How do weight loss injections work, and who is eligible for weight loss injections?
Obesity is more than just a cosmetic concern—it’s a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risk of developing a host of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer. Globally, obesity rates have soared in recent decades, with lifestyle, genetics, and poor dietary habits playing key roles. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 1 billion people all over the world are suffering from obesity, of whom 650 million are adults.
Obesity not only impacts your physical health but also impacts mental well-being and quality of life. Addressing obesity is not just about your physical appearance; it’s about restoring your health and reducing the prevalence of preventable diseases.
Weight Loss Solutions
Obesity can be addressed based on individual needs because there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The most commonly used methods for losing weight are:
- Making lifestyle changes like following a strict diet plan, regular physical activity and behavioral therapy.
- Oral or injectable drugs (weight loss injections) can also help lose weight, as they work by suppressing hunger and regulating the metabolism of your body.
- Intragastric balloon procedures—a non-surgical weight loss solution
- Bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, etc., are highly effective and largely preferred weight loss options.
Among these, weight loss injections and gastric balloons have gained attention over the past few years for their ability to produce significant weight loss results without any major surgery. These non-surgical treatments are particularly beneficial to obese people who are unable to lose weight despite diet and exercise.
Types of weight loss injections, and how they function
The most popularly known weight loss injections are GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs mimic the functions of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a natural hormone that controls the appetite and production of insulin in the body.
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
Ozempic and Wegovy (brand names) are categorised as GLP-1 receptor agonists, with semaglutide as the active ingredient in both medications.
- Ozempic is an officially approved medication for use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults.
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems like heart attack and stroke, especially in type 2 diabetes
- Ozempic is not officially approved for weight loss, even though it is suggested by experts off-label.
- Wegovy is approved by the FDA for long-term maintenance of weight loss in adults and those 12 years and older.
How does it work?
- Semaglutide mimics the functions of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone, a natural hormone that regulates food consumption and appetite.
- It also slows down gastric emptying, increasing the feeling of fullness.
- Semaglutide may provide better outcomes when paired with lifestyle modifications, like diet and exercise.
- It is injected once a week into the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Initially, start with giving lower doses of medicine and gradually increase the dosage.
- These medications can help you lose around 5–15% of your total body weight.
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
This is another GLP-1 agonist, officially approved as a weight loss solution by the FDA. These injectable drugs are manufactured under the brand name Saxenda with the active ingredient Liraglutide. Suggested for people with obesity, preferably adults and people who are overweight and have at least one health condition related to weight. Also recommended for younger adults 12 years of age and older with obesity.
How does it work?
- The functions of Saxenda are similar to those of Ozempic and Wegovy, reducing food intake and increasing satiety.
- Saxenda can be more effective when used along with lifestyle modifications.
- These injectable medications might need to be taken daily.
- It helps you lose 5–10% of total body weight.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound)
Mounjaro and Zepbound are the brand names of the manufacturers of medicines containing tirzepatide. This is a newer medication with dual-action properties that targets both GLP-1 receptor agonists and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors.
- Mounjaro is an officially approved medicine used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults, as it works by regulating blood sugar.
- It is also considered for weight off-label, as it can suppress appetite, slow down digestion, and improve metabolic balance, which all contribute to weight loss.
- Zepbound is also an FDA-approved weight loss solution.
- These medications can be more effective when used along with lifestyle modifications.
How does it work?
- Tirzepatide acts on GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which help to control the consumption of food and appetite.
- It is injected once a week into the stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
- Initially, it starts with the lowest doses and gradually increases the dosage.
- You can lose up to 20% of your body weight, which is proven in some clinical trials.
Who is eligible for weight loss injections?
Not everyone can be given weight loss injections, as these are usually recommended for people who satisfy the specific criteria given by the health guidelines and the regulatory bodies.
You may be eligible if:
- If your BMI (Body Mass Index) is 30 or higher.
- If your BMI is 27 or higher and you also have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- Did not lose enough weight after trying diet and exercise only.
Who should avoid weight loss injections?
- People with a history of specific health problems, which include pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer etc,.
- Allergic to the components related to the medication.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Weight loss injections are nothing short of a game-changer in the treatment of obesity. Semaglutide and liraglutide are proven non-surgical weight options that offer life-changing weight loss results when used under the supervision of experts.
If you are obese and want to consider weight loss injections, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best weight loss doctors in Hyderabad. He will evaluate your medical history, overall health status, and weight loss goals to decide whether weight loss injections are a perfect solution for you or not. Call +91 91777 77715 for appointments.
