Saxenda Not Working? The Checklist, in Order
Results vary a lot by person. In SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes, the average loss on liraglutide 3.0 mg daily was 7.4% over 56 weeks, against 3% on placebo. If you have lost little after several months on your full dose, talk to your prescriber.
- Average loss, top dose
- 7.4%
- On placebo
- 3%
- Trial length
- 56 weeks
- Trial
- SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes
Saxenda in brief
Its half-life runs about 13 hours, so after 13 h half is gone, and five half-lives (2.7 d) leave about 3%
During SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes, 56 weeks, the figure was 7.4% of body weight, against 3% in the placebo group.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed).
Saxenda not working: the numbers first
| Trial | Dose group | Average weight lost | Placebo or comparison | Weeks | Who was in it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes | Liraglutide 3.0 mg daily | 7.4% | 3% | 56 | Adults with obesity or overweight, and no type 2 diabetes |
Source: SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (FDA label (DailyMed)).
What makes it stall and what helps
- Check your place in the dose steps. Each trial listed above shows less weight loss at the lower doses.
- Count the doses you missed or took late during the last month.
- Write down what you eat and drink for a few days. When portions shrink, liquid calories and grazing add up.
- Include protein at each meal and continue strength exercise, so fat makes up most of what you lose.
- Appetite shifts with sleep and stress, so check both.
- Ask your pharmacist whether any other medicine you take could lead to weight gain.
- Months of stalled progress? Ask your prescriber about changing medicines and about tests of your thyroid or blood sugar.
How many people stopped in the trials
| Trial | Dose group | What happened | Drug | Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes | All doses, label pool | Stopped for side effects | 9.8% | Not listed |
Source: SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (FDA label (DailyMed)).