3 Types Of Weight Loss Injections – Benefits & Side Effects

Take your weight loss shot only after considering the pros and cons in detail.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sandeep Jassal, DNM Dr. Sandeep Jassal Dr. Sandeep JassalDNM facebook_icontwitter_iconlinkedin_iconyoutube_icon
Written by Tanya Choudhary, B.Desgn, ISSA Certified Specialist In Fitness & Nutrition Tanya Choudhary B.Desgn, ISSA Certified Specialist In Fitness & Nutrition linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Edited by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Fact-checked by Moksha Gandhi, BPharm, Certified Health & Wellness Coach Moksha Gandhi BPharm, Certified Health & Wellness Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Last Updated on
✔ Evidence Based

StyleCraze believes in credibility and giving our readers access to authentic and evidence-based content. Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to only cite from reputed research institutions, academic journals, and medically established studies. If you discover any discrepancy in our content, you may contact us.

Diet and exercise are the most popular methods for achieving optimal health. However, we occasionally discover that even the most stringent diets and exercise regimes are ineffective. Most people resort to modern medicine to assist them in getting in shape at this point. Today, we can see that more drastic procedures can be taken to lose weight without undergoing surgery. One such measure is taking weight loss injections in the stomach.

This choice is certainly unsuitable for you if you are afraid of needles! If your goal to lose weight outweighs your fear of injections, you may want to try this procedure. There are various types of weight loss injections from which you can choose. You can conduct research and read reviews to help you decide whether or not these injections are beneficial. Alternatively, you can achieve weight loss with the use of meal supplements and weight loss medications.

Meal supplements
Image: Shutterstock

The standards of beauty are constantly evolving. It used to be size zero, but now it’s curvy. The requirement to stay healthy, on the other hand, is constant. Being overweight or obese has become commonplace in this age of sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. Forget about the urge to be attractive; carrying additional weight might cause serious health problems.

Woman feeling happy with her weight loss
Image: Shutterstock

After reading this post, if you feel comfortable getting the injections, go ahead! You should ask yourself a few things before deciding on a weight loss injection. Are you prepared to go to such extremes? Have you exhausted all other possibilities? Keep reading for greater insight.

Types Of Weight Loss Injections

Before opting for a weight loss injection, it is important to know the kinds of injections available and how they work.

You can get the information at any clinic but it is best to do your homework lest you end up taking the wrong kind of injection! Since it is an injection, the wrong one can have harmful effects. You may also be allergic to the ingredients, so you need to be careful when it comes to weight loss shots. Krista Elkins, Registered Nurse, says, “When administered by a healthcare professional and prescribed by your doctor, weight loss injections are generally safe. However, because injections are more invasive and cause more discomfort than oral medications, expected side effects include pain and bruising at the injection site.” Check out these common and the most popular injections for weight loss:

1. B12

Vitamin B12 injections
Image: Shutterstock

This injection for weight loss uses the effect of Vitamin B12 on our body. This vitamin can help increase metabolism and force our fat cells to release more energy. This can help reduce adipose tissues as well. A regulated dosage of B12 injection can help burn fat and reduce weight (1). But the effect of this injection is disputed by many doctors.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You may also get vitamin B12 from beef kidney, liver, trout, eggs, milk, and chicken and some fortified meals with additional B12.

2. Lipotropic

Lipotropic injection
Image: Shutterstock

Lipotropic injections or lipo shots are widely used for weight loss. These injections use Lipotropics as fat burners. The fat-burning property of Lipotropic is harnessed and used by these injections. Methionine, choline and inositol are the main chemicals that make up these fat burning injections. In the right dose, liportropic injections can help shed unwanted pounds easily (2), (3).

protip_icon Quick Tip
Other common ingredients in lipotropic injections are vitamin B complex, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), L-carnitine, and phentermine.

3. Vitamin B and Lipotropic

Vitamin B and Lipotropic injection for weight loss
Image: Shutterstock

Here is one of the vitamin injections to lose weight! This injection is a concoction that contains the vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and C as well as 3 Lipotropics and Lidocaine. This injection essentially has all the compounds to aid weight reduction by burning excess fat; at the same time the vitamins ensure that our body is not starved of important nutrients (4). If you are allergic to Lidocaine, it is best to avoid the injection. Other than the Lidocaine, this injection does not have any common allergen in it. The injection uses the positive effects of both the B12 and Lipotropic. This leads to weight reduction as the fat in our body is burnt and energy is released.
Here is a comparison between B12, Lipotropic, and Vitamin B & Lipotropic injections for weight loss:

TypeMain ComponentsFunctionAllergen
B12 InjectionVitamin B12Increases metabolism, releases energy from fat cellsNo common allergens
Lipotropic InjectionMethionine, choline, inositolBurns fat, helps shed weightNo common allergens
Vitamin B & LipotropicVitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, Lipotropics, LidocaineBurns fat, releases energy, maintains nutrient levelsLidocaine (potential allergen)

A 68-week experiment examined the effectiveness and safety of injecting 2.4 mg of Semaglutide once a week in individuals with obesity who were not diabetic in order to reduce body weight and achieve other health-associated endpoints. The Semaglutide group experienced a mean body weight change of -14.9% from baseline to week 68, compared to a placebo group’s -2.4%. The use of this weight-loss injection showed an estimated treatment difference of -12.4 percentage points. Look at the graph below for additional information.

Effect Of Once-Weekly Semaglutide On Body Weight

Source: Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity

Weight loss injections administered in the stomach have shown promising results in clinical studies. The most popular non-surgical, minimally-invasive method is the gastric botox or stomach botox. It is a botulinum toxin-based weight loss injection that relaxes stomach muscles for a short while. This slows down the rate at which the food leaves the stomach. As a result, individuals may feel fuller for a longer time after meals. The injection also reduces hunger pangs, which may result in weight reduction. However, the effects of the injection are temporary and one may not observe a significant decline in their weight.

A recent survey asking Americans about their familiarity with the weight loss drug Semaglutide and their opinions on its effectiveness and safety, it was found that while 60% of Americans have heard about this drug, 22% know someone who has taken them for weight loss purposes. While 53% believe they are effective, only 36% believe they are safe.

If you do opt for such a drastic form of weight reduction, you need to know the dosages. Generally the doctor can tell you the right dose. You may be wondering whether you have to take the injection yourself. You can do it yourself if you are not queasy or better still, seek professional aid to get the shot. You need to take the injections on a regular basis, if you want to see rapid change in your body.

According to Krista Elkins, Registered Nurse, “The effectiveness of medically proven weight loss injections is dependent on the patient’s compliance. These injectables can be costly, which affects compliance. Significant weight gain is to be expected if the medication is abruptly discontinued. As a result, these are recommended to be combined with lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise.”

When considering weight loss injections like B12, lipotropic, and vitamin B, be aware of potential side effects and safety warnings.

Key Takeaways

  • There are three types of weight loss injections, such as B12, lipotropic, and vitamin B and lipotropic.
  • A vitamin B12 injection can help increase metabolism and reduce adipose tissue, which, in turn, results in weight loss.
  • The chemicals used in lipotropic injection may help shed those extra pounds.
  • The third type is a concoction of B and C vitamins that may help burn extra fat molecules.

Safety And Side Effects

Here’s an overview of side effects of different weight loss injections you need to keep in mind before considering them:

  • B12 Injections: While these injections are generally safe, some people may experience mild side effects, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, headaches, dizziness, or allergic reactions. It is important to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
  • Lipotropic Injections: These injections may cause side effects including nausea, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal upset. Overuse can lead to more serious complications. Always ensure a qualified professional administers them.
  • Vitamin B Injections: While vitamin B injections are typically safe, excessive intake can result in side effects like skin rashes, itching, or other allergic reactions.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid these injections unless directed by a healthcare professional. It is essential to discuss any pre-existing conditions and medications with your doctor to avoid potential interactions. Also, not everyone can administer these injections. Keep reading to learn more.

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Take Them:

  • People struggling with weight loss who have not seen results from diet and exercise alone.
  • Individuals looking for an extra boost in metabolism and energy through vitamin B12 or lipotropic injections.
  • Those who are generally healthy and have been approved by a healthcare provider after a proper assessment.

Who Should Avoid:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women, unless advised by a doctor.
  • Individuals with severe allergies to any components of the injections.

Underlying Health Issues To Consider:

  • People with liver or kidney problems should be cautious with lipotropic injections.
  • Individuals with heart conditions or high blood pressure should consult their doctor first.
  • Those on medications for chronic illnesses should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare provider before starting any weight loss injections.

These are based on anecdotal evidence, so it is best to consult a doctor if you are unsure about their suitability for your health.

Infographic: Types Of Weight Loss Injections

There are two more weight loss injections you should know about apart from the three mentioned above. These injections are glucagon therapy and oxygen therapy. They may promote weight loss to improve body fat management and reduce the risk of obesity.

Check out the infographic below to read up on these two types of weight loss injections.

types of weightloss injectioons (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

When weight loss diets and working out don’t work as fast as we want them to, some of us seek out drastic weight decreasing options, such as weight loss injections. The only problem is that while these injections do work, their effects are temporary. If you go back to eating too much, not exercising, and living a bad lifestyle with not enough sleep and too much alcohol consumption, you will gain back all that extra weight. Therefore, the key to healthy weight loss is eating right, exercising daily, and leading a healthy lifestyle!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are HCG injections for weight loss safe?

Krista Elkins, Registered Nurse, says, “The Food and Drug Administration advises against using HCG injections for weight loss. HCG is not approved for weight loss, but these products, which come in the form of oral drops or sprays, are advertised with unproven claims of miraculous weight loss and metabolism boosts. Furthermore, it is marketed to be taken in combination with a 500 kcal per day caloric diet (the RDA is 2000 kcal/day). A very low-calorie diet can cause health problems such as micronutrient deficiencies, electrolyte imbalance, gallstone formation, and even fatal irregular heartbeat.”

How do Wegovy injections help with weight loss?

Krista Elkins, Registered Nurse, says, “Semaglutide (marketed as Wegovy) belongs to a class of diabetes medications that have shown promising results in promoting weight loss in patients with and without diabetes. Wegovy aids in weight loss by directly activating specific parts of the brain, resulting in decreased appetite and food intake.” They are also found in slimming injections.

How much weight can you lose from injections?

The amount of weight you lose depends on several factors and varies from person to person

Do lipotropic pills work as well as injections?

It may work as well as injections together with proper diet and exercise. Consult your doctor to understand the benefits and risks of taking lipotropic pills before you start using them.

How many lipotropic injections are needed to see results?

Your doctor will take your body and several other factors into account before prescribing you the appropriate dosage.

Can you take lipotropic injections every day?

Every person’s body is unique. Only a medical professional will be able to tell you how many lipotropic injections per week you can take.

How quickly does B12 injections work for weight loss?

Anecdotal evidence suggests it takes two to seven days for a B12 shot or energy injections to show visible results.

What are amino acid injections?

A concentrated dietary supplement for injection containing the essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine, lysine, valine, phenylalanine, histidine, threonine, methionine and tryptophan as well as the non-essential amino acids alanine, arginine, glycine, proline, serine and tyrosine, with potential anabolic and anti-catabolic activities.

How does tirzepatide work for weight loss?

Tirzepatide is a medication with a dual action on GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide 1) and GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) receptors. When administered via injection, it activates these receptors in the brain, curbing hunger and promoting a sense of fullness. Hence, your food intake reduces, leading to gradual weight loss. It also aids blood sugar regulation, particularly beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide’s distinctive mechanism is a promising solution for those combating obesity and its associated health threats like type 2 diabetes.
However, due to potential side effects and contraindications, it is highly advised to use this medication under medical supervision to ensure its safe and effective utilization.

Weight loss injections are proving to be an effective solution for overweight and obese patients. Watch this video to learn more about this revolutionary treatment.

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Inverse Association Between Serum Vitamin B12 Concentration and Obesity Among Adults in the United States
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6610317/
  2. Effect of Choline Supplementation on Rapid Weight Loss and Biochemical Variables Among Female Taekwondo and Judo Athletes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4096089/
  3. Effects of three treatment modalities (diet myoinositol or myoinositol associated with D-chiro-inositol) on clinical and body composition outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30915778/
  4. Treatment of Lipoma by Injection Lipolysis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3183720/
Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
disqus_comment

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.

Dr. Sandeep Jassal is a postgraduate in preventive health and lifestyle disease management by profession and a health awareness missionary by passion. After graduating in Ayurvedic Medicine, he did post graduation in preventive and promotive healthcare at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Read full bio of Dr. Sandeep Jassal
  • Krista ElkinsNRP, RN Krista Elkins, NRP, RN, has 20 years of experience in healthcare as both a paramedic and a registered nurse. She has worked on both ground and helicopter ambulances (CCP-C, CFRN), ER, ICU, Primary Care, Speciality Care, Psychiatric, and Wilderness Medicine. She also practices and has a devoted life-long interest in Preventative Medicine.
    Krista Elkins, NRP, RN, has 20 years of experience in healthcare as both a paramedic and a registered nurse. She has worked on both ground and helicopter ambulances (CCP-C, CFRN), ER, ICU, Primary Care, Speciality Care, Psychiatric, and Wilderness Medicine. She also practices and has a devoted life-long interest in Preventative Medicine.
Tanya Choudhary
Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer
Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her.

Read full bio of Tanya Choudhary
Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Moksha Gandhi
Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer
Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

Read full bio of Moksha Gandhi
AFS