In recent years, medical weight loss treatments have gained popularity, with one of the most talked-about options being injections. These injections have been approved by regulatory agencies like the FDA and have shown promising results in helping people manage their weight more effectively. If you’re curious about these injections and how they work, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll dive into 8 FDA-approved injections for weight loss and explain their mechanisms, effectiveness, and potential side effects.
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss injections are medications that are administered through a needle to help with weight management. These injections are typically used when other methods like diet and exercise aren’t enough to achieve significant weight loss. They can help by reducing hunger, increasing metabolism, or affecting fat storage in the body.
1. Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
What is it?
Semaglutide is a medication that mimics a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which plays a role in regulating blood sugar and appetite. It is primarily used for treating type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic, but it has also been approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy.
How does it work?
Semaglutide works by mimicking GLP-1, which is a hormone that helps regulate insulin production and slows down the emptying of the stomach. This helps you feel fuller for longer periods, which leads to reduced food intake.
Effectiveness
Studies have shown that people who use semaglutide for weight loss can lose an average of 15-20% of their body weight. It’s one of the most effective weight loss injections available today.
Potential side effects
Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially during the initial stages of treatment. These side effects usually subside as the body adjusts to the medication.
2. Liraglutide (Saxenda)
What is it?
Liraglutide is another GLP-1 receptor agonist, similar to semaglutide. It is approved for weight loss under the brand name Saxenda, and it’s also used for managing blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes under the name Victoza.
How does it work?
Just like semaglutide, liraglutide works by activating GLP-1 receptors, which helps control appetite and food intake. It also slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach, contributing to feelings of fullness.
Effectiveness
Studies show that liraglutide can lead to a weight loss of around 5-10% of body weight in many patients. While not as effective as semaglutide, it still provides significant results for many individuals.
Potential side effects
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. These side effects can be bothersome, but they often lessen over time.
3. Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira)
What is it?
Phentermine is a sympathomimetic drug that acts as an appetite suppressant. It is one of the most commonly prescribed weight loss injections in the U.S. and is available under brand names like Adipex-P and Lomaira.
How does it work?
Phentermine stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, which helps reduce appetite. By making you feel less hungry, it helps you eat fewer calories and lose weight.
Effectiveness
Phentermine is usually prescribed for short-term weight loss and can lead to an average loss of 5-10% of body weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Potential side effects
Common side effects of phentermine include dry mouth, insomnia, and increased heart rate. It’s not recommended for people with heart problems or high blood pressure.
4. Bupropion-Naltrexone (Contrave)
What is it?
Contrave is a combination of two medications—bupropion, which is typically used as an antidepressant, and naltrexone, which is used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction. Together, they work to reduce hunger and cravings, making it easier to lose weight.
How does it work?
Bupropion works on the brain’s reward center to reduce cravings, while naltrexone blocks opioid receptors that are involved in appetite regulation. Together, they help curb overeating.
Effectiveness
Studies have shown that people using Contrave can lose an average of 5-10% of their body weight over the course of treatment.
Potential side effects
Side effects of Contrave can include nausea, constipation, headache, and dizziness. People with a history of seizures or eating disorders should not use this medication.
5. Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)
What is it?
Orlistat is an over-the-counter and prescription medication that works by blocking the absorption of some of the fat in the foods you eat. It’s available as a lower-dose version, Alli, and a higher-dose version, Xenical.
How does it work?
Orlistat inhibits an enzyme called lipase, which is responsible for breaking down fat in your digestive system. By blocking this enzyme, orlistat prevents the absorption of about 30% of the fat you eat.
Effectiveness
Orlistat can lead to a modest weight loss of around 5-7% of body weight. It’s not as potent as other weight loss injections, but it can still help when combined with a healthy diet.
Potential side effects
Orlistat can cause gastrointestinal issues like oily stools, diarrhea, and flatulence, especially if you eat a high-fat meal while taking it.
6. Tesofensine (Not FDA-approved, but promising)
What is it?
Tesofensine is a newer medication that is still being studied for weight loss. It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that help control appetite, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
How does it work?
By boosting the levels of these neurotransmitters, tesofensine helps reduce hunger and cravings, leading to a decrease in food intake.
Effectiveness
In clinical trials, tesofensine has shown to lead to significant weight loss, with some participants losing up to 10-15% of their body weight. However, it is not yet FDA-approved for weight loss.
Potential side effects
Tesofensine may cause side effects like dry mouth, insomnia, and anxiety, but more research is needed to determine its full range of side effects.
7. Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
What is it?
Methylphenidate, commonly known as Ritalin or Concerta, is a medication used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). While not specifically approved for weight loss, some studies have shown that it can lead to reduced appetite and weight loss.
How does it work?
Methylphenidate works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can lead to decreased hunger.
Effectiveness
The weight loss effects of methylphenidate are typically mild, and it’s not widely prescribed for this purpose. However, some people may experience a reduction in appetite and weight when using it.
Potential side effects
Common side effects of methylphenidate include insomnia, anxiety, and increased heart rate. It’s not recommended for individuals with certain health conditions, like heart disease.
8. HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
What is it?
HCG is a hormone that’s naturally produced during pregnancy. It is sometimes used in weight loss programs, often combined with a very low-calorie diet (VLCD), to help people lose weight.
How does it work?
HCG is thought to help suppress appetite and redistribute fat, although its effectiveness for weight loss is debated. It’s often used in combination with a very low-calorie diet, which is believed to contribute to the weight loss results.
Effectiveness
There is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of HCG for weight loss, and many experts question its overall value. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss.
Potential side effects
Some people experience headaches, mood swings, and fatigue while using HCG. It is also not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, like ovarian cysts.
Conclusion
Weight loss injections can offer an effective solution for individuals struggling to manage their weight. From well-known medications like semaglutide and liraglutide to other options like phentermine and bupropion-naltrexone, these treatments can help people lose weight more effectively than relying on diet and exercise alone.
However, it’s important to remember that these injections are most effective when used in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Before starting any weight loss medication, always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the treatment is right for you.
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