Injectable Weight Loss Medication Treatment
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Injectable Weight Loss Medication Treatment
On average, injectable medications can potentially help you lose about 15% of your body weight with prolonged treatment; in conjunction with a proper diet and a regular exercise plan. These medications fall under the medication class of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists or a combination of GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Their molecular names are presented with different branded products, approved for the purpose of weight loss:
- Liraglutide - Saxenda®
- Semaglutide - Wegovy®
- Tirzepatide - Zepbound®
These medications slow down emptying of the stomach which results in decreased appetite, reduced cravings, and can provide a feeling of satiety with small meals. Their effect is dose-dependent, and once interrupted their effects fully reverse. With this in mind patient must be mindful that appetite increase and weight re-gain can happen with improper administration. The importance of diet and exercise are stressed throughout the program to ensure weight loss is maintained once patients achieve their weight loss goal and medications are stopped; as well as to prevent muscle loss during the weight loss process.
The use of these medications is a new and evolving field, showing great promise in improving several obesity-associated comorbidities; such as the reduction of cardiovascular risk by 20%, for example.
Common Side Effects
These medications are safe and FDA-approved in all patients meeting prescription criteria (BMI >30 or BMI >27 with obesity-associated comorbidities). Despite their safety, certain side effects can occur during treatment, such as:
- Nausea/ Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach (abdominal) pain
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Injection site reactions
- Fatigue
- Allergic reactions
- Belching
- Hair loss
- Heartburn
Additionally, some patients can see little weight loss effect even with proper administration. You will be followed periodically in our office to ensure weight loss milestones are being met while you are under treatment.
Contraindications
Certain patients need to be careful when starting these medications:
- Previous episodes of pancreatitis, particularly if developed when being treated with GLP-1 class medications in the past.
- Family history of congenital thyroid cancer, as part of MEN-2 syndrome.
- Previous allergic reactions to GLP-1 class medications.
Our office will prescribe for adults aged 18 years up to age 69.
These medications remain restricted by several insurance carriers, so please check with your insurance during the process to confirm coverage prior to scheduling an appointment.