How much weight can you lose with Saxenda?

Saxenda is an approved weight-loss medicine based on liraglutide, a GLP-1 agonist that suppresses appetite and increases feelings of fullness. But how much weight can you actually lose with it? In this blog, you can read what the studies say, which factors influence your results, and how Goodweigh helps you achieve lasting success.

What is the average weight loss with Saxenda?

Randomised clinical trials show that people using Saxenda in combination with lifestyle changes lose, on average, 8 to 9 per cent of their body weight over a period of 56 weeks. For a person weighing 100 kg, this equates to a weight loss of 8 to 9 kg. By comparison, the placebo group in the same study lost an average of just 2.6 per cent. The difference is therefore clinically significant.

Clinical research published in JAMA showed that people with type 2 diabetes also lost a measurable amount of weight with liraglutide, although the average weight loss in this group was slightly lower due to the additional metabolic complexity. This emphasises that the drug has a broad effect, but that individual circumstances also help determine the outcome.

What does your result depend on?

Saxenda does not work in the same way for everyone. Starting weight, the presence of comorbidities such as insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, and how consistently you follow the dosing schedule all play a role. Studies show that people who follow the titration schedule correctly and reach the full maintenance dose of 3.0 mg per day consistently achieve better results than those who remain on a lower dose due to side effects.

Diet and exercise remain essential. Saxenda is approved as a supplement to a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity, not as a substitute. Those who combine the medication with conscious dietary choices and regular exercise benefit significantly more from the treatment than those who rely solely on the medication.

It is also important to know that Saxenda can cause side effects, particularly during the titration phase. Nausea, vomiting and stomach upset occur frequently and are the reason why many users stop the treatment. In the event of severe or persistent side effects, it is advisable to contact a doctor

When do you start to see the effects of Saxenda?

Most people notice within the first two to four weeks that their feelings of hunger are reduced. Research shows that liraglutide works via specific GLP-1 receptors in the brain, which regulate the feeling of fullness and influence food preferences, explaining why the effects can be felt early on in treatment. Visible weight loss is usually seen after four to eight weeks, depending on your starting point and the extent to which your lifestyle changes.

It is important to be realistic during the initial phase. The titration schedule lasts five weeks before the full dose of 3.0 mg is reached. Read more about the Saxenda dosing schedule if you want to understand how this works in practice.

Is weight loss with Saxenda rapid or gradual?

Saxenda induces gradual weight loss, not a dramatic drop in a short time. This is also precisely what is clinically desirable. The guideline for responsible weight loss is 0.5 to 1 kg per week. With Saxenda, it often goes a little slower, especially in the first few months whilst the dosage is being built up. This gradual pace makes it easier for the body to sustain the change and reduces the risk of muscle loss.

Comparative studies show that semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) results in slightly greater weight loss than liraglutide (Saxenda) in a direct comparison. If you’re curious to know what the differences are, you can read more about the difference between Saxenda and Ozempic or see the broader comparison of GLP-1 medicines.

What is the maximum weight loss possible?

In the SCALE study, over a third of participants lost more than 10 per cent of their body weight, and a smaller group lost even more than 15 per cent. However, these are extreme values, not the norm. The maximum achievable depends largely on individual factors: how long you use Saxenda, how your body reacts to liraglutide, and to what extent you change your lifestyle.

Long-term studies show that the combination of GLP-1 medication and exercise is more effective in the long term than medication or exercise alone. This enables sustained weight control, even after the medication has been tapered off, provided the right habits have been established.

Experiences of Goodweigh users with Saxenda

Users who are using Saxenda via Goodweigh regularly report that the first few weeks are an adjustment period, particularly due to nausea during the build-up phase. Once the maintenance dose is reached, this subsides for most people, and daily use becomes a routine. Weight loss progresses steadily for most users, with good weeks and weeks where the weight changes less. This pattern is normal and is no cause for concern.

How does Goodweigh help maintain weight loss?

Getting a prescription for Saxenda is one thing, but lasting results require more. Goodweigh supports you with online consultations, coaching and regular follow-ups. This support not only helps you use the medication safely, but also to integrate the lifestyle changes that make the results last. If you’re unsure whether Saxenda is right for you, you can first check whether you’re eligible for Saxenda via a short questionnaire.

What can you expect from Saxenda?

Saxenda isn’t a miracle cure, but it is a clinically proven medication that makes a significant difference when used correctly. A realistic goal for most users is between 5 and 10 per cent weight loss during the first year of treatment, with some variation either way. What you actually achieve depends on how you use the medicine, the guidance you receive, and how much effort you put into your lifestyle. Read more about how Saxenda works if you want to understand the medicine’s effects better before you start. Always speak to your doctor about whether Saxenda is suitable for you, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medicines.

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