Liraglutide
Liraglutide (known by the brand name "Saxenda") is an alternative product we use to treat obesity at Dorset Weight Loss. Liraglutide works by making you feel fuller for longer, allowing you to reduce the total amount of food consumed in a day. Unlike weekly Semaglutide injections, Liraglutide is given daily
How does it work?
Liraglutide is a type of drug known as a GLP1 agonist. These drugs are similar to natural GLP1 released by your gut when you feel full. When your gut released GLP1, this acts on a part of the brain that communicates the feeling of fullness.
By injecting a GLP1 agonist, we can mimic the behaviour of the natural hormone found in the body. When we have high levels of GLP1, we feel fuller for longer, we don't have as many cravings for food.
Liraglutide is injected into the fat just below the skin on a daily basis. We will guide you during your first injection. Patients are gradually increased on the drug every week, with the aim of stabilising on the final dose at week 5.
What results can I expect to see?
During the first 5 weeks, you will gradually increase the dose up to the maintenance. During this period, we may see some weight loss, but it is more important during this "ramp up" phase to get you maintained on the correct dosage. This is a great time to begin your new exercise programme and to alter your diet to suit your weight loss goals. Most will lose at least 5% of their body weight within the first 12 weeks of starting treatment.
63.5% of patients successfully manage to lose weight with Semaglutide. The average amount of weight lost by patients during trials was 8% of their total body mass, but over 3 in 10 patients achieved more than a 10% of their starting weight.
By ensuring you maintain a good diet and exercise, our aim to make sure you get the most out of the medication by achieving weight loss greater than 10% of your starting weight.
63.5%
Number of patients achieving clinically significant weight loss
8 Weeks
Average amount of time required to lose 5% of body weight
10%+
The reduction in body weight achievable when coupling semaglutide with a good diet and exercise
What are the common side effects?
Liraglutide has the effect of slowing down the emptying of the stomach, resulting in prolonged retention of food in the digestive system. Consequently, individuals may encounter symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and either diarrhea or constipation. These side effects typically diminish after reaching a stable dosage, but there's a possibility of their resurgence upon dosage adjustments.
Additionally, you might notice occurrences of headache, fatigue, and dizziness, potentially attributed to the medication's impact on reducing calorie intake. We'll closely monitor these effects during regular check-ins to ensure they pose no significant concerns.
While rare, there are some uncommon side effects associated with Liraglutide. Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, is one such rare occurrence that may be stimulated by Liraglutide. We'll thoroughly discuss these potential risks with you at the initiation of your treatment. If any concerns arise during the course of your treatment, feel free to schedule an appointment with us.
What you can expect from us
High quality care: Our prescribers are highly experienced in not only weight loss, but a wide range of clinical areas. We will always ensure we put your care first, ensuring medicines are prescribed safely and effectively.
Appointments to suit you: Whilst initial appointments are carried out in person, we offer follow up and review appointments either in person or online.
Blood testing: Losing weight can make you look and feel better. But there are many benefits that you cant see. We will monitor your cholesterol, lipids and blood sugars throughout your journey to help you achieve a healthier & happier you.
The highest quality medicines: We only supply licensed, MHRA regulated medicines from our GPhC registered pharmacy. We only purchase these from licensed, MHRA wholesalers so you can be assured that you only get the very best in quality.
