Everlywell Weight Care+

Saxenda® has been found to be very effective in supporting weight loss goals in obese patients. One study of over 2,000 adults found that over half of all the subjects experienced significant weight loss in one year, and 50% of the subjects also maintained their weight loss for three years. ^[10] It’s important to note that Saxenda® should also be used in addition to physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet. ^[4]

Saxenda® has been FDA-approved for chronic weight management in a few different groups, including ^[1]:

• Obese adults (BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
• Overweight adults (BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher) and at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
• Obese pediatric patients 12 years and older with a body weight above 132 lbs/60 kg

Saxenda® is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, commonly called a GLP-1. GLP-1s encourage insulin production while reducing glucose production, which can improve blood sugar control while also aiding in weight loss. ^[2-3] GLP-1s have been shown to help regulate hunger and slow digestion, resulting in feelings of satiety and the consumption of fewer calories. ^[2-4] Saxenda® should be used in addition to increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet. ^[4]

Saxenda® is a once-daily self-injectable medicine that comes in a prefilled pen. ^[6] Saxenda® can be injected under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm, as instructed by a healthcare provider. ^[6] Saxenda® should not be injected into a muscle or vein. It’s recommended that the injection site be changed with each injection. ^[6]

Saxenda® is a once-daily injection medication, which differs from many other commonly used GLP-1s, such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Zepbound®, which have once-weekly injections. ^[6-9] The starting dosage of Saxenda® is 0.6 mg/day for one week. After this, the dose typically increases by 0.6 mg every week. ^[6] 3mg is considered the full dose, which is reached around week 5. ^[6] Your healthcare provider can give you more information on your dosing schedule.

Everlywell offers a virtual weight loss program that pairs regular clinical care, lab testing*, and support with GLP-1 prescriptions, potentially including Saxenda®, to qualified candidates. A prescription is not guaranteed; however, those who are over 18 years of age and meet certain criteria may be eligible.

*At-home lab tests are not available to NY residents due to state regulation of laboratory testing

1. FDA approves weight management drug for patients aged 12 and older. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. December 2020. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-weight-management-drug-patients-aged-12-and-older
2. Castro, Regina. GLP-1 agonists: Diabetes drugs and weight loss. June 29 2022. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/expert-answers/byetta/faq-20057955
3. Shah M, Vella A. Effects of GLP-1 on appetite and weight. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2014;15(3):181-187. doi:10.1007/s11154-014-9289-5
4. How Saxenda® Works. Novo Nordisk Inc. July 2023. https://www.Saxenda.com/about-Saxenda/how-it-works.html Accessed January 2024.
5. Understanding Saxenda® Side Effects. Novo Nordisk Inc. July 2023. https://www.Saxenda.com/about-Saxenda/side-effects.html Accessed January 2024.
6. Learn How to Use the Saxenda® Pen. Novo Nordisk Inc. July 2023. https://www.Saxenda.com/about-Saxenda/how-to-use-the-pen.html Accessed January 2024.
7. Wegovy® Dosing Schedule. Novo Nordisk Inc. https://www.Wegovy.com/taking-Wegovy/dosing-schedule.html Accessed January 2024.
8. FDA Approves Lilly's Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) for Chronic Weight Management, a Powerful New Option for the Treatment of Obesity or Overweight with Weight-Related Medical Problems. Lilly. November 8 2023. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/fda-approves-lillys-Zepboundtm-tirzepatide-chronic-weight
9. Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Revised December 2017. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/209637lbl.pdf
10. Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):11-22. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1411892