FDA approves Saxenda for weight management in adults and teens.

The FDA has approved a new drug called Saxenda (liraglutide) to help with weight management. Saxenda is for adults who have obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) or who are overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) and have at least one weight-related health problem, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. It is also approved for children aged 12 and older who weigh more than 60 kilograms (about 132 pounds) and have obesity. Saxenda is meant to be used along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. This approval gives people who have struggled with weight loss through lifestyle changes alone a new medicine option. However, it is important to know that Saxenda is not recommended for use with other medicines that contain liraglutide or other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Also, its safety and effectiveness have not been studied in children with type 2 diabetes. If you think Saxenda might be right for you or your child, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Your doctor can help you decide if this medicine is a good fit for your health needs and goals.