How does Saxenda make you feel? Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) is a prescription weight management injection that works by mimicking a natural gut hormone, affecting appetite, digestion, and satiety. Most people experience gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, feeling unusually full, and reduced hunger, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment. Some also report changes in energy levels and mood. Understanding these physical and emotional sensations can help you prepare for treatment and recognise when to seek medical advice. This article explains what to expect when taking Saxenda, how it affects your body and mind, and when to contact your GP.

What Is Saxenda and How Does It Work?

Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) is a prescription-only injectable medicine licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidaemia. It is also licensed for adolescents aged 12-17 years with obesity (equivalent to adult BMI ≥30 kg/m²) and body weight ≥60 kg. Saxenda is administered once daily via subcutaneous injection, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. In the NHS, it is usually prescribed within a specialist weight management service, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

The active ingredient, liraglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone released by the intestines in response to food intake. Saxenda mimics this hormone by binding to GLP-1 receptors in several areas of the body, including the brain, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. In the brain, it acts on appetite regulation centres in the hypothalamus, helping to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness (satiety). This mechanism helps reduce calorie intake.

Additionally, Saxenda slows gastric emptying—the rate at which food leaves the stomach—which prolongs the sensation of fullness after meals. It also modulates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, helping regulate blood sugar levels. However, Saxenda at 3.0 mg is specifically licensed for weight management, not for treating diabetes. Understanding how Saxenda works at a physiological level is important for anticipating how it may make you feel during treatment.

Importantly, Saxenda is contraindicated during pregnancy and is not recommended while breastfeeding. If you're planning pregnancy, you should stop Saxenda at least two months before trying to conceive.

Common Side Effects and Physical Sensations

Most people starting Saxenda will experience some physical side effects, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment. The most commonly reported adverse effects are gastrointestinal in nature and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. Other common side effects include headache, dizziness, dyspepsia (indigestion/reflux), and a small increase in heart rate. These symptoms occur because Saxenda slows the movement of food through the digestive system. Nausea is especially prevalent, affecting more than 1 in 10 users, and tends to be most pronounced when the dose is increased. To minimise these effects, Saxenda is started at a low dose (0.6 mg daily) and gradually increased over five weeks to the maintenance dose of 3.0 mg daily.

Many patients report feeling unusually full or bloated after eating smaller portions than usual. This sensation is a direct result of delayed gastric emptying and is generally considered a therapeutic effect rather than a harmful side effect. However, it can feel uncomfortable, particularly if you eat too quickly or consume large meals. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, chewing food thoroughly, and avoiding high-fat meals can help manage this sensation.

Other physical sensations include injection site reactions such as redness, itching, or mild bruising where the needle is inserted. These are usually temporary and resolve on their own. Rotating injection sites and using proper injection technique can help minimise these reactions. Some individuals also experience fatigue or low energy, especially in the early stages of treatment. This may be related to reduced calorie intake, changes in blood sugar regulation, or the body adjusting to the medication.

It is important to stay well-hydrated while taking Saxenda, as dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea can potentially affect kidney function, particularly in susceptible individuals. If side effects are severe, your doctor may recommend slowing the dose titration or temporarily reducing the dose.

It is worth noting that while these side effects are common, they often diminish over time as your body adapts to the medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, discuss them with your GP or prescribing clinician.

Emotional and Mental Changes While Taking Saxenda

Beyond the physical sensations, some people report changes in mood and emotional wellbeing while taking Saxenda. Weight loss itself can have a positive psychological impact, improving self-esteem, body image, and overall quality of life. Many patients feel more motivated and empowered as they begin to see progress towards their weight management goals. However, the medication and the lifestyle changes it necessitates can also bring emotional challenges.

Some individuals experience mood swings, irritability, or low mood, particularly in the early stages of treatment. These feelings may be linked to several factors: adjusting to a lower calorie intake, coping with gastrointestinal discomfort, or the physiological effects of the medication itself. Recent reviews by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have concluded there is no causal link between GLP-1 receptor agonists like Saxenda and suicidal thoughts or self-harm, though monitoring continues. Nevertheless, any significant or persistent changes in mood should be taken seriously and discussed with a healthcare professional.

Anxiety is another emotional response that some users report. This may stem from concerns about side effects, the pressure of adhering to a weight loss programme, or pre-existing anxiety disorders. If you have a history of mental health conditions, it is important to inform your prescriber before starting Saxenda, as they can provide additional support and monitoring.

It is also worth noting that changes in appetite and eating patterns can affect your relationship with food. Some people feel a sense of relief at having reduced cravings, while others may feel unsettled by the lack of hunger or the need to consciously remind themselves to eat. If you have a history of eating disorders, this should be discussed with your healthcare team. Psychological support, such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can be beneficial alongside pharmacological treatment, particularly if emotional eating or disordered eating patterns have been part of your weight history.

If you experience severe mental health symptoms or thoughts of self-harm while taking Saxenda, contact NHS 111, your GP urgently, or in an emergency, call 999. The Samaritans (116 123) also provide 24/7 emotional support.

When to Contact Your GP About How You Feel

While many side effects of Saxenda are mild and self-limiting, there are certain symptoms and sensations that warrant prompt medical attention. You should contact your GP or healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe or persistent nausea and vomiting that prevents you from eating or drinking, as this can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

• Severe abdominal pain, especially if it radiates to the back, as this may indicate pancreatitis—a rare but serious side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists. If pancreatitis is suspected, stop taking Saxenda immediately and seek urgent medical attention.

• Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dark urine, dry mouth, or reduced urination.

• Persistent diarrhoea or constipation that does not improve with dietary adjustments or over-the-counter remedies.

• Symptoms of gallbladder problems, including pain in the upper right abdomen, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or fever.

• Persistent increased heart rate or palpitations, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

• Significant mood changes, including feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts, or severe anxiety.

• Allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or widespread rash. Stop taking Saxenda and seek emergency medical help immediately if you suspect a severe allergic reaction.

For emergencies such as severe allergic reactions, severe chest pain, or difficulty breathing, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent concerns outside of GP hours, contact NHS 111 or use 111 online.

Additionally, if you have type 2 diabetes and are taking Saxenda alongside other glucose-lowering medications (particularly insulin or sulphonylureas), be vigilant for signs of hypoglycaemia, such as sweating, trembling, confusion, or palpitations. You may need more frequent blood glucose monitoring, and your GP may need to adjust your diabetes medications to prevent low blood sugar.

It is also important to attend regular follow-up appointments so your healthcare team can monitor your progress, assess tolerability, and provide ongoing support. According to the Saxenda product information, treatment should be discontinued if a patient has not lost at least 5% of their initial body weight after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose (3.0 mg), as continued use is unlikely to provide meaningful benefit.

If you experience any side effects, including any not listed here, you can report them to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app.

Frequently Asked Questions