Saxenda: Week three

What to expect when using Saxenda in week three

Congratulations on reaching week three of your Saxenda medication! This is a significant milestone in your health and weight loss journey, and we’re excited to share in the progress you’ve made so far.

Your dosage for week three

Provided you’ve been managing the side effects effectively, you are likely to increase your dose by another 0.6mg to 1.8mg injection daily. If you have been experiencing challenges and your medical team has instructed you to maintain your current Saxenda dose for a little longer, that’s okay, too. Reaching a healthier weight isn’t a race, and it’s important to take things at your own pace. If you are unsure about what dose you should take, contact your medical team through your patient portal.

Observing changes

By now, you may have already observed a decrease in your appetite and an inability to consume as much food as before. You may also be less inclined to indulge in sugary, salty, or fatty foods or find them less enjoyable since beginning Saxenda. These are typical responses as you increase your medication dosage; however, everyone is unique, and you may not have experienced these effects yet. It’s only the beginning of your journey, and changes will occur gradually.

Saxenda medication activates GLP-1 receptors in the body, resulting in a reduced rate of food leaving the stomach and increased feelings of fullness. This effect also slows glucose absorption into the bloodstream, regulating blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Although Saxenda doesn’t directly target the brain’s food cravings control centre, it can still influence food choices by regulating hunger and satiety. As a result, individuals may experience reduced cravings for high-calorie, low-nutrient foods that can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.

Healthy eating habits when using Saxenda

When consuming fewer calories, it’s vital to prioritise nutritionally balanced options that supply your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and whole grains can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre that support digestion, increase energy levels, and promote mental and physical well-being. Remember to hydrate throughout the day, as staying well-hydrated is crucial for overall health.

Making dietary changes doesn’t always require a complete overhaul of your pantry and fridge. Small changes like swapping a few food choices each day and practising mindful eating can significantly impact your long-term health and weight goals. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Consider switching from white bread to a multi-grain option or opting for a high-fibre white bread if you prefer the texture of white bread but still want the nutritional benefits of high fibre.
• Keep the skin on fruits and vegetables. The skin contains vital fibre and fruit pectin that aid digestion, regulate bowel movements, and alleviate symptoms like constipation and diarrhoea.
• Replace deep-fried foods with grilled or pan-fried options cooked in olive oil, or use an air fryer. This helps reduce extra fat intake from food preparation methods.
• Ensure every meal includes at least one high-quality source of lean protein, such as eggs, dairy, seafood, low-fat meats, or meat alternatives.
• Swap regular dairy products for low-fat options. This includes yoghurt, cheeses, milk, ice cream and creams. Instead of butter, try a plant sterol-fortified margarine.
• Opt for freshly cooked dishes that are not fried or heavily sauced when dining out or ordering take-away. Consider stir-fries, salads, or roasted options instead.

If you are still feeling a little nauseous, eating small regular meals combining lean protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats will likely reduce symptoms. Find the go-to foods that you can easily create that tick those nutritional boxes. Some examples might be:

• Chia seed pudding with fresh fruit and low-fat yoghurt
• Rye or whole-grain toast with avocado, tomato, English spinach and low-fat cottage cheese
• Sliced skinless chicken breast and salad sandwich or wrap on wholegrain or rye
• Roasted vegetable salad with wild rice and chickpeas or tinned fish
• Clear soup with vegetables and either legumes or lean protein
• Home-made tacos or burritos with beans or lean protein, wild rice, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and avocado
• Stir-fried vegetables with lean protein or tofu served with rice noodles

Changing your eating habits to support your long-term health and well-being may seem challenging, especially if you’re not used to them. Trying new foods or recipes can be exciting and enjoyable and can help you discover new flavours and textures you didn’t know you liked. Remember, it’s not about being perfect or depriving yourself of the foods you love, but instead making informed choices that nourish your body and support your health goals.

Week three is all about trying new things and settling in to creating a healthier version of you. This is an exciting time as you progress towards your health and well-being goals. Be kind to yourself and celebrate the changes that you choose to embrace.

Click here to read the complete Consumer Medicine Information guide.