Saxenda is a prescription-only once-daily injectable weight loss treatment containing liraglutide 3mg. It is licensed in the UK for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Saxenda contains liraglutide, which mimics the action of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a natural hormone produced in the gut after eating. It works by reducing appetite, slowing the rate at which food leaves the stomach, and signalling to the brain that you are full — helping you eat less and lose weight over time.

In clinical trials, patients using Saxenda lost an average of 8–9% of their body weight over 56 weeks when combined with diet and exercise. Around 6 in 10 patients lost more than 5% of their body weight. Individual results will vary depending on starting weight, adherence, diet, and activity levels.

Saxenda is given as a once-daily subcutaneous (under the skin) injection using the pre-filled pen. It can be injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm at any time of day, with or without food. Try to inject at the same time each day to maintain a consistent routine.

Saxenda is available as a 6mg/ml solution in a pre-filled pen. Treatment always begins at a low starting dose of 0.6mg once daily for the first week, with gradual weekly escalation: 0.6mg → 1.2mg → 1.8mg → 2.4mg → 3mg. The full maintenance dose is 3mg once daily. Slow escalation helps minimise gastrointestinal side effects.

Both Saxenda and Wegovy contain semaglutide and liraglutide respectively, and both are GLP-1 receptor agonists. The key differences are that Saxenda is injected once daily while Wegovy is injected once weekly. Wegovy has also demonstrated greater average weight loss in clinical trials. However, Saxenda remains an effective and well-established option for many patients.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while Saxenda acts on GLP-1 receptors only. Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection whereas Saxenda requires a daily injection. Clinical trial data suggests Mounjaro produces the greatest average weight loss of the currently available options. Your prescriber at HEBA Online Pharmacy can help determine which treatment is most suitable for you.

Yes. Saxenda is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) in the UK. At HEBA Online Pharmacy, you will need to complete a short online clinical assessment before a prescription can be issued by one of our qualified prescribers. This ensures Saxenda is safe and appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Saxenda is suitable for adults who meet the following criteria: BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27 or above alongside a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidaemia. It is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with a history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis, or those with type 1 diabetes.

The most frequently reported side effects are gastrointestinal and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. These are most common during the dose escalation phase and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Taking Saxenda at a consistent time each day and staying well hydrated can help reduce these effects.

If you miss a dose and your next scheduled dose is more than 12 hours away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Never take two doses in one day to make up for a missed injection.

Saxenda is intended for long-term chronic weight management. If you have not lost at least 5% of your body weight after 12 weeks at the full 3mg maintenance dose, your prescriber will review whether continuing treatment is appropriate. Stopping Saxenda without sustainable lifestyle changes in place may result in weight regain.