TL;DR
Saxenda is a daily injectable that uses liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, to regulate appetite and aid weight loss. Compared to other GLP-1 and GIP+GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, Saxenda is the most established and widely available in Singapore.
What is Saxenda and How Does It Work?
Saxenda contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone, which:
- Increases feelings of fullness
- Reduces hunger
- Slows down gastric emptying
This hormone-based approach leads to lower calorie intake and gradual weight loss over time.
Originally approved for Type 2 Diabetes, Saxenda was recently approved to also help with chronic weight management.
How is Saxenda Administered?
Saxenda is a daily subcutaneous injection that is injected in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It comes in a pre-filled pen, and the dose is gradually increased over the first 4–5 weeks to improve tolerance.
Who Can Use Saxenda?
Suitable for:
- Adults with a BMI ≥30 (obesity)
- Adults with a BMI ≥27 and a weight-related condition (e.g., hypertension, diabetes)
- Adolescents aged 12–17 years with obesity
Not suitable for:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Saxenda: Side Effects and Precautions
Most common side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting (especially at the beginning)
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Headache or dizziness
- Injection site reactions
Serious but rare risks include:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder issues
- Kidney problems
How Much Weight Can You Lose with Saxenda?
Clinical trials show that Saxenda, when combined with lifestyle changes, can help patients lose an average of 5–10% of their body weight over 56 weeks.
- In the SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes study, 63.2% of participants using Saxenda lost at least 5% of their body weight, and 33.1% lost more than 10%.
- This is significantly more than the placebo group, where only 27.1% achieved ≥5% weight loss.
Weight loss results can vary based on adherence to a healthy lifestyle and individual metabolic responses.
Saxenda vs Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro
When it comes to medical weight management, these injectable options are commonly discussed:
| Feature | Saxenda (Liraglutide) | Ozempic (Semaglutide) | Wegovy (Semaglutide) | Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) |
| Mechanism | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist (higher dose than Ozempic) | Dual GIP + GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Dosing Frequency | Daily injection | Weekly injection | Weekly injection | Weekly injection |
| Approved For | Weight management | Type 2 Diabetes (off-label for weight loss) | Weight management | Type 2 Diabetes, FDA-approved for weight loss (not SG) |
| Availability in SG | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Avg. Weight Loss | 5–8% | 10–15% | 15–18% | Up to 20% |
| Onset of Effect | Slower | Moderate | Faster | Fastest |
| Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting | Nausea, constipation | Nausea, fatigue | Nausea, diarrhoea, reduced appetite |
Key Takeaways:
- Saxenda: Great for those who prefer daily injections or are unable to access newer meds.
- Ozempic: Effective and convenient for weight loss (though used off-label).
- Wegovy: Specifically designed and approved for weight loss.
- Mounjaro: Most effective in clinical trials but not yet accessible in Singapore.
Is Saxenda Enough on Its Own?
No weight loss medication works in isolation. Saxenda is most effective when combined with:
- A nutritious, calorie-controlled diet
- Regular physical activity
- Ongoing medical and lifestyle support
Final Thoughts
Saxenda remains a solid and accessible choice for weight loss in Singapore. While newer injectables like Wegovy and Mounjaro may show stronger results, Saxenda still helps patients lose weight safely and gradually — especially when combined with holistic coaching.
If you struggle with losing weight, we offer weight loss coaching plans that integrate medication support, nutrition guidance, and behaviour change — helping you achieve sustainable, long-term success.
Contact us today to explore your personalised plan!
