Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss in New York City offers patients a number of weight loss tools that can help them reach their goals. From endoscopic weight loss procedures to non-surgical weight loss injections, our experts can find the solution that works best for you.

Those who have tried to lose weight using traditional methods, and possibly some methods that were a bit questionable, can tell you that the process is more challenging and tougher than they ever imagined. There are so many things that can influence an individual's ability to lose weight, such as their age, genetics, hormone imbalances, lack of sleep, excess stress, and more. In fact, sometimes our own bodies and our metabolism can make it even harder, leaving us feeling defeated and wanting to give up.

Today we are going to talk about a relatively new solution that has hit the market in the past few years: prescription injections for weight loss. In fact, they are becoming so popular and in such high demand that sometimes it is tough to get them. We are going to share information on the different options available, their history, usage, potential for weight loss, and where you can find them.

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Where Did Weight Loss Injections Come From?

The popular weight loss injections that are on the market today were first formulated to treat type 2 diabetes. As patients used these medications to control their blood sugar, they noticed that weight loss was a positive side effect. For many, losing these extra pounds helped alleviate, or in some cases, eliminate their weight-related health issues. Today, there are three FDA-approved weight loss injections: Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound.

How Do These Injections For Weight Loss Work?

Our bodies naturally produce hormones when we eat that aid in the digestion process. These hormones are called glucagon-like peptide-1, and they manage the production and distribution of insulin and glucagon, which work together to keep the levels of sugar in the bloodstream correctly balanced. As these hormones work, they also regulate the speed at which our metabolism runs, and they communicate messages to our brains about whether we are satisfied or hungry.

Prescription injections for weight loss are called glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists because they mimic these natural hormones and help boost the effectiveness of the metabolism. They lower your blood sugar and help suppress your appetite, so your body burns more calories, you eat less and you lose weight.

What Are The Different Non-Surgical Weight Loss Injections?

To date, the FDA has approved three types of medications for weight loss: liraglutide, tirzepatide, and semaglutide injections for weight loss.

Liraglutide (Victoza® And Saxenda®)

Liraglutide was initially approved by the FDA in 2010 for diabetes treatment and was marketed as Victoza. In 2017, it became the first GLP-1 receptor agonist adapted and FDA-approved for weight loss purposes, marketed under the brand name Saxenda. This medication requires a daily injection, and did not deliver significant weight loss results, so it never became highly sought-after like the newer prescription medications.

Semaglutide (Ozempic® And Wegovy®)

Since it received FDA approval in 2017, the prescription drug Semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic, has been used to manage type 2 diabetes. In June 2021, it received FDA approval for treating obesity under the brand name Wegovy®. Patients use a preloaded, single-use injection pen to administer the Wegovy® weight loss shot once a week, and many have experienced significant weight loss results. This new prescription weight loss option became super popular, and the demand has been so great that the manufacturer has not been able to adequately keep up.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro® And Zepbound®)

In May 2022, the FDA approved tirzepatide under the name Mounjaro to help diabetic patients control their blood sugar. This medication is different from the other two because it is the first to mimic two natural hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, which help regulate blood sugar levels. This same medication was approved by the FDA in November 2023 for use in treating overweight and obesity. Clinical trials showed that by activating both of these natural hormones in the body, Mounjaro provided better blood sugar control than both liraglutide and semaglutide injections for weight loss.

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Are Weight Loss Injections Given In the Stomach?

These prescription weight loss injections should be administered into an area of fatty tissue in the abdomen (stomach), outer thigh, or outer portion of the upper arm. The medication should never be injected into a vein or muscle. To prevent one injection site from becoming overly tender or irritated, you should alter the area each week.

It is important to take your injection on the same day of the week and as close to the same time as possible to get the best results. Make sure to follow the directions your doctor provides you with for the type of medication you are using.

Most patients who use liraglutide, tirzepatide, or semaglutide injections for weight loss have reported common side effects of nausea and vomiting. To help the body become accustomed to these medications without extreme discomfort, patients start on low doses and work their way up to the highest approved dose, which usually takes several months. See the chart below for dosing and more information:

Comparison Chart Injections For Weight Loss

<table class="iksweb"><caption>Comparison Chart Injections For Weight Loss</caption><tbody><tr><th>Marketed As</th><th>Name Of Prescription Drug</th><th>FDA-Approved To Treat Overweight And Obesity</th><th>Dosing Interval</th><th>Gradual Dosing Schedule</th><th>Average Weight Loss *</th></tr><tr><td>Saxenda</td><td>Liraglutide</td><td>2017</td><td>Once Daily</td><td><ul><li>0.6 mg;</li><li>1.2 mg;</li><li>1.8 mg;</li><li>2.4 mg;</li><li>3 mg.</li></ul></td><td>5-8%</td></tr><tr><td>Wegovy</td><td>Semaglutide</td><td>2021</td><td>Once Weekly</td><td><ul><li>0.25 mg;</li><li>0.5 mg;</li><li>1 mg;</li><li>1.7 mg;</li><li>2.4 mg.</li></ul></td><td>10-16%</td></tr><tr><td>Zepbound</td><td>Tirzepatide</td><td>2023</td><td>Once Weekly</td><td><ul><li>2.5 mg;</li><li>5 mg;</li><li>7.5 mg;</li><li>10 mg;</li><li>12.5 mg;</li><li>15 mg;</li></ul></td><td>14-21%</td></tr></tbody></table>

*These are averages recorded from clinical trials, but we have seen many patients exceed these results.

What Is The Best Way To Use Non-Surgical Weight Loss Injections?

To reach your weight loss goals and continue to maintain a healthy weight, you will need to develop and continue to practice healthy lifestyle habits. Most people do not understand how many outside influences can impact their ability to lose weight and keep it off. Weight loss injections can help break through some of these challenges so your efforts can successfully create the mandatory calorie deficit needed to lose weight.

Relying solely on these injections to do the work for you will most likely result in significant weight gain, especially once you stop taking them. The medication should be used as a tool to help you overcome your weight loss challenges and form new, healthier lifestyle habits. Learning how to portion your food, eat mindfully, get daily exercise, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and manage your stress will all play a part in achieving long-lasting results and improved health.

Where Can I Learn More About Injections For Weight Loss?

The experts at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center are here to help you get your weight under control so you can look and feel your best. We will create a personalized plan that will help you overcome past weight loss challenges and be successful.

As part of our patient family, you will have access to endoscopic procedures, weight loss medications, nutrition counseling, lifestyle guidance, etc., along with an exceptional amount of support to help you reach your weight loss goals. Set up an appointment today and learn more about your weight loss options and how we can help you significantly improve your health.

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