He added that the weight loss seen from the medication is approaching the weight loss seen with bariatric surgery. Saxenda’ addresses one of the body’s natural responses to weight loss. Side effects of the drugs can include severe nausea and constipation. Another popular medication for weight loss, Wegovy, also has limited availability in several dosages due to “demand increase,” according to the FDA. Both Mounjaro and Zepbound are manufactured by the Eli Lilly Co., which told ABC News in a statement Thursday it is working to boost supply of the drugs amid an “unparalleled surge in demand.”
Are you struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone? You may have heard about weight loss injections as a potential solution. But what exactly are these injections and how do they work?
For Darwin resident Mel, who did not want to use her surname, it was a high price to pay but worth it for the promise of steady weight loss. “Every day, we are getting people calling or coming in, saying they can’t get it anywhere and they’ve tried 10 pharmacies that day,” pharmacist Oliver Warner told the ABC. “I think there is going to be a temporary problem with supply that’s really going to hurt individuals, but I am hopeful there’s a range of other medications on the horizon,” she said.
The typical dose for weight loss is 2.4 milligrams, administered weekly as subcutaneous (under the skin) self-injections. Skinny jabs are daily or weekly injections which result in weight loss.Most of them work in the same way – by reducing hunger, which results in less calories consumed and overall lose weight. In 2023, Wegovy – also called semaglutide – joined Saxenda and became the second injectable drug available on the NHS in England.
How do weight loss injections work?
One of the studies of Wegovy, funded by the drug’s makers Novo Nordisk, looked at whether adults with obesity can achieve weight loss with one-weekly semaglutide. Tell your health care professional if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. In studies with rats and mice, Saxenda’ and medicines that work like Saxenda’ caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Saxenda’ will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. In the UK, there have been reports of unregulated imports of weight loss injections and non-medically qualified practitioners. This weight management technique is only safe if carried out by a qualified and trained professional.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor about which drug is right for you. Talk with your pharmacist if you have more questions about handling and storing Wegovy pens. If needed, you can store Wegovy pens at 46’F’86’F (8’C’30’C) for up to 28 days. However, the pens cannot be refrigerated again after they are stored at room temperature.
Weight loss injections typically contain compounds that are believed to aid in weight loss by speeding up metabolism or suppressing appetite. They are usually administered by a healthcare professional and can come in different forms such as vitamin B12 injections, lipotropic injections, or even prescription medications like Saxenda.
Types of weight loss injections:
Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injections in case of severe hypoglycemia. Your healthcare provider will show you where to inject semaglutide.
- Vitamin B12 injections: These injections are believed to boost energy levels and metabolism, which can help with weight loss.
- Lipotropic injections: Lipotropic compounds like methionine, inositol, and choline are thought to break down fat in the body, aiding in weight loss.
- Prescription weight loss injections: Medications like Saxenda are FDA-approved for weight loss and work by reducing appetite and calorie intake.
FAQs about weight loss injections:
Q: Are weight loss injections safe?
A: While weight loss injections may be effective for some individuals, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss treatment to ensure safety and efficacy.
Q: How often do I need to get weight loss injections?
A: The frequency of weight loss injections can vary depending on the type of injection and individual needs. It is best to follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider.
Overall, weight loss injections can be a helpful tool for some individuals in their weight loss journey. However, it is important to remember that they are not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine if weight loss injections are a suitable option for you.
