Saxenda Plateau: Why Weight Loss Stalls
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.
- Average loss, top dose
- 7.4%
- On placebo
- 3%
- Trial length
- 56 weeks
- Trial
- SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes
A quick look at Saxenda
Its half-life is about 13 hours: after 13 h half is gone, and after five half-lives (2.7 d) about 3% is left.
For SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes, 56 weeks of data showed 7.4% of body weight, against 3% in the placebo group.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed).
Saxenda plateau: 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 | Participants were adults with overweight or obesity and without type 2 diabetes |
From the SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (FDA label (DailyMed)).
Why it stalls and what helps
- Check where you are on the dose steps. Every trial listed above shows lower doses losing less weight.
- Over the last month, count doses that you missed or took late
- Write down what you eat and drink for a few days. Liquid calories and grazing pile up as portions become smaller
- Have protein at every meal and keep up strength exercise, so most of the weight you lose is fat.
- Sleep and stress change appetite, so look at both.
- Ask your pharmacist whether some of the other drugs you take can cause weight gain.
- Ask your prescriber about two issues: a thyroid or blood sugar test, and a medicine switch after months without progress