How do weight loss injections work?
A new breed of weight loss injections has appeared recently, completely revolutionizing the way people lose fat. They can help you lose up to 25% of your body weight over 18 months and finally put an end to yo-yo dieting and false hopes that have characterized most people's struggle against excess pounds for so long. But how do they work?
In this ever-changing environment, obesity experts have identified weight loss injections as a “game-changer,” offering effective and tailored options for individuals with obesity. The blog considers several aspects related to the use of weight loss injections including their working principle, the administration process as well as what patients are likely to achieve when they use popular medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Saxenda. Incorporating them into an expert-led weight management plan is always recommended - buy weight loss injections here.
Understanding GLP-1 Drug Action
Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda are all members of a group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. This is because they behave just like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a natural hormone in the human body that controls appetite. These drugs focus primarily on reducing hunger feelings while promoting satiety causing decreased intake of food. We call this “Feel full, eat less and lose weight”.
GLP-1 drugs slow down the emptying of an individual’s stomach as part of their action making them feel satiated for a longer period and decreasing cravings and the need to eat through acting on the brain, which helps in losing weight.
How the injections work
These medications are administered through one way only – injection. Normally given using a prefilled pen device, it ensures that each time you get injected you receive a precise controlled dose. The pen can be easily self-administered at home and thus is very convenient for most people.
The injection process is relatively painless with the needle from the pen penetrating just below the skin. This picture shows how small the needle is, about 3 or 4 millimeters long, which is shorter than a pin. To ensure that they remain effective and cause as little discomfort as possible it is advisable for weight loss shots to be used in fat stores at one's abdomen or thigh areas whilst always changing sites after each use.
What to expect from Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda
The most effective guide to weight loss is from global clinical trials of these weight loss injections. A CheqUp doctor will help you determine the best medication for your needs. Let’s probe into how much weight one can expect to lose from three major drugs in the form of weight loss injections:
1. Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Sentences like “At least 1 in 3 participants lost 20% or more” can be drawn from the statement above which explains why Semaglutide can achieve considerable and sustained weight reduction. Clinical trials such as STEP studies have indicated up to an average of 15% decrease in body mass over about 15 months.
2. Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Tirzepatide has produced encouraging results during its clinical trials. The SURMOUNT trial has shown that it is ahead by far with an average cut down on body mass by almost a quarter within 18 months.
3. Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Saxenda has been used for many years as the “first generation” of GLP-1 medicines aimed at reducing obesity. The average weight loss in the SCALE trials over a year was nearly 10%.
Navigating side effects
While these weight loss injections have proven to have weight loss benefits, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These effects are often temporary, are usually associated with the dose increase stage (which we’ll discuss next), and tend to subside as the body adjusts to the medication.
Patients should promptly report any unusual or severe side effects to their healthcare providers. Additionally, clinicians carefully monitor patients for rare but serious complications, such as pancreatitis.
Let’s talk about dose titration
It takes time for our bodies to get used to all GLP-1 medications. To avoid the side effects becoming unmanageable, we need to start taking the medication in small doses and slowly increase until we are at the top (“maintenance”) dose.
This is called “dose titration” and its exact application varies from drug to drug. For example, with Saxenda (a daily injection of Liraglutide) the dose titration period lasts 5 weeks. Whereas for the weekly injections of Wegovy and Mounjaro, the period is five and six months respectively.
The medications have been shown to work most effectively when at their top doses for many months. Even though many people report weight loss with this medication within the first few weeks, this medication should be taken for at least 6 months to achieve real, long-lasting results. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix!
A long-term investment in your health
GLP-1 medications were not designed to be taken in isolation. Instead, the weight loss achieved in the clinical trials was the result of months of support from doctors, dietitians, physical activity advisors, nurses, etc.
Weight loss injections have completely revolutionized the weight loss process. For the first time, people can take medication to lose the amount of weight that has historically been associated with bariatric (stomach-altering) surgery. However, these weight loss injections should not be taken without the support of a team of experienced specialists.