Looking for the best weight loss injections in 2024? Discover the best injectable options for your weight loss journey from this detailed list.
Are you trying to lose weight and are exploring various weight loss options? You are not alone. Gone are the days when diet and exercise were the only solutions to losing weight. Several weight loss medications are available in the pharmaceutical market today. From Wegovy to Mounjaro, weight loss injections have shown high efficacy in managing obesity.
In this article, we will highlight the best weight loss injections, their cost, and factors influencing the choice of drug.
The available weight loss injections were initially used in treating type 2 diabetes before finding usefulness in weight loss. The top weight loss injections that stand out are:
Semaglutide is a well-known medication for managing type diabetes and obesity. Wegovy, a brand of semaglutide, is one of the FDA-approved injections for managing obesity. Ozempic, the other injectable brand of semaglutide, is used mainly in treating Type 2 diabetes. However, Ozempic can be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide receptor 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that lowers blood sugar. This medication has been useful in weight loss by reducing appetite, giving a sense of fullness, and slowing down stomach emptying.
While Wegovy and Ozempic can help manage weight, their efficacy is not the same. Clinical trials have shown that treatment with Wegovy can result in up to 15% reduction in body weight after 68 weeks. Over the same period, the maximum dose of Ozempic only caused a 7% reduction in body weight.
Typically, Ozempic and Wegovy start at 0.5 mg once weekly for the first month. After that, the dosages gradually increase every month until a maximum dose of 2.4 mg for Wegovy and 2.0 mg for Ozempic.
Common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, and low blood sugar.
Liraglutide is similar to semaglutide and helps manage type 2 DM and weight loss. This medication comes in two brands: Saxenda and Victoza. Victoza was initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes until its weight loss effects were noticed. Then, Saxenda, a higher-dose brand, became FDA-approved for weight loss.
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works similarly to semaglutide. Liraglutide facilitates weight loss by increasing insulin secretion, reducing appetite, and slowing gastric emptying.
Studies have shown that individuals on Saxenda can expect about 5% to 10% weight loss over one year.
Saxenda and Victoza have similar starting doses at 0.6 mg daily. The dosages gradually increase until a maximum of 1.8 mg for Victoza and 3.0 mg for Saxenda. Hence, Saxenda is better for weight management than Victoza.
Common side effects of Saxenda include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Tirzepatide is a relatively newer drug on this list, approved in 2022 for managing type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro. Shortly after, tirzepatide became FDA-approved for weight management under the brand name Zepbound.
Tirzepatide has dual actions because it mimics GLP-1 and is also a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. This unique combination makes tirzepatide potentially more effective at weight management than any other drug on this list.
Zepbound is a brand of tirzepatide approved for weight loss. This drug is highly efficacious in helping individuals lose weight.
The starting dosage of Zepbound is 2.5 mg once a week for the first month. The dose is then increased every four weeks until a maximum of 15 mg once a week.
A study was done to showcase the efficacy of tirzepatide in weight management. This study showed that 57% of individuals on Zepbound had more than a 20% reduction in body weight after 72 weeks of treatment.
Common side effects of Zepbound include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation. Most of these side effects resolve as your body adjusts to the drug.
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide as its active ingredient. This brand is mainly used to treat type 2 DM. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss. However, your healthcare provider may prescribe it off-label for you.
Like Zepbound, the starting dose of Mounjaro is 2.5 mg once a week with gradual increments until a maximum of 15mg weekly.
A clinical trial conducted in 2023 studied the efficacy of Mounjaro in weight loss over 72 weeks. The study recorded an average of 24.3% reduction in weight when Mounjaro is combined with lifestyle modifications.
Your healthcare provider will assess you and consider several factors before prescribing the best weight loss injection for you. Some of these factors include:
Also, the costs of weight loss injections vary. For instance, your insurance may only cover FDA-approved injectables for weight loss, like Wegovy, Zepbound, or Saxenda.
Weight loss injections can be expensive, and the overall cost can vary depending on factors like your location or insurance coverage. Here's an estimate of how much each drug costs:
Remember that the prices above are estimates and may vary based on pharmacies and insurance coverage. Discuss with your healthcare provider whether your insurance covers these weight loss medications.
It is best for you to communicate openly with your healthcare provider. Your doctor can assess your progress on these injections for weight loss and provide adjustments in dosage. Besides, healthcare professionals can identify budding side effects and prevent them from fully manifesting.
While on any of these medications, adhere to the appointments set by your healthcare provider. Your doctor can evaluate you clinically, run various tests, and assess your overall health. Also, pay attention to your blood sugar levels, how fast your heart beats, and any strange symptoms that may pop up.
There are three FDA-approved injectables for weight loss: Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda. Combined with lifestyle changes, these medications offer promising solutions for weight management. Consult your healthcare provider to help choose the best weight loss injection for you.
The rate of weight loss with infections varies from person to person. Studies show that you can expect up to a 15% reduction in weight after 68 weeks of treatment with drugs like Wegovy. Note that factors like diet and physical activity can affect the rate at which you lose weight.
Generally, weight loss injections are safe for use over long periods. As with most medications, weight loss injections have side effects that gradually reduce as time goes on. Studies have shown the effectiveness of long-term use of weight loss medications.
Weight loss Injections are expensive because they are sold under brand names. Generic versions are not yet available. Some of these medications may also not be covered by your insurance. You can look for companies that offer coupons or patient assistance programs to help you reduce the cost.
Off-Label Use: When discussing off-label uses, such as using Ozempic for weight loss, make it clear that this is not FDA-approved for that purpose. For example, you can add a disclaimer like: “While Ozempic is primarily approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for weight loss. However, this use is not FDA-approved.”
Medical Advice Disclaimer: Clearly state that the article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Encourage readers to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
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