What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Women and men unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, may be able to achieve more successful results with the assistance of weight loss injections containing either semaglutide or tirzepatide. The active ingredients in these medications have been found to aid in controlling hunger and feeling fuller faster—a struggle often felt by individuals living with obesity or excess weight—to help support weight loss. A few of the more well-known injectable weight loss drugs include Ozempic®, Zepbound™, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro®, which are each administered by once weekly injections.
To learn if weight loss with injectable drugs is right for you, please schedule an appointment with our board-certified plastic surgeon at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery.
- Weight Loss Injectable Options
- Weight Loss Injection Eligibility
- Weight Loss Injectable Process
- Amount of Weight Loss with Injectable Drugs
What Are the Different Injectable Weight Loss Drugs?
There are several injectable medications available that can trigger changes within the body that may help contribute to weight loss. The four most popular medications include:
Ozempic® (semaglutide)
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, Ozempic® is commonly prescribed for off-label weight loss due to its ability to increase insulin production, which then creates feelings of being full faster.
Zepbound™ (tirzepatide)
Approved by the FDA for chronic weight management, Zepbound™ helps to control blood sugar and slow down the process of food digestion to feel fuller longer.
Wegovy® (semaglutide)
Also FDA-approved for weight loss, Wegovy® decreases feelings of hunger and, therefore, prevents the individual from over-consuming calories.
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
Similar to Zepbound™ with the ability to regulate blood sugar levels, Mounjaro® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes patients but can be used off-label for weight loss.
After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Zemmel can help determine the safest and most effective option based on the unique needs and goals of qualified patients.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Injections?
To be eligible for weight loss injections, patients generally have a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Certain medical conditions, including kidney, gallbladder, or thyroid disease, may prohibit candidacy for medications containing semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Additionally, previous methods of trying to lose weight (e.g., diet, exercise, and nutrition plans) may be assessed to better understand the patient’s health history. Ultimately, approval for a prescribed injectable weight loss drug will be determined after an in-depth consultation with an experienced physician, such as Dr. Zemmel.
What Does the Weight Loss Injectable Process Involve?
Typically, weight loss injections are self-administered once per week at the same day and time under the skin, usually in easily accessible areas, such as the abdomen or outer thighs. The dosage of medication is increased every four weeks, or as directed by your physician, and should be monitored carefully with monthly check-in appointments.
Patients may experience side effects, including diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting, which are generally mild but should be reported to their care team if it becomes more severe. While taking injectables for weight loss, it is best to stay hydrated with plenty of fluids and incorporate a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.
How Much Weight Can I Lose with Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss results from injectable medications containing semaglutide or tirzepatide vary by individual, depending on the brand, dosage, treatment plan, diet and exercise, and other factors. With that said, patient studies have shown the following average weight loss results from prescription injectables:
- Ozempic®: 20% of body weight (1)
- Zepbound™: 20% of body weight (2)
- Wegovy®: 15% of body weight (3)
- Mounjaro®: 20% of body weight (4)
It should be noted that once patients stop taking these medications, weight regain can occur. With this in mind, it is important to ensure a strong support plan and healthy lifestyle is in place to maintain long-term weight management.
Patients that are able to achieve significant weight loss with semaglutide or tirzepatide injectables may experience residual cosmetic concerns, such as sagging skin or isolated pockets of fat. To further enhance the positive physical changes to the body through weight loss, Dr. Zemmel can perform post-weight loss body contouring, tummy tuck, or liposuction procedures to sculpt and define contours and complete the desired body transformation.