A drug that treats type 2 diabetes has gotten FDA approval for another use: weight loss.
Saxenda is already available in a lower dose as Victoza for type 2 diabetes.
Researchers began to study it as an obesity treatment after people on Victoza reported weight loss.
Saxenda is injected daily. It's approved for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30, considered obese, or a BMI of 27 with weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure.
It's meant to be used with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet.
"Clinical trials show that [more than] 60% of patients getting a daily 3-milligram injection lost at least 5% of their weight and 31% lost more than 10%,".
In comparison, 34% of those on placebo lost at least 5% of their body weight, according to the FDA.
Serious side effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, and suicidal thoughts. It can also raise heart rate. So good luck with it.