Pros
Can help you lose a significant amount of body weight when combined with diet and exercise
It May be helpful for people with diabetes as it may lower blood sugar levels
Weight loss may help improve conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels
60% of people in the clinical studies for Saxenda (liraglutide) lost greater than or equal to 5% of their starting body weight
50% of people in the clinical studies for Saxenda (liraglutide) maintained their weight loss for 3 years
Available as an easy to use injectable pen
Can be used in older adults
Can be taken with or without food
Cons
Not a safe option for pregnant mothers
Not safe to use if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia types 2 (MEN2)
Only available as an injection
Available as brand name only and can be expensive
It May have significant side effects, like nausea, cramps, and serious inflammation of the pancreas
Slows stomach emptying, which may affect how other medications are absorbed