Saxenda Weight-Loss Medication in New Jersey | WLWC
Managing weight can be difficult when appetite or hunger continues to interfere with progress despite changes in eating habits and physical activity. For eligible patients, Saxenda may provide additional support as part of a medically supervised weight-management plan.
At the Weight Loss and Wellness Center, Dr. Saniea F. Majid, MD, FACS, FASMBS, DABOM, reviews each patient’s weight, health history, medications, previous efforts, and goals before recommending treatment. If Saxenda is prescribed, the WLWC team provides injection guidance, progress monitoring, nutrition and activity support, and regular follow-up. Consultations and continued care are available in Clifton, Bridgewater, Springfield, and Rahway.
What is Saxenda and How Does it Work?
Saxenda is a prescription medication containing liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone involved in regulating appetite and food intake.
By activating GLP-1 receptors, Saxenda may help reduce hunger, support earlier fullness, and lower calorie intake. It also slows stomach emptying, which may help patients feel satisfied for longer after eating.
Saxenda is given once daily as an injection under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It is prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for long-term weight management in eligible adults and certain adolescents.
Saxenda is not insulin or a surgical treatment. It should not be used with another medication containing liraglutide, and combining it with another GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended.
How Saxenda Supports Weight Loss
Learn how Saxenda may support appetite control alongside nutrition, physical activity, and medical follow-up.
Less Hunger
May help reduce hunger by acting on appetite-regulating pathways.
Longer Fullness
May help you feel satisfied sooner and for longer after meals.
Daily Injection
Given once daily under the skin using a prefilled injection pen.
Gradual Dosing
The dose increases weekly to help reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Lifestyle Plan
Used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Progress Review
Adult response is evaluated 16 weeks after starting treatment.
Who May Be a Candidate for Saxenda?
Saxenda may be considered for selected adults and adolescents who meet its weight and health requirements and need additional support alongside nutrition and physical activity. Dr. Majid reviews the following factors before recommending treatment:
Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher
Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or abnormal cholesterol levels
Adolescents aged 12 or older who weigh more than 60 kg and meet the BMI criteria for obesity based on their age and sex
Previous weight-management efforts that did not produce sufficient or lasting improvement
Readiness to use a daily injection and follow nutrition, physical activity, and follow-up recommendations
Meeting these criteria does not automatically make Saxenda appropriate. Dr. Majid also reviews your medications and any history of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, severe digestive symptoms, diabetes, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. If Saxenda is unsuitable, WLWC may discuss another medication, endoscopic treatment, bariatric surgery, or medically supervised weight management.
Health Conditions
Conditions Weight Loss May Improve
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Obstructive sleep apnea
Fatty liver disease
Obesity-related joint strain
Improvement is not guaranteed and varies according to the amount of weight lost, condition severity, current treatment, and long-term follow-up. Saxenda does not replace ongoing medical care. Continue prescribed medications, CPAP therapy, and other treatments unless the clinician managing your condition recommends a change.
What to Expect Before and
During Saxenda Treatment
Saxenda treatment begins with a medical assessment and injection training. WLWC then monitors your response, side effects, and progress as the dose gradually increases.
Dr. Majid reviews your weight, BMI, medical history, current medications, previous weight-management efforts, and treatment goals. Tell the WLWC team about any history of medullary thyroid cancer, MEN 2, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, severe digestive symptoms, diabetes, or serious medication allergies.
You should also discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding, and any planned surgery or procedure requiring anesthesia or deep sedation. If Saxenda is appropriate, the team will explain how to prepare the pen, select and rotate injection sites, and store the medication correctly.
Saxenda begins at a low dose that gradually increases over several weeks. Follow-up appointments allow the WLWC team to monitor your weight, side effects, hydration, heart rate, and overall response.
Adults with Type 2 diabetes may also need blood glucose monitoring, particularly when using insulin or medicines that can lower blood sugar. Contact the WLWC team if side effects become severe, persistent, or difficult to manage.
How to Take Saxenda
Saxenda is injected once daily at any time of day, with or without meals. Follow the prescribed dosing schedule and do not change your dose without medical guidance.
Week 1
Start with 0.6 mg once daily during the first week of treatment.
Week 2
Increase to 1.2 mg once daily during the second week of therapy.
Weeks 3–4
Take 1.8 mg in week 3, followed by 2.4 mg in week 4.
Week 5+
Increase to 3 mg once daily, if prescribed and tolerated.
Inject Saxenda under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm and rotate injection sites. Never share your injection pen, even if the needle has been changed. If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take an additional dose. If more than three days have passed since your last injection, contact the WLWC team before restarting because treatment may need to begin again at 0.6 mg.For adults, treatment response is assessed 16 weeks after starting Saxenda. Treatment is generally discontinued if at least 4% of the starting body weight has not been lost. For adolescents, response is assessed after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose using the change in BMI.
Why Choose WLWC for Saxenda Medication in NJ?
Saxenda Medication is one of the most complex bariatric procedures and requires advanced surgical expertise, careful patient selection and lifelong nutritional follow-up. At the Weight Loss and Wellness Center, Dr. Majid and her team help patients understand whether the procedure aligns with their health needs, weight-loss goals and ability to make long-term dietary changes.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Every plan begins with a careful review of the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, health concerns, previous weight-loss efforts and goals so Dr. Majid can recommend the most appropriate option.
Comprehensive Weight-Loss Care
WLWC offers comprehensive obesity care under one roof, including surgical, endoscopic and medical weight-loss options, nutritional counselling and body contouring, so care can adapt as patients’ needs change.
Long-Term Support After Treatment
Support continues beyond treatment through follow-up care, nutritional counselling, online support groups and WLWC’s Back on Track programme for patients who need help after weight regain.
Four Convenient NJ Locations
With offices in Clifton, Bridgewater, Springfield and Rahway, WLWC makes consultations and follow-up care more accessible to patients across New Jersey.
Advanced Surgical Expertise
Dr. Majid is a board-certified bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist, fellowship-trained in minimally invasive, bariatric and robotic surgery, a published researcher, past president of the New Jersey chapter of ASMBS, with 15+ years’ experience.
Insurance and Financing Support
Coverage varies by plan. WLWC works with several major insurance carriers and offers self-pay and financing options through Cherry and CareCredit. The team helps patients understand their options.
If you are considering Saxenda Medication and want to know whether it is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Majid at the Weight Loss and Wellness Center. With locations in Clifton, Bridgewater, Springfield and Rahway, WLWC provides personalised bariatric care and ongoing support for patients across New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saxenda a GLP-1 medication?
Yes. Saxenda contains liraglutide, which belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It acts on pathways involved in appetite and food intake.
Is Saxenda taken every day?
Yes. Saxenda is injected once daily. It may be taken at any time of day, with or without meals, but following a consistent routine can make daily treatment easier to remember.
Where is Saxenda injected?
Saxenda is injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to avoid repeatedly using the same area.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take an additional dose. Contact your prescriber before restarting if more than three days have passed since your last injection.
What are the most common side effects of Saxenda?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, indigestion, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, and injection-site reactions. Some symptoms may improve as the body adjusts, but persistent or severe effects should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
How much weight can I lose with Saxenda?
Results vary according to starting weight, treatment response, eating habits, physical activity, and adherence to the prescribed plan. For adults, Saxenda is generally discontinued when less than 4% of the starting body weight has been lost after 16 weeks of treatment.
How long can I take Saxenda?
Saxenda is intended for long-term weight management when it remains appropriate, effective, and well tolerated. Dr. Majid will monitor your progress and determine whether treatment should continue.
Can Saxenda be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Saxenda should be discontinued if pregnancy occurs. If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
How should Saxenda pens be stored?
Unused pens should be refrigerated and must not be frozen. After first use, a pen may be kept refrigerated or at controlled room temperature for up to 30 days. Keep the cap on and protect the pen from excessive heat and sunlight.
Is Saxenda available at all WLWC locations?
WLWC provides consultations and follow-up care at its locations in Clifton, Bridgewater, Springfield, and Rahway. Dr. Majid will determine whether Saxenda or another weight-management option is appropriate for you.