My personal journey: Ozempic vs Saxenda
Introduction
I was extremely skeptical when I first heard about Ozempic and its cousin medications, Vegovi and Saxenda. The drug was created for a specific medical condition, and taking it just for weight loss sounded dangerous and irresponsible. However, after consulting with a doctor and reading some reviews, I decided to give it a chance. I expected to have to choose between Ozempic vs Saxenda, but that decision was made for me by circumstance.
Table of Contents
- Initial Expectations and Decision to Start
- The Rollercoaster of Side Effects
- Rapid Weight Loss and its Consequences
- Allergic Reaction and End of Treatment
- Reflections and Recommendations
- Conclusion
- Sources
Initial Expectations and Decision to Start
Despite its popularity, Ozempic wasn’t available in my country then, so my doctor and I decided to try Saxenda. I needed to lose weight fast because of certain hormonal issues, so it seemed like a perfectly reasonable option.
After over a dozen blood tests done to see if I was healthy enough for the medication, I got an ultrasound of my internal organs and a thorough examination, and only then was cleared to start treatment. I went in with a quite skeptical and pessimistic view of this adventure, and my expectations weren’t entirely off the mark.
The Rollercoaster of Side Effects
The journey with Saxenda began with a few days of stalling because I was too afraid to inject myself. It took me a few days to work up the courage to do it, but eventually, I overcame my fear. It turns out, that tiny insulin needles used to inject Ozempic and Saxenda barely hurt, so I quickly adjusted to this part of my new routine.
Within the first three days, I noticed a dramatic drop in my appetite. I couldn’t eat even half of the same portions I used to eat, and many things started tasting worse than they used to. As an emotional eater, I felt like I was losing an important part of my support system. It caused a lot of confusion and sadness for me.
I was advised to keep track of my blood sugar while taking Saxenda, but I managed to eat enough to not lead to any related mishaps. Many other side effects out of the full list bothered me throughout my treatment, the tiredness and dizziness especially.
Here are all the expected side-effects:
Saxenda.com, The most common side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Injection site reaction
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Headache
- Upset stomach (dyspepsia)
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Change in enzyme (lipase) levels in your blood
- Fever*
- Gastroenteritis*
Rapid Weight Loss and its Consequences
Despite the uncomfortable side effects, Saxenda delivered on its promise of rapid weight loss. I lost as much as 30 pounds (15 kilos) within 2 months. But with time, I was able to eat more and more again, and it felt like the drug wasn’t working as well as it used to. Weight loss nearly stopped by month three, but I had to keep buying the costly drug and inject myself every day. My stomach looked pretty awful from them, and trying to do injections into my thigh turned out to be a lot more painful. And then bad came to worse.
Allergic Reaction and End of Treatment
As I was struggling with weight loss, I started to develop a very persistent rash at the injection site. It was red and extremely itchy, making me miserable. I visited the doctor again with my complaints, and she recommended I stop treatment and try to lose the rest of my weight naturally. Exercise and healthy eating can really make a massive difference.
Thankfully, stopping injections has been very easy, without any heavy side effects – I just stopped and felt better immediately.
Reflections and Recommendations
Looking back on my journey with Saxenda, I am filled with a mix of emotions. While the experience was fraught with challenges, it also served as a profound learning opportunity. I urge others considering similar treatments to proceed with caution, mindful of the potential side effects and risks involved. Weight loss is a deeply personal journey, and while medications may offer a helping hand, they are not without consequences. It is essential to prioritize health and well-being above all else, seeking sustainable solutions that nurture both body and mind.
Conclusion
My journey with Saxenda was one marked by highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. Through it all, I emerged with a newfound appreciation for the complexities of weight loss and the resilience of the human spirit. When it comes to comparisons of Ozempic vs Saxenda, I wish I had access to the former, because less injections would have meant less allergic reactions and side effects.
While Saxenda may have been a chapter in my story, it is not the defining one. I now embark on a new chapter, armed with wisdom gleaned from past experiences and a renewed sense of determination. For anyone navigating their own weight loss journey, I offer these words of encouragement: persevere, be kind to yourself, and above all, prioritize your health with care and caution.
Sources
Personal experience