Key Takeaways
Managing obesity is often more challenging than many people realize. While willpower is essential, it usually takes more than that to achieve lasting results. This is where Saxenda comes in.
Saxenda is a medication designed to help adults and adolescents aged 12-17 with obesity, and adults with excess weight accompanied by weight-related medical issues. It aims to assist in weight loss and maintenance when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. According to the official claims, three out of five people using Saxenda achieved a significant weight loss of at least 5%.
In this blog, we’ll delve into how Saxenda works, reasons you’re not losing weight on Saxenda, and healthy alternatives to consider if Saxenda isn’t the right fit for you. Additionally, we’ll explore the importance of personalized support from dietitians to help you navigate your weight loss journey effectively.
How Saxenda Works
If you find that Saxenda is not burning off those pounds straight off the bat, you’ll need to exercise some patience. It is first important to understand how the medication works.
It takes time to lose weight with Saxenda. At least 5% of the drug’s adult users take about 8 weeks for Saxenda to start taking effect and aiding significant weight loss. Some may even lose weight as quickly as the first two to four weeks and that can vary between 2% to 4% of your weight.
For the medicine to work, it is also essential to follow a long-term, reduced-calorie diet and exercise program as prescribed by your doctor. The dose is initially slowly increased over 4 to 5 weeks to prevent side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. If Saxenda is prescribed to you, it is important to consult your dietitian about weight loss plans that can help you stick to your goals.
Reasons Saxenda May Stop Working
It is crucial to remember that the medication works at its best when combined with a low-calorie, healthy diet. If you are a patient who continues to consume unhealthy foods, such habits will lead to reasons that you are not losing weight on Saxenda.
Remember that exercise is a key component of making Saxenda work. In this case, however, you cannot stick to the same exercise regimen as a lack of adjustment will lead to a plateau. Varying exercise routines, such as a combination of training and sports, can help shed those pounds.
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Additional Factors
There are certain medications that may interfere with or stop Saxenda from performing its functions to the best of its ability. Certain thyroid medications, insulin, or other diabetic drugs are such examples.
Slow metabolic rates may be the case for different responses to Saxenda’s appetite suppression. This leads to hindered to limited weight loss. Physical ailments, such as Type-2 diabetes, also act as a hurdle in the path of weight loss.
For Saxenda to work properly, regular doses are a necessity. The doses must be administered consistently and there is no margin for error if you aim to achieve the best results.
The brain and the body must be aligned for Saxenda to work to its full potential. Actions such as emotional or stress eating will have a detrimental effect on Saxenda’s efficacy. Therefore, it is imperative to address any psychological factors to empower the medication to battle weight loss.
Healthy Alternatives
Now that we have covered some of the possible reasons that you are not losing weight on Saxenda, it is important to outline alternatives that are both safe and healthy. Following the advice of a qualified dietitian is an excellent place to start and achieve a slimmer, healthier you. They might advise you to take the following steps:
Try Nutrient-Dense Foods
We must lay special emphasis on foods that have high nutrients and low calories. These can include but are not limited to, fruits and vegetables. Lean proteins, such as fish, poultry, and eggs, are an excellent way to lose and subsequently manage the pounds. Whole grains are a powerful tool in the fight against excess weight.
Make sure you take full advantage of healthy fats that are derived from nuts, seeds avocados, and olive oil. These provide essential nutrients to the body and keep the consumer feeling full for longer while consuming fewer calories.
Keeping a limit on processed or high-calorie foods keeps those weight-gaining elements out of our systems. Added sugars are another substance to keep out of the old system. Examples of such foods are baked products, fried foods, sugary drinks, white bread, and pasta.
The general aim should be to take in at least 28-35 grams of fiber and at least .8 grams of protein per pound of body weight every day.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keeping your body plenty hydrated not only helps curb hunger but also boosts the metabolism.
Proper hydration is essential for overall health and can aid in maintaining a healthy weight. Drink up and feel the difference!
Eat Intuitively
Avoid restrictive diets as you will find them difficult to sustain. The changes made to eating habits need to be gradual and manageable. It is likely that you will stick to these better consumption habits that can help you in the long run.
Styles of eating including intuitive eating, the Mediterranean, DASH, and flexitarian are seen as fine examples of healthy diets. Their results are based on evidence and align with core weight loss principles.
Get Weight Loss Support
Saxenda is one option when it comes to aiding weight loss and battling obesity. However, it is not the end of the road if you’re not losing weight on Saxenda. There are plenty of natural and perhaps even healthier alternatives to help drop the excess weight. Remember, weight loss comes down to more than just eating less and moving more. A healthy diet, allied with the right exercise might be just what you need to achieve lasting results.
In case you are finding it difficult to get off to the right start, why not seek the help of a professional dietitian? At Dietitian Live, our team of professionals can help you determine if Saxenda is the best way forward for your weight loss journey, or whether you should be pursuing more natural methods. Book an appointment with us today so we can help you come up with a diet plan to suit your weight, needs, and overall lifestyle.
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