TITLE:
Liraglutide (Saxenda®) as a Treatment for Obesity
AUTHORS:
Erin St. Onge, Shannon A. Miller, Carol Motycka
KEYWORDS:
Diabetes, Liraglutide, Obesity, Treatment
JOURNAL NAME:
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
Vol.7 No.4,
April
20,
2016
ABSTRACT: Obesity is a significant concern in the United States, affecting approximately 35% of the population.
Comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, significantly increase
one’s risk of heart attack, stroke, and even death. Liraglutide, a medication originally used to treat
diabetes, has been approved for the treatment of obesity. Clinical trials have shown significant
improvements in body weight and body mass index (BMI) at a dose of up to 3.0 mg daily. The most
common adverse effects are gastrointestinal in nature, however, these often subside with time.
Safety concerns with regards to thyroid tumors and pancreatitis should be carefully considered
prior to use of this agent. Liraglutide should be considered an additional tool in the treatment of
obesity, especially in patients with concomitant diabetes.