefits of liraglutide.
Liraglutide is approved by the Health Science Authority (HSA) under two different brand names – Victoza (for Type 2 Diabetes mellitus) and Saxenda (for chronic weight management).
Prescription-Only: Liraglutide is available by prescription only in Singapore, meaning it must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional.
Safety Monitoring: As with other approved medications, the HSA monitors the safety and efficacy of liraglutide through post-market surveillance and adverse event reporting systems.
Patients prescribed liraglutide in Singapore should follow the guidance of their healthcare providers and be aware of the potential benefits and risks associated with its use.
There are other alternatives when it comes to weight loss in Singapore:
Speak to your doctor to determine which is the most suitable for you.
We advise patients to have a consultation session with our doctor before taking the Liraglutide (Saxenda) injection for your weight loss regime. Our doctor will examine your body weight and medical condition to determine whether you are suitable for having this drug.
You can make your appointment here.
*Disclaimer: The content provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not intend to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
SOL Aesthetics Medical Clinic is a medical aesthetic clinic in Singapore that provides personalised non-surgical aesthetic treatments.
101 Irrawaddy Rd, 17-13/14 Royal Square at Novena, Singapore 329565
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101 Irrawaddy Rd, 17-13/14 Royal Square at Novena, Singapore 329565
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