Saxenda And Keto: A Powerful Weight Loss Combination?

Saxenda is a prescription medication used as an injectable treatment for obesity. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which works by regulating appetite and metabolism. When combined with a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet, it may produce synergistic weight loss effects. The keto diet is a popular, low-carb approach to weight loss that involves reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat intake, shifting the body's energy source from glucose to fat. This metabolic state is known as ketosis. Combining Saxenda with a keto diet may enhance weight loss results, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or diet plan.

Saxenda and keto: weight loss results

Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription medication used as an injectable treatment for obesity. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which works by regulating appetite and metabolism. It is typically used as an adjunctive treatment to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight, along with weight-related medical conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

The keto diet, a popular low-carb, high-fat diet, can be an effective way to lose weight. It involves reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat consumption, which shifts the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This can lead to weight loss and potentially offer other health benefits.

Combining Saxenda with a keto diet can indeed enhance weight loss results. A case study involving a 48-year-old female patient with a BMI of 36.7 kg/m² who struggled to lose weight through dieting demonstrated the synergistic effects of this combination. Over a 200-day period, the patient underwent two cycles of a zero-carbohydrate feeding tube diet (KE Diet®) along with daily liraglutide (Saxenda®) administration. The patient achieved a total weight loss of 64 pounds (34% of their initial weight), reaching their goal weight.

Additionally, some individuals have shared their experiences combining Saxenda and the keto diet on online forums. One person reported losing 37 pounds in 45 days, while another mentioned losing 150 pounds over a year with the help of phentermine and topamax, and then losing an additional 16 pounds in two weeks by adding Saxenda to their keto regimen. These anecdotes suggest that Saxenda and keto may indeed be a powerful combination for weight loss.

However, it is important to note that Saxenda is a prescription medication and should only be used under medical supervision. Additionally, while the keto diet can be effective for weight loss, it may not be suitable for everyone, and it is important to adopt a healthy, balanced diet for long-term weight management. Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss program is always recommended.

Saxenda: what is it?

Saxenda is a prescription medication used as an injectable treatment for obesity. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which works by helping to regulate appetite and metabolism. It is typically used as an adjunctive treatment to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater. The length of time that someone can remain on Saxenda depends on their response to the medication and any side effects they may experience. The recommended starting dose is 0.6 mg injected under the skin once daily for one week, followed by an increase to the maintenance dose of 1.8 mg injected once daily. The dose can be increased in increments of 0.6 mg at intervals of one week or longer, up to a maximum of 3.0 mg once daily if needed.

Saxenda is not a quick fix for weight loss, and it should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, including a restricted diet and increased physical activity. It can help people lose weight by reducing their appetite and increasing the feeling of fullness after eating, which can lead to eating fewer calories and reducing carb cravings.

It is important to note that Saxenda is a prescription medication and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If you are considering using Saxenda for weight loss, it is essential to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if it is appropriate for you and to discuss the potential risks and benefits.

Keto diet: what is it?

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has been around for decades. It involves reducing your carbohydrate intake and replacing it with healthy fats, which can help your body use fat for energy and encourage weight loss.

When you eat carbohydrates, they are converted into glucose, which is the main source of energy for our cells. On a keto diet, the body doesn't have access to carbohydrates, so it breaks down the glucose stored in the liver and muscles for energy. After three to four days, these reserves are depleted, and the body begins to use fat as its primary fuel source. This process is called ketosis, and it occurs when the liver generates ketone bodies in the absence of glucose.

The keto diet includes foods high in saturated fat, such as fatty cuts of meat, processed meats, eggs, dairy, and butter. It also includes sources of unsaturated fats, such as nuts, seeds, avocados, plant oils, and oily fish.

Foods that are not included in the keto diet are those rich in carbohydrates, such as starches, refined and whole grains, potatoes, corn, starchy vegetables, most fruits, fruit juices, beans, and legumes.

Who Can Follow a Keto Diet?

The keto diet is not suitable for everyone, and it's important to consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting, especially if you have a specific illness or are taking medication. It can be effective for weight loss and has been used to help control diabetes and treat epilepsy, especially in children. The diet has also been tested and used in closely monitored settings for cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While the keto diet has its benefits, there may be some negative effects, especially when followed over a long period of time. A recent study linked the long-term keto diet to accelerated organ aging of the brain, heart, and liver, increasing the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer. Additionally, the keto diet may lead to micronutrient deficiencies and extra fat in the liver. It is important to note that the ketogenic diet is typically recommended as a short-term diet for weight loss rather than the pursuit of long-term health benefits.

Side effects of Saxenda and keto

Saxenda is an injectable prescription medicine used for adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems or obesity (BMI ≥30). It is also used for children aged 12-17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg) and obesity. It should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to put the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

While there is limited information available on the side effects of combining Saxenda and the keto diet, some potential risks can be assumed based on the known side effects of each.

Firstly, both Saxenda and the keto diet can cause nausea, especially when starting the treatment or diet. This may be exacerbated when combining the two, and proper management strategies may be required to alleviate the symptom.

Secondly, Saxenda can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be a concern when combined with the keto diet's already low carbohydrate intake. Careful monitoring of blood sugar levels is necessary to ensure they do not drop too low.

Thirdly, the keto diet is often associated with an increased risk of dehydration due to the reduced carbohydrate intake. This risk may be heightened when combined with Saxenda, as the medication can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can lead to further fluid loss. Ensuring adequate fluid intake is crucial to mitigate this risk.

Additionally, Saxenda may cause other side effects such as injection site reactions, upset stomach (dyspepsia), changes in enzyme (lipase) levels, and increased heart rate. It is important to note that the potential side effects of combining Saxenda and the keto diet may vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience more or fewer side effects than others.

It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or diet, especially if there are concerns about potential side effects or interactions. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on an individual's medical history and current health status.

Maintaining ketosis

Lower Carb Intake

The most popular way to maintain ketosis is to limit carb consumption to 20-50 grams per day. This amount can vary depending on your gender, weight, and age. Avoid high-carb vegetables like peas and squash, starchy foods like corn and potatoes, and grains like wheat, rice, and oats.

Eat More Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are essential to a ketosis diet. Focus on meat, such as beef, chicken, and seafood, high-fat vegetables like avocados, and full-fat dairy products like cheese, butter, and cream. Coconut oil is another great source of healthy fats.

Create a Regular Exercise Schedule

Exercise is key to staying in ketosis. Aim to exercise at least three times a week for half an hour or more. Running or power walking for 30 minutes daily will help you burn off any carbs you consume, keeping your body in ketosis.

Exercise More When You Consume Carbs

If you eat more carbs on a given day, be sure to exercise more to burn them off. Consider only eating carb-heavy meals before a workout.

Practice Intermittent Fasting

Incorporate intermittent fasting into your routine to give your body a chance to process carbs and break down stored fat. Try skipping a meal or stretching the time between meals. You can also try to fit all your eating into an 8-hour window each day.

Start a Fat Fast

On a fat fast, you eat a small number of high-fat calories, typically around 1,000 calories per day, with 90% coming from fat. An example would be eating several cuts of beef in a day, paired with green vegetables like spinach and broccoli.

Consult Professionals

Ketosis can be associated with health risks, so it's important to consult your physician before starting this regimen. They can advise on safety and potential side effects like nausea, headache, and dehydration. You can also consult a fitness trainer for exercise guidance and a dietitian or nutritionist for a personalised nutritional plan.

Frequently asked questions