All Weight Loss Injections: A Comprehensive Comparison
In recent years, numerous innovations have emerged, particularly in the medical field, where weight loss injections are a groundbreaking procedure that promotes weight loss and enhances overall health without surgery. People who are struggling to lose weight with traditional methods and others who are not eligible or don’t want to go for surgery but still want to lose weight can opt for weight loss injections.
The active ingredients in weight loss drugs mimic specific hormones and cell receptors to promote weight loss by controlling appetite, metabolism, and fat storage. Typically, these procedures are supported with a specific diet and exercise program to improve the results and overall health of the patient.
A variety of weight loss injections are being used, in which some are specifically approved by the FDA for weight loss while some are not approved but are effective. These injections are uniquely prepared because the active ingredient used can vary, which determines their dosage, potency, and administration frequency. Some weight loss injections are not specifically approved by the FDA for weight loss, yet they are suggested for weight loss off-label.
Common weight loss includes:
- Saxenda and Victoza with the active ingredient Liraglutide
- Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus with the active ingredient Semaglutide
- Zepbound and Mounjaro with the active ingredient Tirzepatide
- Trulicity with the active ingredient Dulaglutide
- Byetta and Bydureon bcise with the active ingredient Exenatide
- Adlyxin with the active ingredient Lixisenatide
Each medication has its own working style, but their primary goal is to promote weight loss and improve overall health.
Of all the above, semaglutide (Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda) and tirzepatide (zepbound) are the most widely used and the popular weight loss injections. However, here is the comparison of all these weight loss injections, how they work, their benefits, side effects, and other considerations, such as eligibility and preparation, which are discussed below.
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
This is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which mimics the functions of the natural hormone GLP-1 and works by regulating appetite and food intake. During the medication, you may feel less hungry and also experience increased satiety, which promotes weight loss gradually.
Side effects
Most of the side effects are manageable. Below are some of the common side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Low blood sugar
Eligibility:
- People with a BMI ≥30
- People with a BMI ≥27 and suffering from health conditions associated with weight, like hypertension or diabetes
- Teenagers aged 12–17 with obesity.
Victoza (Liraglutide)
This drug is mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, other effects of this medication, like appetite suppression, promote weight loss, which is why experts suggest this medication for weight loss off-label.
Side effects
- Headache
- Digestive issues
- Low appetite
- Fatigue
Eligibility:
- Adults with a BMI ≥30, which is considered obesity
- Adults with a BMI ≥27, which is considered overweight, suffer from health conditions associated with overweight, like hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes
- People aged 10-17 years who are obese and have type 2 diabetes
Ozempic (Semaglutide)
This medication activates GLP-1 receptors. Administered weekly as an injection, which manages blood sugar and appetite, leading to weight loss. This medication is actually approved for type 2 diabetics, but experts are suggesting it for weight loss off-label because of its effective factors, which help with weight loss.
Side effects
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Gallbladder problems
- In rare cases, people may experience pancreatitis
Eligibility
- Adults with a BMI ≥30, which is considered obesity
- Adults with a BMI ≥27, which is considered overweight, suffer from health conditions associated with overweight, like hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes
- Usage of this medication in adolescents depends on various factors.
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
This medication works by activating GLP-1 receptors. This is specifically approved by the FDA for weight loss. People tend to lose 10–15% of their body weight over time. This medication can be effective for long-term weight management.
Side effects
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Fatigue
Eligibility
- Adults with a BMI ≥30, which is considered obesity
- Adults with a BMI ≥27, which is considered overweight, suffer from health conditions associated with overweight, like hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes
- Adolescents aged 12-17 years with obesity
Rybelsus (Semaglutide oral)
This is an oral version of semaglutide. It works by mimicking GLP-1 receptors, suppressing appetite, and improving glycaemic control. In addition to controlling blood sugar and promoting weight loss, the main advantage is that it can be taken orally.
Side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach upset.
This medication is actually approved for type 2 diabetics, but experts are suggesting it for weight loss off-label because of its effective factors, which help with weight loss.
Zepbound (Tirzepatide)
This is a special medication, as it acts like a dual receptor agonist, targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Its dual-action properties can regulate appetite and insulin regulation. People may tend to lose around 15% to 20% of their body weight.
Side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Gallbladder issues.
Eligibility
This medication is actually approved for type 2 diabetics, but experts are suggesting it for weight loss off-label because of its effective factors, which help with weight loss.
- Adults with a BMI ≥30, which is considered obesity
- Adults with a BMI ≥27, which is considered overweight, suffer from health conditions associated with overweight, like hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
This is also a special medication, as it acts like a dual receptor agonist, targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Its dual-action properties can regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. In some people, it may help in reversing insulin resistance.
Side effects
- Mild to moderate nausea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
Eligibility
This medication is actually approved for type 2 diabetics, but experts are suggesting it for weight loss off-label because of its effective factors, which help with weight loss.
- Adults with a BMI ≥30, which is considered obesity
- Adults with a BMI ≥27, which is considered overweight, suffer from health conditions associated with overweight, like hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes
Trulicity (Dulaglutide)
This medication works by activating GLP-1 receptors, which help to reduce blood sugar levels and promote satiety. It is generally administered via injection once in a week for a certain period of time. It improves glycemic control in adults suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort.
This medication is actually approved for type 2 diabetics, but experts are suggesting it for weight loss off-label because of its effective factors, which help with weight loss.
Byetta & Bydureon BCise (Exenatide)
These injections work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. It helps to reduce food consumption, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite, which eventually promotes weight loss.
Side effects
- Irritation at the site of injection
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Kidney problems
Eligibility
This medication is actually approved for type 2 diabetics, but experts are suggesting it for weight loss off-label because of its effective factors, which help with weight loss.
Adlyxin (Lixisenatide)
These injections work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. It is usually used to treat type 2 diabetes—controls glycaemic levels in adults. Its other properties, like reducing food consumption, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite, eventually promote weight loss.
Side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
It is not commonly used for weight loss but is sometimes suggested off-label in certain cases.
Managing weight loss with weight loss injections requires taking a few essential precautions. During the treatment doctors place the patients on a special low-calorie diet and an exercise routine to maximise the efficacy of the injections. For more detailed information, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best weight loss surgeons in Hyderabad. Call +91 91777 77715 to book your appointment with the doctor.
