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Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription medication that is US FDA and Singapore HSA approved for the treatment of obesity (BMI >30, or >27 with a comorbidity). Used for a period of 3-6 months together with regular exercise and a balanced diet, most individuals can achieve weight loss of 5-10% of their body weight. Significant weight loss will give added benefits, with improvement in obesity related conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. Not forgetting the aesthetic benefits- you will look years younger!
The medication mimics the hormone Glucagon Like Peptide- 1, which is produced after a meal to signal to the brain to stop eating. Thus, appetite is reduced and one feels satisfied even after a small meal.
Published in the prestigious NEJM (New England Journal of Medicine) in 2015, the Satiety and Clinical Adiposity — Liraglutide Evidence in Nondiabetic and Diabetic Individuals (SCALE) Obesity and Prediabetes Study, or “SCALE study”, was a multicenter randomised controlled trial which ran from June 1, 2011, through March 18, 2013, at 191 sites in 27 countries in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. 3731 patients aged above 18 years old with BMI above 27 (average BMI 38 average weight 106kg) were recruited for this 56 week study. They were randomised 2:1 to Saxend@ + lifestyle change or placebo + lifestyle change (healthy diet and regular exercise)
The results at 56 weeks: Saxenda group average weight loss 8.4kg versus placebo 2.8kg Weight loss by percentage body weight in Saxenda treatment group- 63.2% lost at least 5% body weight, 33.1% lost at least 10% body weight. Reduced rate of prediabetes, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol in Saxenda group.
Safety: most common adverse effect was nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea in the Saxenda group which was typically mild and resolved after several weeks, <5% of subjects needed to discontinue the medication due to side effects
Conclusion: Saxenda was effective and safe for the treatment of obesity, and also shows a beneficial effect for obesity related diseases.
Treatment duration is recommended for 6-12 months, or until target weight is achieved.
Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, patients with a family history of thyroid cancer or personal history of pancreatitis or gallstone disease.
Results will vary according to several factors- the current weight of the patient, lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise) and duration of treatment. A realistic target would be 5-10% of current body weight over a 12 month period.
