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Saxenda and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

Loss of appetite: mentioned by 60 users (4.1%)

Based on user experiences from 1,448 Saxenda reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

nausea 38.2%
constipation 12.8%
headaches 10.8%
tiredness 8.1%
vomiting 7.7%
diarrhea 7.5%
fatigue 6.8%
heartburn 4.4%
loss of appetite 4.1%
sick 4.1%

Reviews for Saxenda

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Ttt...
  • February 26, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Saxenda for seven days. My starting weight was 186.4, and today I'm 181, that's >5 lbs in one week! I have had very, very mild nausea for a few minutes after the first dose, unusual taste in my mouth, I'm incredibly thirsty and have a dry mouth. I have lost my appetite and only feel the need to eat around dinner time. At this point, I have a nutritious soup and a slice of brown sourdough. If I still feel hungry, I will eat some plain chicken breast pieces. This is very strange for me as I am usually constantly hungry or obsessing over the next meal. I was very much a binge eater in the evenings, but I have lost all cravings. An unexpected bonus, I've not felt the need to drink alcohol or coffee. I used wine as emotional support, sometimes drinking a bottle a night, but I've not felt any urge to drink at all. I had a glass the other day out of habit, and it lasted me all evening; I'm pleased to say that I didn't enjoy it very much!!! Best of luck, everyone."

9 / 10
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  • Big...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 11, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Saxenda on June 2. I am 43 years old and my starting weight was 87.8 kg. My height is 172 cm and I’m very athletic. For the past two years, my weight started to slowly escalate from 73 kg to 87.8 kg. I’m not sure if that is due to hypothyroidism or age, but in either case I wasn’t very happy because no matter how much I was working out or dieting, my weight would increase. My doctor recommended Saxenda and honestly, it’s been the best thing that ever happened to me. I just started my 1.2 dose and to date I have lost 4 kg (9 days). My appetite decreased dramatically, I basically drink lots of fluids (juice and water) and bread is strictly out of the menu… I don’t crave it at all! I hope to get back to my ideal weight (70 kg). I can’t wait to get my old body back ❤️. I will post another update soon."

10 / 10
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  • DrD...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 21, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda January 1, 2020 at 300.4 lbs. To date February 21, I am down 44 lbs. 1000 to 1200 calories per day and 10k to 12k average # of steps per day. Cravings are gone low appetite, and nausea if I try to eat too much. Few side effects now but same as everyone else at the beginning. By the end of my 2nd script, I may be down 60 lbs and would like to stop shots for a while but concerned about gaining back. Anybody have experience with stopping? Can I stop for a month and start again if not happy with weight gain?"

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Pen...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 31, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda now for almost a month. Started 0.6 and now 1.8 ml. I have had no real negative side effects. Up to week 3, my appetite has noticeably been suppressed at meal times. I am hitting walls, so to speak, experiencing mild nausea if I eat too heavily or fast. My meals are portioned and regular, but with Saxenda, it is taking me much longer to eat compared to before I began. My diet is vegan, and I exercise 4-5 times weekly - treadmill walking 5 km or more, and I do weights. My GP said Saxenda targets visceral fat and can take up to 20 weeks to noticeably see weight loss on a sensible diet following instructions. On a positive note, I am looking forward to seeing results."

7 / 10
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  • Ann...
  • October 3, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I read user reviews with fingers crossed because results sounded too good to be true. But after 5 weeks on Saxenda, I have gone from 182 to 160. I was super nauseous and taking OTC meds for that, gradually just drinking ginger ale as my body becomes accustomed to full dose. Appetite is virtually gone, as is my craving for sweets. I’ve not started regular exercise yet but plan to. Not sure if it’s relevant, but at week 3, I stopped taking an SSRI (Zoloft) — that drug was basically why I gained 60 lbs in 18 months. I’m about halfway to my weight loss goal and feel elated with and grateful for this drug. The price is shockingly high ($1500 for 3 boxes of 5 pens each, plus needles) for a 3-month supply — but I’d spent nearly that much during the past year on other weight loss methods (without results). I hope this review helps someone the way other reviewers helped reassure me. Good luck, everybody! :)"

10 / 10
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  • Dar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 25, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "The first month on Saxenda, I lost 9.5 lbs. This month, only 2.6. I'm taking 1.8 mg and have decreased appetite (a major plus). Working out 5-7 days a week. I probably have about 25-30 lbs to lose, but I'm a little disappointed with the results this month. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!"

6 / 10
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  • Bac...
  • November 6, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda about a year and a half ago. I lost 40 lbs and was feeling so great! Then, Saxenda stopped working for me. My appetite came back for sweets, and I have gained 25 lbs back. I decided to quit taking Saxenda because it really wasn't helping me anymore, and my hunger pains are so bad now in comparison to before I started Saxenda. It's like my body has to get used to not taking it again. I've decided to try once again to try and lose the weight on my own by making better food choices. I want to stop this weight gain in its tracks as I don't want to gain all of it back again. I just couldn't see myself taking this drug long term, especially since it quit working for me. Others may take it long term and it still works, but for me, after a year, all the cravings came back, as well as my appetite. I look for instances of people having the withdrawals from it, but nothing is out there. Anyone quit taking it and feel EXTREMELY hungry?"

7 / 10
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More FAQ

  • moo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 23, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have just moved on to my 3rd week and just upped my dose to the 1.8 mg. The side effects have been quite severe for me. I am feeling very dizzy when I stand up, lethargic, and feeling very sick. I have no appetite at all, so I have been forcing myself to eat. I have lost 3 kg - 6.61 pounds in just over 2 weeks. I'm not going to lie, it's not making me feel good at all. But I know it will all be worth it in the end. Working full-time probably isn't the best thing, I think it would be much easier to do this if I was at home all the time. I'm hoping the side effects will subside soon, and I can go about my day normally."

7 / 10
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48 Report
  • Dia...
  • January 25, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started a workout program in February 2016 and was doing well by losing 50 lbs over 8 months. Like most of us, though, I wanted more. I took Saxenda for 6 weeks starting November 1, 2016, and lost 14 lbs in the first few weeks. Appetite was really suppressed, and the last 2 weeks I was extremely tired. I spoke to my doctor about cycling on and off as I noticed the weight loss had stopped once I hit 14 lbs. I went off Saxenda for 3 weeks and began again at the beginning of January and am down an additional 15 lbs. I will continue for another week and then cycle off for 3 weeks again and start over. I find the appetite and energy side effects kick in around 4 weeks, so by cycling on and off, I can avoid those effects and maximize the weight loss."

9 / 10
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63 Report
  • Mrs...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 9, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda for 10 days and am following the dosing exactly as prescribed, so I am 3 days into 1.2. Insurance covered most of the cost. I haven't experienced nausea, burping, or any of the other symptoms I have seen described. But I have a complete loss of appetite. I am 53 years old, female, 5 feet 2 inches, and started at 179 pounds. When I weighed myself a few days ago, I was down to 172. I have, however, experienced a sadness over the complete loss of joy in eating. I don't know if that makes sense, but it is a struggle for me. I can't even imagine eating chocolate, soda, or anything 'bad' for you."

5 / 10
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  • Mum...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 12, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’m 10 days in on Saxenda, gone from 0.6 mg to 1.2 mg on day 7. I have 50 lbs to lose and so far have lost 10 lbs! I literally have no appetite. On day 6, my appetite returned a bit, like I was used to the dose. Since upping it to 1.2, I’ve been feeling constantly full and a bit queasy, and have hence struggled to eat much at all. I’m going to drop back down to 0.6 for a few days as I should be eating a bit more than I am (like 1 sandwich a day!) It really does work. The only thing I would say is listen to your body, and if you don’t feel like you need to up the dose, then don’t. 10 days in and I’m still on my first pen - I bought 5, so these are going to last me ages! I’ll update again in a few weeks with how I’m getting on."

8 / 10
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23 Report
  • Ave...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 4, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’m an average 55 yr. old guy who started Saxenda one month ago. So far I’ve lost 14 pounds (295 – 281). My appetite has decreased and my energy has increased. I’m also trying to be more active and drink less alcohol, so I’m sure that helps too. To be honest, I thought I’d lose my weight by now, but I’m happy with the 2-3 pounds a week. I see this drug and my new approach to eating and fitness as a life-changing event, so I’m happy being patient for some obvious body changes. No one but my spouse has noticed any difference. The drug is easy to take, and after the initial fear of giving myself a shot, it has been quite easy. The best part of this drug is that all the crazy cravings have stopped. Before Saxenda, I could eat a ½ gallon of ice cream or ½ a pie in one sitting, but I haven’t had the slightest desire to even take a bite since I’m on the drug. It’s been remarkable. I’m thankful that my insurance covers almost all of the drug as it’s ridiculously expensive paying for it on your own. I’ll post again in a month or two. Look for Average Guy D."

9 / 10
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  • Jma...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 14, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Ok, so I started Saxenda 2/25/19. I’ve lost 46 lbs to date, but now I’m not losing anything. I’ve been stuck at 204 lbs for three weeks now. I stayed at 1.8 because that’s the lowest effective dose for me, but now it doesn’t seem to work. I mean, I still have no appetite. I do eat, but it’s low carb, high protein. I’m doing the exact same thing I’ve always done, but now the scale won’t move. I’m assuming my body got used to the dose, so I’m up to 2.4 now and will get to 3.0. I just hope the scale starts moving again because I don’t want to have to stop taking Saxenda."

8 / 10
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31 Report
  • Mel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 14, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on this Saxenda for 3 weeks, and I am at 1.8 mg per injection. No really big side effects so far, besides not being hungry most of the time. I have to make myself eat to get in at least 1,000 calories. I have lost 12 lbs so far, and I couldn't be more thrilled. It also takes away my cravings for sweets. Highly recommend."

10 / 10
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27 Report
  • Jen...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 2, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda 6 days ago. A little bit of nausea when I take the injection at night. I am a little more tired throughout the day. No appetite, I'm not sure if I should be eating? Could someone suggest a vegan multivitamin to take? I haven't lost any weight. Cheese makes me nauseous. Or maybe it is milk? I don't know. I've limited my dairy to practically 1x per week."

5 / 10
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26 Report
  • Reg...
  • June 20, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So far, so good. I have lost 28 lbs since I started Saxenda 7 weeks ago. I have had a few of the side effects like nausea and decreased appetite, but it has been well worth it. I recommend this completely!"

9 / 10
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33 Report
  • Cla...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 24, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda on Aug 7, 2018, and am losing steadily, around 3 pounds/week (down 20+ pounds so far). I had an immediate reduction in appetite from the start and cut calories to 1,000-1,200/day. I feel satisfied with that. I focus on fresh (no sugar, low carbs) and keep the fiber and water intake high, so I’ve remained regular. I've noted that I 'pay' for eating too much at a meal with a stomach ache since stomach emptying is slowed. I've also noticed a slight increase in systolic BP (still ok). The last issue is that I actually lost interest in food completely a couple of weeks ago. I had to purposefully go shopping to find 'yummy foods' and managed to rekindle my interest. Net is that this is a good med, but you need to listen to your body while you're taking it and write everything down that you're putting in your mouth while you're on it. I eat pretty much whatever I want (with the above provisions for fresh/no sugar) but in much smaller portions."

9 / 10
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  • Kin...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 9, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I used Ozempic to no avail, so my endocrinologist put me on Saxenda. I have made some lifestyle changes since starting Saxenda. I started intermittent fasting - I eat at 11 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and I swim 1/2 a kilometer 5 days a week. Due to Saxenda, I am not hungry. I cannot stomach fried foods, so I eat clean but eat what I like, including ice cream. I have lost 40 kg since August 2022."

10 / 10
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  • Hop...
  • November 5, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda on 10/21/18. I am 5’5" and weighed 281 lbs. The first couple of days, while being on the dose of 0.6 mg, I experienced no side effects. On the fourth day, I began burping awful-tasting burps, and it was very constant. It was slightly embarrassing, and I kept mints in my pocket during work to overcome the smell. At that time, I went and bought OTC antacid and began taking that in the morning with my other medications. That has seemed to help tremendously. I still burp and have indigestion, but not as bad as before. I have not experienced any of the negative side effects that people have mentioned in previous comments. I have, however, experienced decreased appetite and feeling fuller faster when I do eat. I have been trying to make healthier food choices, and when I do eat, I find myself only eating half of what I have in front of me. That’s a huge difference from before starting the medication. I have been on the medication for 2 weeks, and I’m down 10 lbs."

8 / 10
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26 Report
  • pan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 11, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have started to take this drug on January 18, 2017. Today is February 11, and I have lost 10 pounds. I am 5'5", 235 lbs down to 225 lbs. I am at 1.8 dosage and have nausea, diarrhea, no appetite, cramping, fatigue, and newly developed belches that taste like rotten eggs! I might need to back down to 1.2. I have been moving slow with the dose increases as well. Losing weight, though, but these side effects......we will see!"

7 / 10
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28 Report
  • pun...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 26, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "6/26/17 - Update: On Saxenda for 4 weeks, and I have lost 15 pounds so far!! So excited on 2.4 mg right now. I haven't gone up again yet because I am afraid I won't have an appetite at all. Now I can only eat small portions, but I am making sure I am getting all of my nutrients. Will update again in a few weeks. Good luck, everyone."

9 / 10
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29 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 15, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started this medication on 12/9/15 and had a severe headache and nausea for 2 days. My beginning weight was 191. On day #3, I noticed I was not eating or drinking very much, and that is probably why I had those symptoms so severe. On day #4, it became very clear that I had no appetite nor a desire to eat...anything. On the 5th day, I started the 1.2 and had no side effects. I do notice that I'm never hungry and when I do eat, I can only take a couple bites and I'm done. I'm extremely tired, but again I think it's because of not eating. Today my weight was 180.4 and my pants keep falling down, lol. I'm f/u with my PCP on the 22nd, so we will see how things go from there."

7 / 10
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31 Report
  • Kca...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 1, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Saxenda on 2/21/19. The injections are really no big deal. The first three days at .6 I had mild nausea and then felt fine. I started the 1.2 dose and had horrible nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. My pain is sharp in the center of my chest right under my ribs. Has anyone had this similar pain? I have a strange taste and burps and feel exhausted. This is day 4 on the 1.2 dose. I don’t want to stop taking it if this is something that will pass but cannot continue if this is going to last. Has anyone else had this experience? I have absolutely no appetite, maybe eating 400 calories the last few days."

5 / 10
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25 Report
  • Msm...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 9, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using 1/5/19, and it immediately stopped any cravings, just thinking about food made me sick. So I decreased my caloric intake right away. I had nausea for the first 3 weeks, and it was awful, but I didn't care. If you're nauseous, you can't eat. I am 5'5" and my starting weight was 214 pounds. I am going into the 6th week at the maximum dose and I am down to 194 pounds. Side effects have been severe nausea, constipation, extreme dry mouth, abdominal upset, no cravings ever, and no appetite. I love this medication. I calculated body weight percentage lost, and it's 9%. I plan on increasing my activity and am trying to find out how to cut out any excess calories."

10 / 10
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22 Report
  • Msm...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 9, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using 1/5/19, and it immediately stopped any cravings, just thinking about food made me sick. So I decreased my caloric intake right away. I had nausea for the first 3 weeks, and it was awful, but I didn't care. If you're nauseous, you can't eat. I am 5'5" and my starting weight was 214 pounds. I am going into the 6th week at the maximum dose and I am down to 194 pounds. Side effects have been severe nausea, constipation, extreme dry mouth, abdominal upset, no cravings ever, and no appetite. I love this medication. I calculated body weight percentage lost, and it's 9%. I plan on increasing my activity and am trying to find out how to cut out any excess calories."

10 / 10
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22 Report

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