Saxenda and its effect on weight loss

Saxenda (liraglutide as the active ingredient) is mainly used in the treatment of diabetes type 2. But what has really caught the attention of this drug is the approval for weight loss in obese or overweight people with certain pathologies.

How does Saxenda work in your body?

It is a medication that belongs to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists. An agonist is a type of molecule that closely resembles another. Due to its similarity to the molecule of interest, it is capable of triggering the same response as the “original” molecule in our body.

In this case, liraglutide will be able to activate the actions of the GLP1 molecule, which in normal situations is released by our body after meals in order to:

• Increasing insulin release
• **Suppressing appetite by providing a feeling of satiety,**which favors the reduction of food intake and may contribute to weight loss.

Given the feeling of satiety produced by GLP1 agonists, medications such as Saxenda or Ozempic are used to address overweight and promote weight loss.

Saxenda and Genetics

A study of an overweight diabetic population has identified genetic variants associated with weight loss following Saxenda use. In fact, drugs such as Saxenda have shown comparable effects on weight loss, achieving results ranging from 5% to 10% of baseline weight. Some patients have even experienced greater weight loss.