Weight Loss Injections: Are They Right for You?

BASS Medical Group, headquartered in Walnut Creek and serving the greater San Francisco Bay Area is here to guide you through the latest weight loss options, including weight loss injections. These injections are gaining popularity for their ability to help patients achieve their weight loss goals effectively—but are they the right choice for you?

What Are Weight Loss Injections?

Weight loss injections typically contain substances that help boost metabolism, reduce appetite, or enhance fat burning. Common popular weight loss injection brands include:

1. Wegovy: FDA-approved semaglutide for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents.
2. Ozempic: Often used off-label for weight loss, originally designed for type 2 diabetes management—also containing semaglutide.
3. Mounjaro: A injection treatment for both type 2 diabetes and weight management.
4. ‍Saxenda: Approved specifically for weight management—Contains liraglutide‍
5. Zepbound: FDA-approved tirzepatide for managing obesity in adult

Other options, such as lipotropic injections, HCG injections, and B12 injections, are also used, but their effectiveness varies, and they may lack strong scientific support.

How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?

Many weight loss injections, like Wegovy and Ozempic, mimic hormones (such as GLP-1) that regulate hunger and fullness. They slow digestion, helping you feel full longer and reducing your calorie intake.

Other injections that have limited evidence or have been federally approved:

• Lipotropic Injections: These contain a combination of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that promote fat breakdown and metabolism. However, their effectiveness for weight loss is not well-supported by scientific evidence.⁷
• HCG Injections: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that, when combined with a low-calorie diet, is believed to aid in weight loss. It is not FDA-approved for this purpose and lacks strong scientific support.⁸
• B12 Injections: Vitamin B12 can boost energy levels and metabolism, potentially aiding in weight loss. However, there is no strong evidence supporting its use specifically for weight loss.⁹

Benefits of Weight Loss Injections

1. Faster Weight Loss: Combine with a healthy diet and exercise for more noticeable results.
2. Boosted Metabolism: Certain injections help burn more calories efficiently.‍
3. Appetite Control: Reduced hunger makes it easier to stick to a calorie-restricted diets

Risks and Considerations

While effective for many, weight loss injections come with potential side effects, including nausea, vomiting, or allergic reactions. It's also essential to maintain a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to avoid nutrient deficiencies.

Not for everyone: Weight loss injections may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions or without a healthcare provider's guidance.

Take the First Step Today

If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out to a healthcare provider or a weight loss specialist. At BASS Medical Group, our Primary Care Providers (PCPs) can help you determine if weight loss injections are right for you or recommend one of our top bariatric surgeons for a more comprehensive approach. Your health and well-being are worth the effort!