Are Injectable Weight Loss Medications Safe? What You Need to Know Before Getting Started

Losing weight can often feel overwhelming, especially when the pressure for quick results mounts. As a result, many individuals are turning to injectable weight loss medications, after all, they are the most effective non surgical management. But how safe are these options? The answer isn't straightforward and greatly depends on your unique health profile. This blog post provides key insights you should know before you consider injectable medications for weight loss.

Understanding Injectable Weight Loss Medications

Injectable weight loss medications, including Semaglutide, Liraglutide, and Tirzepatide, are part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Initially developed to treat diabetes, these injections help regulate blood sugar levels and can significantly decrease food cravings, aiding weight management.

These medications work centrally (on the brain) and peripherally (GI system). They regulate your satiety (fullness) hormone causing you to feel more full and influence Serotonin (the happy hormone) to allow decreased 'food cravings'. It acts on more than one part of the brain involving more than one nervous system to do its job! At the level of the GI tract, they slow down gastric emptying, causing you to feel fuller for longer. It alters different hormones at this level as well such as glucagon and insulin thereby decreasing other factors that increase cardiac risk (cholesterol and triglycerides) along the way.

A scale displaying weight measurement for tracking progress.

Do You Qualify for Injectable Weight Loss Medications?

While these medications can be effective, it's essential to approach them with caution, especially if you are considering this option for the first time. In my opinion, it's vital to get proper work-up done because as you can see, it affects many different hormones and organs. You may want to discuss other medications such as Contrave, Metformin, Phenteramine, or Topiramate to name a few due to their unique advantages.

If you receive a green light from your doctor, you may be able to proceed with your first injection under their watchful eye. It's beneficial to observe or have a professional administer the initial injection to familiarize yourself with the process, which can help alleviate anxiety about self-administration.

How Much Weight Can I Lose On Injectables?

I get asked this a lot. The truth is it depends. Depends on how much effort you're putting in with your food choices and exercise. Data shows that those who incorporate injectable medications with lifestyle changes—like adopting a healthier diet and increasing physical activity—experience better long-term success. It also just depends on your genetics- you friend on the same dose for the same amount of time may lose 50 lbs and you only lose 15. Aiming for a specific number is going to result in disappointment and quite frankly can be a safety hazard.

The following have been the estimated percentages of how effective the injectables are:

Semaglutide: up to 18%

Liraglutide: up to 4%

Tirzepatide: up to 21% (as it has a dual mechanism of action with GLP-1 and GIP receptors)

Injection Technique: What to Expect

One prevalent concern about injectable medications is the fear of pain. Fortunately, the needles used are tiny, and many people say that the injection is virtually painless.

A beneficial practice is to rotate injection sites—varying the areas where you inject can help prevent irritation or discomfort. Commonly reported side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, and occasionally vomiting, which can vary based on the individual.

To manage side effects effectively, consider starting with a lower dosage and gradually increasing it. If you are sensitive to nausea or have nausea-phobia, splitting the dose to inject twice a week may be beneficial (the injection is normally once a week). Another tip is to inject at night so you may sleep through the nausea if any. Remember, it slows down gastric emptying so injecting prior to a large meal or a celebration will leave you wanting to go home early - it doesn't like fatty, fried or starchy foods.

A small injection needle designed for weight loss medication.

Downfalls Of Injectables

Monitoring your health is critical while using injectable weight loss medications. Regular blood tests can help identify any vitamin deficiencies that may arise, especially with long-term use. For instance, deficiencies in vitamins D and B12 are particularly common among patients on these treatments.

Discontinuing the use of these medications can lead to weight regain for many users, which can be disheartening. Additionally, injectable medications can be costly, anywhere between $250-500 per month depending on the dose and type of medication, if not covered by insurance. Tirzepatide being the most expensive and Liraglutide being the cheapest. Not many insurance companies are currently covering weight loss medications but there may be a chance if you're diabetic.

Final Thoughts

Injectable weight loss medications can be safe and effective for appropriate candidates. However, like any medication, they come with potential risks and side effects that must be carefully evaluated. Having realistic expectations and an 'exit' strategy can help you focus on modifying your lifestyle and achieving long term success with or without the medications. Consulting with your healthcare provider, understanding your individual risks, and monitoring your health throughout the treatment are vital steps.

Stay tuned to learn about additional weight loss medications which are much more cost effective!