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ARTICLE

Weight Loss Injections: What to Know About GLP-1s

Reviewed by Claudia Levi, R.N.
September 12, 2024

You may have heard of a relatively new class of weight loss medication called GLP-1 agonists. These weight loss injections can help some people lose weight for health reasons and may also help them maintain their weight loss.

Taking medication may sound appealing if you’re having trouble losing weight or keeping it off. Being overweight or obese may put you at risk for serious health issues including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. But there are important things to know before considering this type of weight loss medication.

Which GLP-1s Have Been Approved for Weight Loss?

The three injectable drugs approved for weight loss are:

  • Saxenda (liraglutide)
  • Wegovy (semaglutide)
  • Zepbound (tirzepatide)

You may have heard of other GLP-1s like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). These come in different doses to GLP-1s for weight loss and have been approved by the FDA only to treat type 2 diabetes.

How Do GLP-1 Medications Work for Weight Loss?

GLP-1 medications mimic the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1), which is produced in the gut in response to food. They make the stomach empty slower, so you feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food. This may help you eat less and reduce the number of calories you consume.

The drugs also signal to the brain that there’s food in the stomach. This helps decrease your appetite and cravings, allowing you to make more consistent choices that are in tune with your body’s needs.

These drugs come in the form of a pen for injection under the skin. They’re given as a daily or weekly dose.

In large studies, they’ve have been found to work for weight loss and reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular disease.

Who May Be Prescribed Weight Loss Medication?

A reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity are the first line treatment for obesity. Your doctor may also consider prescription weight loss medication if you have one of the following:

  • A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater
  • A BMI of 27 or greater and a weight-related health problem such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure

Your physician will take a careful history before deciding if injectable medications are right for you. This will include:

  • Your medical history, including family history
  • Potential benefits of weight loss for you
  • Other medications you’re taking
  • Risk factors for severe side effects of the weight loss drug
  • Your health insurance coverage

How Can I Get Good Results from Weight Loss Injections?

For the treatment to be successful, it’s important you follow a healthy eating plan and an exercise routine.

Your healthcare provider should monitor your progress and may provide resources to help support you. They can help you adjust your medication dosage along the way, so you get the best benefits of the treatment

Are There Any Drawbacks to Taking a GLP-1 for Weight Loss?

It’s important to weigh all the pros and cons of the treatment. That may include potential side effects and outcomes.

Side effects of GLP-1s can include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, and headaches. Most times, side effects are mild, and they improve as you adjust to taking the medication.

Serious side effects are rare, but can happen. Some experts say the side effects of prescription weight loss medications can outweigh the benefits, and some people are at higher risk for problems. So talk over the risks with your doctor.

Injectable weight loss medications can also be very expensive, depending on your health care coverage.

Remember that weight loss medications do not replace healthy lifestyle choices like a balanced diet and exercise. Usually, they’re meant to be taken long term. Once you stop the treatment, you may gain back the weight if you’re not sticking with your healthy habits.

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