Saxenda and Constipation: What Users Say

• Ang...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "An update to my earlier progress: I have been on Saxenda for 10.5 months now and have lost 29 kg (64 pounds), and I only take 1/5 of the dose by staying on the 0.6 mg. I never got past 1.8 (briefly), as the constipation was too bad. Most of the time, I did not exercise - a combination of being hard as a big person, a bad knee, and working awful hours. I have started walking more recently, which feels great to be able to move more easily. I have moved from Obese Class 3 to Class 1; and in 5 more kg, I will move to Overweight rather than Obese - which I am excited by. At this stage, I expect to stay on this low dose approach to lose another 10-15 kg, then I will try to wean myself off and monitor what happens."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started 12 weeks ago and have lost 13.2 kg (29 lbs). During the increased dosage phase, I had mild nausea for the first day or so, then very little side effects. I struggle to consume more than 1,000 calories/day while on Saxenda. As time has passed, side effects are coming to light: low Vitamin B12/low energy, general fatigue, lightheadedness, and irritation at the injection site (although that comes and goes). However, I believe these are from a significant decrease in caloric intake, not the medication itself. I have started taking a high-quality multivitamin, so hopefully that will remedy some of these issues. My weight loss each week is directly linked with how much water I take in. Low water weeks = low weight loss weeks. 3+ liters each day, and I lose at least 1 kg a week. Increasing my water intake has also helped to alleviate mild constipation and general bloat."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I posted here on 19th March and had lost 2.5 lbs. Since then, no weight loss, just chronic constipation. My calorie intake is way down, and I expected the weight loss to follow, but nothing. I'm on a 1.8 dose, but may need to reduce it as I feel rotten. Will keep you posted."

• MDL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started taking Saxenda and initially saw some limited results. Side effects were minimal, I had some heartburn and constipation, but nothing else. Lost approx 7 lbs in conjunction with a 2000 kcal p/d diet. However, was unable to lose any more weight despite consistently being in a calorie deficit. Also discovered that Saxenda really didn't help very much with hunger/cravings as it was supposed to. I haven't binged while on it, but remained constantly hungry. Ultimately, a disappointing result."

• Maj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on day three of Saxenda. I started taking it as I work from home, and my snacking over the last two years has resulted in around a 24 lb weight gain that was making me miserable. I’m 50 years old, and losing weight while also in perimenopause has been challenging. I just hope this doesn’t make perimenopause worse. I eat healthy meals, but eating biscuits and crisps when everyone is out was more a habit that developed and needed breaking, which I hope will now happen. I’ve not snacked or wanted to snack in three days and have not even thought about food as I’m drinking so much water. I’ve got nausea, but it’s manageable. I’ve not felt hungry and had to force myself to eat. The only thing I am keeping an eye on is constipation and a bit of acid reflux, which I had yesterday, which I don’t normally get. My thought pattern is to use the pen to kickstart me into breaking the snacking habit and not buy another pen or at least use one until I’m confident I can do it with my own willpower."

• har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was on Saxenda for 5 weeks and had very bad side effects. The worst being constipation and not having a bowel movement for a week. Despite eating a lot less and drinking lots of water, it meant I couldn't exercise and eat my usual salads, fruit, etc. I could only face bread or dry crackers. When I did more research and realized the weight comes back on after stopping it, I have decided I'd much rather exercise and fuel my body with healthy food. It's concerning people literally starve themselves on the medication."

• Bar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been on Saxenda for two months and lost 25 pounds. The only side effects are a little nausea on the day of increase and some constipation. I’ve tried so many diets and failed—I’m overjoyed to finally be in control of my appetite and my life."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 58, always walk about 4 miles with my dog each day, but at 5'3" and weighing 156 lbs, my weight was slowly creeping up. This is because I love wine, cheese, bread, pasta, takeaways, and any type of salty snack. I've no 'off switch' and no portion control. My clothes were all too tight, I started to feel lethargic and was losing self-confidence as I was becoming a chubby blob. A friend recommended Saxenda to me, and it's worked brilliantly. All the above foods are repellent to my brain, I don't want them at all. I can sit next to a bowl of peanuts and casually ignore them! I'm 4 weeks into using Saxenda today and have lost 16 lbs. Only side effects have been constipation (still) and 3 weeks of heartburn (now gone). I'm still on 1.2 mgs as my appetite is suppressed. Saxenda gives me the willpower that I didn't have to stop eating rubbish."

• Sz2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Tried this over a 3-month period so I could review as honestly as possible. The first 2 weeks, great, lost 6 pounds. As soon as I increased the dose to 2.4, crippling pain in my stomach, CONSTANT nausea. Was never sick, but often constipated. Dropped the dose back down and still terrible stomach cramps. In the end, had to drop it down to 0.8, which just didn’t do enough to curb hunger, just felt the same as when I wasn’t taking it. All in all, for me this didn’t work. The fatigue and tiredness were one of the worst things I’ve experienced. Absolutely no energy, not one bit. Trying to work and go to the gym, walk the dogs was the worst battle ever. And that was for the whole 3 months. Also, rapid heart rate, I wear an Apple Watch and my resting heart rate went up by 15 bpm on average. I would get a tight chest too. For me, not worth it! Back to the drawing board and padlocking the fridge lol."

• suz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On week 3, I lost about one stone. Took about a week to get used to it. During week one, I felt sickly, had some lightheadedness, constipation, but it passed after about a week. Now on a 1.8 dose, and all is well. My appetite has decreased massively, and sometimes I have to remember to eat. I won't deny the first week was a little ropey, but my advice would be to stick with it as it does improve. For me, this is a wonder drug! I have battled all my life with weight, and this has had such a positive impact on my mental health and my overall well-being. Amazing!"

• Ole...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am just shy of a month and just upped today to 2.4 dosage. In the beginning, 6 days or so, I had bad nausea, some vomiting, and constipation. I almost stopped but just stayed in the .6 for an extra week, and I have been a bit more tired, but the other side effects have gone away. It has drastically curbed my appetite, and I just weighed myself and I am down 12.4 pounds and feeling very good. I am making better food choices as I get full after eating about 1/3 of what I used to, which was big portions and seconds. I have also bumped up my activity and averaging 13,000 plus steps and 100 plus active zone minutes on my Fitbit. I am happy so far and glad I didn’t pull the plug in the first week."

• Scr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is a mixed review, but in the end, I will not continue on Saxenda. I began the injection a little over a month ago, moving from 0.6 to 1.2 mg over two weeks. I lost almost ten pounds during that time. As soon as I went to 1.8, things began to go downhill as nausea began, and I had very little appetite. When I went to 2.4, I could barely eat anything, I was so nauseated 24/7. In one 24-hour period, it was so bad I had nothing to eat. In addition, over the last two weeks since increasing to 2.4, unbelievable constipation occurred. The most bizarre thing is that, over these last two weeks, when I’ve barely eaten enough to keep a bird alive, I have not lost a single ounce, not one! It makes no sense. After the misery of several days at 2.4, I backed off to 1.8, but still was horribly nauseated. I’m now trying again at 1.2. My out-of-pocket is over $1,400.00 per month, so with these side effects, I won’t refill. Still shocked that I lost nothing the last two weeks."

• Geo...
• March 29, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Has anyone experienced severe constipation and burping? I never burped before. And do you think nighttime is better to take it? I have lost 19 lbs in 3 weeks."

• Mau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm a 43-year-old woman, 5'6. Originally, I weighed 210 pounds. I started Saxenda 30 days ago. I now weigh 193 pounds. I am currently injecting 1.8 and still have 10 days left on that dose. Not much side effects, just a little nausea. I did get diarrhea a few times after I consumed carbohydrates. I have no appetite and am never thirsty, so I need to remind myself to hydrate. A few times I didn't hydrate enough, which led to constipation. I also try to walk 3k every evening, getting my 10,000 steps in a day. It is definitely working for me."

• Pet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 54-year-old female that was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, and my blood pressure was starting to climb also. I gained a lot of weight after menopause and even more during Covid. My self-esteem was low, and I was very frustrated with myself. My doctor started me on Saxenda. And what a blessing it has been. I am in my fifth week right now and have lost 11 pounds so far! My biggest side effects are constipation and occasional dizziness. Other than that, I feel great. I am on 1.2 mg still, and my appetite has decreased dramatically! I can still enjoy a little chocolate and an occasional glass of wine! I’m very pleased with the results so far and wish to lose another 20 pounds. I will then have my blood work repeated to see if my A-1C and my cholesterol are starting to drop! Fingers crossed!"

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on it for a little more than 2 weeks, and already I've lost 7 lbs. I eat less and am not as hungry. I'm currently at the 1.8 dose. It seems to work well for me. At least if I need to, I have room to adjust. The only side effect I had was constipation during the initial period."

• Shr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been on Saxenda for 4 months, and the weight loss has been steady from the start. I started at over 70 kg (about 155 lb) and have lost 11 kg (25 lb). My healthy weight is below 56 kg, and today I weighed 59 kg. Between COVID isolations and a dislocated toe, I haven’t been very active. I suffer from IBS and GERD, so I was worried about side effects - they weren’t terrible. Two days after going up a dose, I’d have symptoms ranging from bowel cramps, constipation, and nausea, but it would settle within a week. When I went up to full dose, I was fine for 2 weeks, and then the nausea hit bad for a day. Since then, I’ve had no side effects. My appetite has definitely decreased. I intermittent fast (16:8), and it’s been easy on Saxenda. My 20-year-old daughter has insulin-resistant PCOS. She started on it 2 months ago combined with Metformin. She’s very active and has lost 7 kg so far. On Metformin alone, her weight didn’t budge. She now weighs 56 kg and has reduced PCOS symptoms. We’re 5’1” tall."

• Joh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 1, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On 11/21/21, have started on a minimum 0.6 mg dose, now moved up to 1.2 mg and will go to 1.8 mg from the third week. Can’t believe I have lost 5 kg in 9 days. Had mild nausea in the start and constipation, but that’s relieved. Appetite is controlled, no more craving for sugar. I am 5’ 11” and now weighing 125 kg. I was about to go for bariatric surgery, but my doc put me on Saxenda, so glad that I heeded my doc's advice. Target is to achieve my ideal BMI. Will update after the end of the third week."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 10, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am very happy overall with my decision to take Saxenda. I just wish I had found it sooner. Over 6 months at an average of 2.4 mg, I lost 15 kg (33 pounds). I was 100 kg and now 85 kg. Based in Europe. Side effects minimal, but did increase over 2.4 mg. Appetite was best suppressed in a fasted state, and weight loss was most. I combined it with intermittent fasting, and taking Saxenda 1 hour before felt hungry. Increased my fasting from 9 pm to 4 pm the next day. Could lose 1 kg a week. I stopped after 6 months as I got the side effect of constipation. I'm not sure if others have this? How long do I take a break before I can restart? What is the maximum length I can take it for?"

• Onl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 9, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was on Saxenda for 2 years and only lost 20-25 lbs really fast, and that was it for me. My insurance no longer covers it, so I’m out. I have a fatty atrophy pancreas, and I had black floaters in one eye that wouldn’t go away, but they’re gone now since stopping this drug 6 weeks ago. The food cravings are coming back, so I have to stick with portion control. This med helped at first, but it does cause issues with the pancreas?! Not completely sure that was the only cause. I drink tons of water now and 6 small portions a day: oatmeal breakfast, sandwich lunch, reasonable lunch plate of food supper, and yogurt in between meals and fruit. Small bowl of cereal at night sometimes. I was tired of throwing up and being constipated on this med. It still was painful as a stomach injection at times as well, like it burned. I’m trying a spoon of Metamucil before meals now, as it seems healthier as well."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Expensive, but I lost 16 stone on my own, diet and exercise, over 18 months and put it back on after injury, and after trying to get started again I’m back. 50 lb down, 35 during Saxenda in 10 weeks. Awful taste, terrible constipation and thirst and headaches, but no real cravings. And if I want a meal I can have it; I just don’t eat as much. It is worth it if you have tried and failed to lose weight, and if you can cope with the side effects. I’m feeling far more mobile, fairly stable mood-wise but you do have to help yourself. I’ll start some light exercise, and I need to eat the right type of food or I don’t lose, but it does work!"

• All...
• August 30, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Week 5 on Saxenda, 1st week on 3ml dose, weight loss 1 stone, side effects to start were nausea and fatigue, but forced myself to carry on. Managed gym 3 to 4 times a week. Only side effects now are constipation and stomach cramps. I'm taking Buscopan, which helps. Some foods give me reflux, so I have to eat bland food, which is good. Felt full from day one, never hungry. If I feel nauseous, I have a small glass of lemonade and a dry cracker. I take the medication at night, feel slightly groggy first thing, but once I start moving around, I’m okay. Another 3 stone to go, hopefully my body will start getting used to the regular dose. Worth the money."

• Msc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "41 y/o female, 344 lbs starting weight. 6 weeks taking Saxenda and I’ve lost 17 lbs. I have struggled with obesity my whole life. I’ve found this medication challenging to take, but it works, and I’m going to see it through. The nausea and headaches in the first few weeks were super rough. That calmed down and was replaced with constipation and diarrhea for several weeks, which was pretty awful at times. It seems to have leveled off now, but I do still get uncomfortable if I eat too much. I lost a lot of weight in the first few weeks and then started plateauing, but I’m trending down again. This stuff works—I find it very helpful in keeping me on smaller portions and craving healthier foods. My goal is to get into the comfortable habit of eating less and eating better and not wanting to overindulge. I’m addicted to the pleasure of food, and that is a tough cycle to break. Hopefully, the worst of the side effects are over now."

• Anonymous
• August 21, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Saxenda has jumpstarted my weight loss journey. I’ve been on it since June 5th, 2021, and have reached the 3.0 dosage and have lost 21.9 lbs as of Aug 21st, 2021. I’m hoping that it will continue and that I won’t stall out. But, so far, it has helped curb my appetite! I had a bit of nausea, but it has subsided for the most part. Right now, I am experiencing some major constipation, which is also a side effect listed. I definitely need to increase my fiber intake to counteract this issue!"

• Sax...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Saxenda for two months and have lost about 10-11 lbs so far. I'm a 43-year-old male and started at the 0.6 dose, and ramped up and stayed at 1.8 so far. I intermittent fast overnight and drink water and coffee until lunch. I can stay under 2000 calories daily without issue. Lunch is around 500 calories, maybe a snack mid-afternoon of 100 calories, and dinner is around 800-1000 calories. Lots of water, no real side effects other than occasional constipation (fiber pills help with that within a day). I hit the treadmill for 60-90 mins daily, and lift weights every few days. This gets me weight loss of about 1-2 lbs a week, which my doctor says is about the right pace. I've been able to halve my blood pressure meds as a result of all this. The big benefit is I don't binge eat and can maintain intermittent fasting every day. No urges to eat after a meal, and most importantly, I don't feel the need to eat after dinner. It's been a game changer for me so far."