Weight Loss Injections: What They Are & How To Get Them

Published Sep 11, 2024

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Updated Dec 17, 2024

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Est. reading time: 6 minutes

Key points

  • Weight loss injections use medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists to influence appetite, metabolism, and fat storage.
  • These injections can be categorized as appetite-suppressants, fat-burners, or metabolism boosters.
  • To get weight loss injections, consult with a healthcare provider who will assess your health status and determine suitability.
  • The cost of weight loss injections varies based on type, dosage, and location.
  • SolvHealth is recommended as a resource to locate nearby clinics offering these weight loss treatments.

Get access to weight loss medication

Weight Loss Injections: What They Are & How To Get Them

What Are Weight Loss Injections?

Weight loss injections are medical treatments designed to assist individuals in managing their weight by utilizing specific medications that influence bodily functions related to appetite and metabolism. These injections often contain active ingredients such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the effects of hormones that regulate hunger and insulin levels. By promoting feelings of fullness, reducing cravings, and enhancing metabolic processes, these injections can help individuals achieve and maintain weight loss, according to the NLM. They explain that these medications are typically administered under the guidance of a healthcare professional, weight loss injections are part of a comprehensive weight management plan that may also include dietary changes and physical activity.

What Are The Different Types Of Weight Loss Injections

Here are some of the different types of weight loss injections, categorized by their mechanisms, along with explanations of how each one works and examples of brands associated with them:

Appetite-Suppressant Injections

These injections help reduce hunger and promote a feeling of fullness, making it easier for individuals to stick to a reduced-calorie diet, according to the NLM.

  • Saxenda (liraglutide): Saxenda is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. It helps to regulate appetite and caloric intake by signaling the brain to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness.

  • Ozempic (semaglutide): While primarily used for diabetes management, Ozempic is also effective for weight loss. It works similarly to Saxenda by enhancing insulin secretion and reducing appetite.

  • Wegovy (semaglutide): This is a higher-dose version of semaglutide specifically approved for weight management. It also acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, helping to decrease appetite and promote weight loss.

Fat-Burning Injections

These injections aim to enhance the body’s ability to burn fat, thereby aiding in weight reduction, according to the NLM. Choline is an essential nutrient that can be administered via injection to support fat metabolism. It helps transport fats and cholesterol from the liver, promoting their breakdown and utilization for energy.

Metabolism Booster Injections

These injections are designed to enhance metabolic processes, potentially leading to increased energy expenditure and weight loss, according to the NLM. Inositol is often used in the form of injections to improve insulin sensitivity and support metabolic health. It may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cravings, making it easier to manage weight.

Each type of weight loss injection operates through distinct mechanisms, offering various benefits for individuals seeking to lose weight. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate option based on individual health needs and goals.

How To Get Weight Loss Injections?

To obtain weight loss injections, the first step is to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider, such as a primary care physician or a specialist in weight management, according to the NLM. During this consultation, your doctor will assess your individual health status and determine if weight loss injections are a suitable option for you.

Tips for Asking Your Doctor About Weight Loss Injections

  • Be Honest About Your Weight Loss History: Prepare to discuss your previous attempts at losing weight, including any diets, exercise programs, or medications you have tried. This information will help your doctor understand your journey and tailor recommendations to your needs.

  • Discuss Your Current Diet and Exercise Routine: Provide details about your daily eating habits and physical activity levels. Be specific about what you typically eat, portion sizes, and how often you exercise. This will help the doctor evaluate your lifestyle and identify areas for improvement.

  • Mention Any Related Health Concerns: If you have any underlying health issues, such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea, be sure to share these with your doctor. These conditions may influence the type of weight loss injection that is appropriate for you.

  • Talk About Sleep Habits: Discuss your sleep patterns, including how many hours you typically sleep and the quality of your sleep. Poor sleep can affect weight loss efforts and may be a factor your doctor considers when discussing treatment options.

What to Expect During Your First Appointment

  • Comprehensive Evaluation: Your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include measuring your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). They may also review your medical history and perform a physical examination.

  • Discussion of Goals: Expect to talk about your weight loss goals and what you hope to achieve with weight loss injections. Your doctor will help set realistic expectations and discuss potential outcomes.

  • Treatment Options: If weight loss injections are deemed appropriate, your doctor will explain the different types available, their mechanisms, potential side effects, and how they fit into an overall weight management plan.

  • Follow-Up Plan: If you proceed with weight loss injections, your doctor will outline a follow-up plan to monitor your progress, adjust dosages if necessary, and provide ongoing support.

By approaching the conversation openly and providing relevant information, you can work collaboratively with your doctor to find the most effective weight loss solution for your needs.

Weight Loss Injections Cost

The cost of weight loss injections can vary significantly based on the type of injection, the dosage required, and the geographic location. Here are some estimated costs for popular weight loss injections without insurance:

  • Saxenda (liraglutide): The average monthly cost for Saxenda is $1,395 but the price may vary depending on the dosage and pharmacy. Patients typically require a prescription and may need to pay for additional supplies, such as needles.

  • Ozempic (semaglutide): While primarily prescribed for diabetes, Ozempic is also used for weight management. The cost is around $968 per month, but may fluctuate depending on the dosage and pharmacy.

  • Wegovy (semaglutide): This injection is specifically approved for weight loss and can cost around $1,349. Similar to Saxenda, patients may incur additional costs for supplies and this price may differ depending on location.

  • Choline Injections: These can vary in price but generally range from $30 to $100 per injection, depending on the provider and dosage.

  • Inositol Injections: The cost for inositol injections can range from $50 to $150 per injection, again depending on the provider and dosage.

It's important to note that these costs are estimates and can vary based on factors such as pharmacy pricing, location, and any additional medical consultations required. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider and local pharmacies to obtain the most accurate pricing information. Additionally, some clinics may offer packages or discounts for ongoing treatments.

Lab tests near me

If you're considering weight loss injections and want to take the next step, SolvHealth is here to help you find an urgent care facility near you. With a user-friendly platform, you can quickly locate nearby clinics that offer the treatments you need, making it easy to schedule an appointment at your convenience. Don’t wait any longer to start your weight loss journey—visit SolvHealth today and connect with a trusted provider who can guide you through the process!

FAQs

What are weight loss injections?

Weight loss injections are medical treatments that use specific medications to influence appetite, metabolism, and fat storage, assisting in weight management.

What are the different types of weight loss injections?

Weight loss injections can be categorized as appetite-suppressants, fat-burners, or metabolism boosters. Each type operates through distinct mechanisms.

How can I get weight loss injections?

You need to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider, such as a primary care physician or a weight management specialist. They will assess your health status and determine if weight loss injections are suitable for you.

How much do weight loss injections cost?

The cost varies based on the type of injection, the dosage required, and the geographic location. It's best to consult with your healthcare provider and local pharmacies for accurate pricing information.

Are weight loss injections part of a comprehensive weight management plan?

Yes, weight loss injections are typically administered under the guidance of a healthcare professional and are part of a comprehensive weight management plan that may also include dietary changes and physical activity.

What is SolvHealth?

SolvHealth is a platform that can help you find nearby clinics that offer treatments like weight loss injections.

What are GLP-1 receptor agonists?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a type of medication often used in weight loss injections. They work by influencing your appetite, metabolism, and fat storage.

What are choline and inositol?

Choline and inositol are substances used in fat-burning and metabolism boosting injections, respectively. They are part of the B-vitamin family and play crucial roles in the body's metabolism.

Lose up to 20% body weight

Get access to weight loss medication

Explore personalized weight loss solutions from both local and virtual healthcare providers. See if you qualify for GLP-1s like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound.

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Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD, is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine physician and urgent care executive. He earned his MD from Jefferson Medical College, currently serves on multiple boards and is Solv’s Chief Medical Officer.

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6 sources

Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

Topics in this article

NutritionPrimary CareHealthcare CostsMedication
Lose up to 20% body weight

Get access to weight loss medication

Explore personalized weight loss solutions from both local and virtual healthcare providers. See if you qualify for GLP-1s like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound.

Start losing weight

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