Saxenda Injections: Complete UK Guide to Liraglutide for Weight Loss
Saxenda is a prescription-only weight loss injection containing liraglutide 3 mg — a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the MHRA and FDA for chronic weight management in adults. Recommended by NICE (TA664), it is administered once daily via pre-filled pen and used alongside a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity. This guide covers everything you need to know: how it works, the dosing schedule, clinical results, side effects, eligibility, and how to obtain it through a GPhC-registered online pharmacy.
How Saxenda Works
Liraglutide is a synthetic analogue of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) — a hormone produced naturally in the gut after eating. At the 3 mg dose used in Saxenda, it acts on multiple systems to produce a sustained reduction in appetite and calorie intake.
Appetite suppression
Activates GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus — the brain’s appetite control centre — reducing hunger signals and extending the sensation of fullness after meals.
Slower gastric emptying
Food leaves the stomach more slowly, prolonging satiety and reducing the urge to eat again soon after a meal.
Blood sugar stabilisation
Stimulates insulin release in response to eating and suppresses glucagon, stabilising blood glucose and reducing energy fluctuations that can trigger hunger.
Sustained calorie deficit
Consistent appetite reduction across the day facilitates a progressive, maintainable calorie deficit — the physiological basis for weight loss.
The combined effect means that most patients feel full more quickly, are satisfied with smaller portions, and experience fewer cravings. For a more detailed explanation of the liraglutide molecule and its pharmacology, see our guide on what liraglutide is and how it works.
Dosage Schedule
Saxenda uses a gradual dose-escalation schedule designed to allow your body to adjust and to minimise gastrointestinal side effects. The target maintenance dose is 3 mg once daily, reached over five weeks.
1
0.6 mg daily — week 1
The starting dose. This allows your body to begin adjusting to the medication. Most people experience minimal side effects at this stage.
2
1.2 mg daily — week 2
Dose increases and appetite suppression begins to become noticeable. Some patients experience mild nausea during this phase.
3
1.8 mg daily — week 3
Approaching the therapeutic range. Continue at this dose for the full week before escalating further.
4
2.4 mg daily — week 4
Near-maintenance dose. Appetite suppression effects are typically well established by this point.
5
3 mg daily — week 5 onwards
The maintenance dose. This is the therapeutic target dose at which the medication achieves its maximum licensed effect for weight management. Continue at 3 mg unless advised otherwise by your prescriber.
Missed doses and administration guidance
- If you miss a dose: administer it if your next scheduled dose is more than 12 hours away. If it is fewer than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule.
- Never take two doses in the same day to make up for a missed one.
- Inject into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm; rotate injection sites to reduce reactions.
- The injection can be given at any time of day, with or without food.
- Store in the refrigerator; opened pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 30 days.
Clinical Results
The landmark SCALE Obesity trial — a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the New England Journal of Medicine — provides the primary evidence base for Saxenda’s efficacy:
- Average weight loss of 8–9% of body weight over 56 weeks alongside diet and exercise
- Approximately 60% of participants lost at least 5% of their body weight
- Approximately 33% of participants lost at least 10% of their body weight
- Consistent weight loss trajectory observed from week 4 through to end of trial
12-week prescriber review: Your prescriber will typically review your progress after 12 weeks at the 3 mg maintenance dose. If you have not lost at least 5% of your starting body weight by this point, treatment may be reviewed — this aligns with NICE TA664 guidance. Clinical context around who Saxenda can help is explored in our guide on weight gain and its drivers.
How does Saxenda compare to Mounjaro? For a direct comparison of clinical trial data, eligibility, and practical differences, see our Mounjaro vs Saxenda guide.
Side Effects
Side effects with Saxenda are most common during the dose-escalation phase and typically reduce once the body adjusts to a stable dose, usually within four to eight weeks at 3 mg.
Very common (affecting more than 1 in 10 patients)
- Nausea — the most frequently reported side effect; most pronounced during dose escalation
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
Common (affecting up to 1 in 10 patients)
- Fatigue (usually temporary and most marked during the first weeks)
- Injection site reactions — redness, bruising, itching; rotate sites to minimise
- Headache
- Dry mouth
Stop Saxenda and seek urgent medical attention if you experience: severe, persistent abdominal pain (which may indicate pancreatitis); signs of an allergic reaction such as facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash; rapid or sustained increase in resting heart rate; or any other sudden serious symptoms. Contact your GP or call 999.
Managing nausea: eat smaller, lower-fat meals; avoid rich or spicy foods during escalation; inject at a consistent time; stay hydrated. Most patients find nausea significantly improves once they have been on the 3 mg maintenance dose for several weeks.
Eligibility Criteria
Saxenda is licensed in the UK for use in adults meeting specific clinical criteria, in line with NICE TA664. You may be eligible if:
- You are aged 18 or over with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above
- Or you have a BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² plus at least one weight-related condition (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol)
- You are committed to using Saxenda alongside a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity
- You have not responded adequately to lifestyle changes alone
Saxenda is not suitable if you
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
- Have a history of pancreatitis
- Are already taking another GLP-1 receptor agonist or injectable diabetes medication
- Have severe renal or hepatic impairment (your prescriber will assess this)
These criteria are a guide only. A qualified prescriber will conduct a full clinical assessment before issuing a prescription. Always disclose your complete medical history and all current medications.
How to Get Saxenda Online in the UK
Saxenda is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK and cannot be purchased without a valid prescription from a qualified prescriber. Access Doctor is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy (registration #9011198) offering a regulated online consultation service.
1
Complete the medical questionnaire
Answer a short, confidential medical questionnaire covering your weight, BMI, health conditions, and current medications.
2
Prescriber review
Your responses are reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescriber. They assess clinical suitability and, if appropriate, issue a prescription.
3
Discreet dispatch
If approved, your Saxenda is dispatched in discreet, temperature-appropriate packaging via Royal Mail Tracked 24. Orders placed before 3pm are typically dispatched the next working day.
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Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg)
GLP-1 receptor agonist. MHRA-approved. NICE-recommended (TA664). Once-daily pre-filled pen.
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Mounjaro vs Saxenda
Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist. Once-weekly injection. Average 20.9% weight loss in SURMOUNT-1 trial.
Read the comparison →Start your Saxenda consultation
Access Doctor is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy (#9011198). All prescriptions are issued by GMC-registered independent prescribers following a full clinical assessment. Discreet packaging, Royal Mail Tracked 24.
Start Your Saxenda ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
What are Saxenda injections?
Saxenda is a prescription-only weight loss injection containing liraglutide 3 mg — a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is approved by the MHRA and FDA and recommended by NICE (TA664) for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27 kg/m² or above with a weight-related comorbidity. It is used alongside a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity.
How do you inject Saxenda?
Saxenda is injected subcutaneously — into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin — using the pre-filled pen. Suitable injection sites are the abdomen, upper thigh, or upper arm. You should rotate sites with each injection. The pen uses a fine needle and is designed for self-administration at home. Full injection technique guidance is included in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.
How much weight will I lose with Saxenda?
In the SCALE Obesity trial, participants lost an average of 8–9% of their body weight over 56 weeks. Around 60% lost at least 5%, and approximately 33% lost at least 10%. Results vary considerably between individuals and depend on adherence to dietary and activity recommendations alongside the medication. Your prescriber will review your progress at 12 weeks on the maintenance dose.
What are the side effects of Saxenda?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal — nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting — and are most pronounced during the dose-escalation phase. They typically improve significantly within four to eight weeks at the 3 mg maintenance dose. Fatigue and injection site reactions are also common. Serious but uncommon side effects include pancreatitis and allergic reactions — seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain or signs of an allergic reaction.
Who is suitable for Saxenda?
Saxenda is suitable for adults aged 18 or over with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² alongside at least one weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or raised cholesterol. It is not suitable for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2, have a history of pancreatitis, or are taking other GLP-1 agonists.
Can I get Saxenda online in the UK?
Yes — Saxenda can be prescribed and dispensed through a GPhC-registered online pharmacy following a clinical consultation. Access Doctor (GPhC #9011198) offers a regulated online assessment reviewed by a GMC-registered prescriber. If clinically appropriate, your prescription is issued and your medication dispatched in discreet packaging via Royal Mail Tracked 24. Visit our weight loss treatment page to begin.
References
- NICE Technology Appraisal TA664. Liraglutide for managing overweight and obesity. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; 2020.
- Pi-Sunyer X, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. New England Journal of Medicine. 2015;373(1):11–22. (SCALE Obesity)
- Novo Nordisk. Saxenda (liraglutide 6 mg/mL) Summary of Product Characteristics. Current version.
- NHS. Obesity — treatment. NHS.uk. Accessed March 2026.
- NICE Clinical Guideline CG189. Obesity: identification, assessment and management. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; 2014 (updated 2023).
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Saxenda is a prescription-only medicine (POM) and must only be used under the supervision of a qualified prescriber. Always consult a healthcare professional regarding your individual circumstances. Do not stop or start any prescription medication without medical guidance.