Weight Loss Medications Singapore: Are They Effective?

Weight loss is a common goal for many Singaporeans, but achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be challenging, especially with our delicious local cuisine tempting us at every corner. 

While diet and exercise are essential, some people may need additional support to reach their weight loss goals. 

Weight loss medications in Singapore come into play where the use of these medications is becoming increasingly popular. This article will explore the effectiveness of weight loss medications, focusing on two widely used drugs: Saxenda and Ozempic. 

Start losing weight with Sire, we’ve helped hundreds reach healthy weight safely.

When Should You Consider Weight Loss Medications?

Prescription drugs are designed to help individuals shed those stubborn kilos through weight loss medications. Doctors usually recommend weight loss medications for people who are obese or overweight and have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.

These medications work in different ways, such as suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, or reducing the absorption of fat. 

Will Saxenda Really Help Me Lose Weight?

Before committing to weight loss medications like Saxenda, it is crucial to understand the science and evidence behind it. At Sire, we crunch the data and numbers with you together. 

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda (liraglutide) is an FDA and HSA-approved injectable medication used for weight loss. 

It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which also includes medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. 

How Does Saxenda Work?

Saxenda works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that regulates appetite and food intake. 

By activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, Saxenda helps to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness, which can lead to reduced calorie intake and weight loss. 

Effectiveness of Saxenda

Clinical trials have shown that Saxenda can be effective in promoting weight loss. In a study involving over 3,700 participants, those who took Saxenda lost an average of 5-20% of their initial body weight over a year.

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We always recommend speaking to a doctor before starting any medication.

How Much Weight Loss Can I Expect With Saxenda?

The results of Saxenda’s clinical trials indicate that if you weigh 100 kilograms, you could potentially lose between 5-20 kilograms in a year.  It is important to recognise that weight loss results with Saxenda are influenced by various factors. 

These include your initial body weight, level of physical activity, dietary habits and individual response to the medication. 

Additionally, adherence to the prescribed dosage and frequency of Saxenda injections can play a significant role in determining the magnitude of weight loss achieved. 

Setting Realistic Weight Loss Goals

Re-evaluate treatment with Saxenda after 12 weeks. Discontinue the medication if you did not lose at least 4% of your initial body weight on the 3.0 mg/day or maximum tolerated dose.

At Sire, we navigate your weight loss journey together.  

Who Can Use Saxenda?

Doctors typically prescribe Saxenda for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or for those with a BMI of 27 or higher who have weight-related health conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Want to know how Saxenda has helped men lose weight successfully in Singapore? Read our ultimate guide here.

Is Ozempic A Good Weight Loss Medication?

Yes, if you have diabetes and are overweight, Ozempic could be a potential treatment option for you. 

It is important to discuss your weight loss treatment options with a healthcare professional who can assess if the medication is suitable for you. 

At Sire, we make it easy for you. 

What is Ozempic?

Doctors primarily use Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes, but they have also found it to promote weight loss. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a GLP 1 receptor agonist. 

How Does Ozempic Work?

Like Saxenda, Ozempic works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to regulate blood sugar levels and control appetite. 

By reducing hunger and increasing feelings of fullness, Ozempic can help with weight management. 

Effectiveness of Ozempic

Ozempic has shown remarkable effectiveness in lowering blood sugar levels, often achieving better glucose control than other diabetes medications.

Clinical trials have shown that Ozempic can significantly lower HbA1c levels by 1.4-2.1%. HbA1c is a key marker of long-term blood sugar control. 

Reducing HbA1c levels lowers the risk of diabetes-related complications.

How Much Weight Loss Can I Expect with Ozempic?

Clinical trials  found that patients with type 2 diabetes taking Ozempic lost up to 6.4 kg. 

This is groundbreaking because doctors know that diabetes medications like insulin promote weight gain.

Understanding these clinical trials is important because researchers designed them to study the effectiveness of Ozempic as a medication for type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss.

Setting Realistic Weight Loss Goals

Always discuss your weight loss goal with your doctor especially if you also have type 2 diabetes. View your health goals holistically, beyond just the number on the scale.

Besides weight loss, Ozempic is also found to significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes. 

Who Can Use Ozempic?

Doctors typically prescribe Ozempic for adults with type 2 diabetes who need additional help managing their blood sugar levels.

The FDA has not approved it for the primary purpose of weight loss. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting Ozempic. 

Ozempic is not without its controversies. At Sire, we are dedicated to navigating your weight loss journey together – we break down Ozempic’s controversies here. 

Comparing Saxenda and Ozempic

Both Saxenda and Ozempic can be effective weight loss medications, but there are some difference between them:

• Dosage and Administration: Saxenda is administered as a daily weight loss injection, while Ozempic is administered as a weekly injection.
• Weight Loss Outcomes: Saxenda is a medication that is designed and approved by the FDA and the HSA for weight loss while Ozempic is approved by the FDA and HSA for managing type 2 diabetes and not specifically for weight loss. 
• Side Effects: Common side effects of both medications include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. However, these side effects typically decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication. 

Read here for a detailed comparison between Ozempic and Saxenda. 

Other Available Weight Loss Medications in Singapore

Phentermine: There are currently two brands of phentermine in Singapore: Duromine and Panbesy. It is possibly the oldest weight loss drug, widely prescribed for short-term use. Phentermine works mainly as an appetite suppressant, reducing caloric intake resulting in weight loss.

Orlistat: Orlistat is a weight loss medication that works by blocking the absorption of fat in the gut. It reduces dietary fat absorption by approximately 30%. Take it during or after meals to reduce fat absorption from the foods you eat.

Contrave: Contrave is a combination of two medications: bupropion and naltrexone. It is uniquely designed to reduce hunger and control cravings. Contrave is ideal if you desire medication to help you stop smoking and lose weight.

Are Weight Loss Medications Right for You?

Weight loss medications can be effective tools for achieving significant weight loss, but they are not suitable for everyone. Here are some factors to consider:

• Medical History: Weight loss medications are typically prescribed for individuals who are obese or overweight and have not had success with diet and exercise alone. 
  
• Potential Side Effects: As with any medication, weight loss drugs can have side effects. It’s important to discuss these with your healthcare provider and weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
  
• Long-term Use: Weight loss medications are often intended for long-term use. It’s important to consider whether you are comfortable with taking medication for an extended period. 

Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle in Singapore

Living in Singapore means being surrounded by an incredible array of delicious food, from laksa and chicken rice to char kway teow and satay. While enjoying our local cuisine is a big part of our culture, it’s also important to balance it with healthy eating habits and regular exercise. 

Consider incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet, reducing portion sizes, and choosing healthier options when dining out. Singapore has many parks and recreational areas perfect for outdoor activities, so take advantage of these spaces to get some exercise.

Whether it’s a brisk walk at East Coast Park or a hike at MacRitchie Reservoir, staying active is key to healthy weight management. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Saxenda and Ozempic can effectively help those struggling with obesity and weight-related health conditions.

They work by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, leading to significant weight loss for many individuals.

However, you should not rely on them as a magic solution; instead, use them in combination with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. If you are considering weight loss medication in Singapore, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if it is the right option for you. At Sire, we can help you understand the potential benefits and risks, as well as develop a comprehensive weight loss plan tailored to your needs. 

Weight loss is a journey, and with the right tools and support, achieving your health goals is possible. Let’s take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle together.