Many people who start taking Saxenda (liraglutide) assume that their appetite will vanish overnight and the medication will do all of the work for them. Sadly, this isn’t the case.

If you start taking Saxenda, you’ll still feel hungry. However, you should notice changes in your appetite. So, let’s look at what happens when taking these weight loss injections.

Can Saxenda make you hungry?

It’s common to feel unusually hungry when you start a new diet plan. But does the same thing apply to weight loss injections? 

Saxenda doesn’t make you feel hungry. It helps to reduce your appetite, although you won’t stop feeling hungry altogether. You should feel less hungry and fuller for longer when taking Saxanda, but your appetite will still be there.

Is Saxenda an appetite suppressant?

The active ingredient in Saxenda is liraglutide, which acts as an appetite suppressant. Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics how the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 works in the body. 

Liraglutide interacts with insulin and glucogen, helping to promote insulin secretion in the pancreas while slowing down glucogen reduction. These hormones play a massive role in your hunger levels. By increasing your insulin production, you will feel more satiated after eating in addition to reducing your appetite.

As Saxenda reduces your appetite, you are likely to eat fewer calories, which can lead to weight loss. 

Not only does Saxenda reduce your appetite, but it also slows down gastric emptying, which means that food will leave your stomach more slowly. You will feel fuller for much longer, minimising your chances of snacking or consuming additional calories.

Why is Saxenda not working?

There are several reasons why Saxanda may not be working. However, it’s important to know that it takes time to lose weight with Saxenda. It can take up to 8 weeks before you notice significant weight loss. If you have lost around 4% of your body weight in 4 months, then this means that the medication is working. [1]

Saxenda works best when you stick to a low-calorie, healthy diet. If you haven’t changed your diet since you started taking Saxenda, then this could be why you’re not seeing results.

Alongside a healthy diet, you must ensure you are regularly exercising if you want to see the best results. You should participate in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week for weight loss.

If you are not losing weight on Saxenda, you should talk to your healthcare provider. The medication may not be right for you, but don’t worry! Similar weight loss medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, are available. One of these weight loss treatments might be an option to help you lose weight. 

What is the best diet whilst taking weight loss injections?

The best diets to follow while taking weight loss injections, such as Saxenda, are diets that keep you in a calorie deficit. A calorie deficit refers to burning more calories than you consume.

Plenty of diets can help keep you in a calorie deficit, but one size doesn’t fit all. You might find a diet out there that works for you. However, it might not work for everyone. 

You must be careful when choosing your diet. Diets that claim to help you lose a significant amount of weight can be dangerous, so please try to avoid these.

The best thing you can do when you are on a weight loss journey is to eat a healthy, balanced diet, ensuring that you get food from each food group into your meals. If you are stuck for ideas, check out some of our recipes to inspire you.

What foods to avoid on Saxenda

There isn’t any food that you must absolutely avoid whilst you are taking Saxenda. However, some foods you should try to cut down on include:

• Foods that are high in sugar
• Fried foods
• Foods that are high in fat
• Sugary drinks and alcohol  

You should avoid these foods because they are usually high in calories and contain added sugar and fats. Eating high-calorie foods can push you out of your calorie deficit, preventing weight loss and potentially causing weight gain. 

What happens if you eat too much on Saxenda?

If you eat too much food while taking Saxenda, you’re likely to experience the usual side effects of overeating. The main difference is you might feel fuller sooner, meaning you will need less food before you overeat.

The main side effect of overeating is indigestion, which can lead to symptoms such as:

• Bloating 
• Burping 
• Flatulence
• Stomach pain or discomfort 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• A bitter taste in your mouth

However, you should be aware that indigestion is also a common side effect of Saxenda.

If you’ve been taking Saxanda for a while and haven’t noticed a reduction in your appetite or are not losing weight, you should check in with your healthcare provider to ensure the medication is right for you. 

However, feeling hungry is a normal part of life. After all, Saxenda doesn’t eliminate your appetite; it just reduces it.

myBMI Sources

1. https://www.saxenda.com/about-saxenda/weight-loss-with-saxenda.html