What to Expect with Weight Loss Injections

If you’ve repeatedly struggled with weight loss, weight loss injections may be the answer. Originally formulated to treat type 2 diabetes, weight loss medication has also become a popular prescription. It not only addresses losing weight but tackles keeping the extra pounds off too. Read on to learn more about weight loss injections and how it could benefit you.

What Is Weight Loss Medication?

Weight loss injections are a self-administered weight loss drug for chronic weight management. It’s delivered subcutaneously (directly under the skin) once a week. The medication comes in pre-filled, single-dosage pens that are disposed of after each use. Healthcare providers generally start their patients on a low dose of weight loss medication and increase the dose after four weeks. Based on your body’s response to it, they may increase your dose after another four weeks.

How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?

Weight loss medication emulates the hormone that sends feelings of fullness to the brain. It also causes digestion to slow down, so you feel fuller for longer periods of time. This reduces the likelihood of overeating or experiencing cravings. Additionally, weight loss injections help the body metabolize fats and use them more effectively. For the best outcome, weight loss injections should be used along with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

The medication is injected weekly on the same day. It doesn’t matter what time it’s injected. Each dosage of weight loss medication needs to be administered at a different area to prevent adverse injection site reactions. It can be delivered in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.

When to Consider Weight Loss Injections

If weight loss is challenging, or if you lose weight only to regain it soon after, you may want to consider weight loss injections. You’re a candidate for the medication if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related condition such as high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes. BMI measures body fat based on height and weight. Adolescents over 12 years old may also qualify for weight loss medication. However, if you’re afraid of needles or injecting yourself, medication may not be the best weight-loss option. Also, if you have an eating disorder, the medication won’t treat the underlying issues that led to obesity.

What Results to Expect and What to Expect During Treatment

There are no one-size-fits-all results from weight loss injections. The speed at which each individual experiences an outcome depends on starting weight, activity level, age and diet. However, with consistent treatment, you may see results in the first four weeks and enjoy the full effects in eight weeks. Weight loss from injections can generally range from 0.5 to two pounds per week. You’ll need to be prepared to take the medication long-term.

As with any medication, weight loss injections may have side effects. Common side effects can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Serious side effects can include:

• Changes in vision
• Low blood sugar
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney problems or kidney failure
• Gallbladder problems
• Serious allergic reactions
• Heart palpitations
• Dehydration

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking weight loss medication. If you lose too much body fluid, it may be dangerous to take the medication.

To avoid drug interactions, let your doctor know if you take insulin, prescription medications, non-prescription medicines, herbal supplements, dietary supplements or recreational drugs.

Schedule a Consultation

With weight loss injections, you can get the weight off and keep it off! If you’ve been frustrated by stubborn obesity, your weight loss journey can begin today. Contact Galiderm Aesthetics now to schedule a consultation, and see if weight loss injections are right for you.