You’re carrying some excess weight, and you’ve seen information on social media about injections for weight loss, but you’d like to find out more from a reliable source. In this article, we talk about weight loss injections in detail, helping you assess if this may be an option for you, and if so, how to confidently start your weight loss journey.
Highlights
- There are three FDA-registered injectable medications for weight loss, also called diet shots.
- The three FDA-approved weight loss injections (Zepbound, Wegovy, and Saxenda) fall under the broad class of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which generally cause significant weight reduction because of their action on the brain and pancreas.
- The GLP-1 receptor agonists are not a quick fix and must be accompanied by a healthy diet and increased physical activity.
- Weight loss injections are only available on prescription from a healthcare provider.
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Unlike pills, weight loss injections deliver the medication just under the skin layer through a needle; the areas for these injections are the abdomen (stomach), thigh, or upper arm. It is important to rotate injection sites with each use. You can be taught to do this yourself and use the injection for weight loss at home.
Weight loss medications are available only by prescription from a healthcare provider, who will determine if this treatment is appropriate for you. Through telehealth for weight loss, you can get the support you need from the comfort of your home.
Here’s a list of weight loss injection brands that you’ve most likely heard of, as well as their generic names:
|
Brand |
Generic Name |
|
Zepbound |
Tirzepatide |
|
Wegovy |
Semaglutide |
|
Saxenda |
Liraglutide |
|
Mounjaro |
Tirzepatide |
|
Ozempic |
Semaglutide |
With so many options, what is the safest and best injection for weight loss? In fact, there is no guaranteed best weight loss shot, because everybody is different. Your doctor will help to decide what might be the appropriate option for you, by considering your:
- Age
- Body weight
- Co-existing medical conditions and history
- Likelihood of having side effects
- Insurance coverage
When your healthcare provider has the full picture, the list can be narrowed down using evidence from research and discussed with you. For example, one of the latest studies comparing tirzepatide vs semaglutide shows that after 72 weeks, tirzepatide outperformed semaglutide regarding weight loss; however, remember, this might not be the case for everybody.
Lastly and most importantly, none of these injections are ‘quick-fixes’ and work best when you stick to a healthy diet and exercise.
Start your weight loss journey today
How Prescription Weight Loss Shots Work
When you eat, your gut releases natural hormones GLP-1 and GIP into your bloodstream to help stabilize blood sugar levels. These hormones head over to the brain and pancreas to tell them you’ve just eaten, and your body needs to prepare for sugar delivery, making sure that this sugar is absorbed gradually and doesn’t cause spikes.
Many weight loss medications are GLP-1 agonists (or GLP-1 and GIP agonists), which means they
- reduces your hunger,
- makes you feel full and satisfied, so that you don’t overeat,
- decreases your cravings for certain foods like carbs and sugars,
- keeps the food in the stomach so that you feel fuller for longer.
In
In a nutshell, these medications reduce your hunger and make you feel full for longer, and therefore are effective for weight loss and blood sugar management.
Top-Rated Weight Loss Injections
We will now discuss the most popular weight loss injections in detail, looking at their dosages, side effects, and how well they work.
1. Zepbound
How It's Given
Zepbound is a weekly injection for weight loss which should be taken on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without meals.
- The dosage should be increased slowly every 4 weeks, for example: 2.5 mg → 5 mg → 7.5 mg → 10 mg → 12.5 mg → 15 mg.
- The long-term dose will be either 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg (maximum) weekly, based on individual needs.
- The medication should be used long-term because
a trial showed that[9] stopping the medication resulted in sizable weight gain.
How Well It Works
Side Effects and Safety
- Black box warning.
- Common side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, heartburn, indigestion, injection site reactions, tiredness, allergic reactions, and hair loss. Serious
allergic reactions[8] have been reported since going to market. - Contraindications: It should be avoided in people who have gallbladder disease or stones, digestive and kidney diseases, a history of pancreatitis, or have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Cost and Insurance
The list price of Zepbound is $1,086.37; however, it doesn’t mean that you will pay this much. If you are on insurance, it might be as little as $25 for a one to three-month supply; check this link for coverage. And for cash payers, LillyDirect ® has a savings offer of $349 and $499 per month.
2. Wegovy
How It's Given
Wegovy is a weekly injection, taken on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without meals.
- The dose is increased slowly every 4 weeks until 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg is reached, for example: 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg.
- The maintenance dose is 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg once weekly, depending on side effects and individual factors.
How Well It Works
Side Effects and Safety
- Black box warning.
- Common side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, tiredness, indigestion, dizziness, bloating, belching, flatulence, heartburn, increased heart rate, and low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. Severe
allergic reactions[12] have been reported since going to market. - Contraindications: Best avoided in people who have gallbladder, kidney, or gut troubles, a history of pancreatitis, or have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Cost and Insurance
The list price of Wegovy is $1,349.02; however, it doesn’t mean you will pay this much. If you are on insurance, it might be as little as $0 per month supply; check this link for coverage.
And for cash payers, Novo Nordisk has an offer of $499 per month.
3. Saxenda
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is registered as an obesity treatment, as well as weight loss management solution for people who are overweight and at risk of heart and blood vessel disease.
How It's Given
Saxenda is a daily injection, taken at any time of day but at the same time every day, and with or without meals.
- The dose is increased slowly every week, for example: 0.6 mg → 1.2 mg → 1.8 → 2.4 mg → 3 mg.
- The typically recommended maintenance dose is 3 mg daily.
How Well It Works
Clinical trials show that:
- An average weight loss is 7.1% at 6 months to 1 year.
- 35.2% of patients lost ≥ 10% body weight from baseline.
Side Effects and Safety
- Black box warning.
- Common side effects: Nausea, low blood sugar, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, indigestion, tiredness, dizziness, stomach pain, increased lipase enzyme, and raised heart rate. Serious
allergic reactions[14] have been reported since going to market. - Contraindications: Best avoided in people who have gallbladder, kidney, or gut troubles, a history of pancreatitis, or have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Cost and Insurance
4. Mounjaro
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a GIP receptor agonist plus a GLP-1 receptor agonist registered to
How It's Given
Its use for weight loss would be ‘off-label’, and dosing would be similar to that of Zepbound.
- The dose starts at 2.5 mg and increases every 4 weeks by 2.5 mg, depending on how well-controlled sugar levels are and whether side effects occur.
- The maximum dose is 15 mg weekly, and it should be used long-term.
How Well It Works
In theory, weight loss results should be similar to Zepbound because the generic ingredient and dosing are the same. However, no trials were done for Mounjaro in people without diabetes.
Side Effects and Safety
- Black box warning.
- Common side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, stomach pain, and low blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes on other medications. Severe
allergic reactions[15] have been reported since going to market. - Contraindications: Best avoided in people who have gallbladder, kidney, or digestive conditions, a history of pancreatitis, or have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Cost and Insurance
The list price of Mounjaro is $1,079.77; however, because it is ‘off-label’ for weight loss, it is unlikely to be covered by insurance.
5. Ozempic
How It's Given
Ozempic is a weekly injection, taken on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without meals.
- Increased slowly every 4 weeks, for example: 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1 mg.
- The maintenance dose is 1 mg once weekly, depending on sugar control.
How Well It Works
Ozempic trials were done for patients with diabetes and showed an average weight loss of 14lb at 40 weeks; importantly, these results might differ for patients without diabetes.
Side Effects and Safety
- Black box warning.
- Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, and low blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes on other medications.
- Contraindications: It should be avoided in people who have gallbladder or kidney conditions or a history of pancreatitis.
Cost and Insurance
The list price of Ozempic pens for all the strengths is $997.58; because it is ‘off-label’ for weight loss, it is unlikely to be covered by insurance.
Comparing the Top Weight Loss Injections
Now that you know the weight loss shots’ names, here’s a quick reference table listed by characteristics.
|
What they’re approved for by the FDA |
|
|
Effectiveness (weight loss percentages, timeframes) |
|
|
Dosing frequency |
|
|
Cost |
As little as $25 for a one to 3 month supply if on insurance Between $349 and $499 per month for cash payments via LillyDirect ®
As little as $0 per month supply if on insurance; Novo Nordisk has a cash savings offer of $499 per month |
|
Insurance coverage |
Who Is a Candidate for Weight Loss Injections?
Doctors will use your body mass index (BMI) and medical history to decide if you’re a candidate for an injection to lose weight. They can be prescribed to:
- Adults who are obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2).
- Adults who are overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) PLUS ≥ one weight-related health condition (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease).
Zepbound, Wegovy, and Saxenda are approved by the FDA as an ‘add-on’ for chronic weight management; the priority being lifestyle changes, including a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Sometimes, Ozempic and Mounjaro, which are registered for type 2 diabetes treatment, are used off-label for weight loss.
Other Injectable Options
You might have heard people mention different types of weight loss injections not yet discussed in this article, but that’s because they are invasive or off-label.
Dulaglutide[18] is another GLP-1 receptor agonist registered for diabetes management, but not for weight loss.Botox injected into the stomach[19] is a recent development in weight management; it paralyzes the stomach muscles, keeps the food there longer, and makes people feel full and less hungry. A study showed that the average weight loss was 9 kg (about 20 lb) after 5 months.- Vitamin B12 injections have no scientific backing when it comes to weight loss.
- It is best to avoid compounded injections; a pharmacy mixes them on a doctor’s request, and they are unregulated, unstudied, and potentially dangerous.
How to Get Started
Now that you know better whether you may be a candidate for weight loss injections, let’s take you step by step through the weight loss journey with a healthcare provider at MEDvidi.
1. Sign Up and Book an Appointment
Click on the link, create an account, and book an appointment with one of MEDvidi’s medical providers.
2. Undergo Evaluation and Receive Diagnosis and Treatment
You will then have a video appointment with a healthcare provider in your state who will evaluate your symptoms, diagnose, and decide on a treatment plan, part of which might be prescription medication if appropriate.
3. Receive a Prescription and Pick Up Medication
If your healthcare provider prescribes a weight loss injection, they will send an online prescription directly to a local pharmacy of your choice, where you can collect the medication.
4. Follow-Ups and Refills
You will need to schedule follow-up appointments with your provider. Because these medications often have side effects at higher doses, they are started at a low dose which is increased slowly, allowing you to get used to them. These adjustments and any other changes are discussed during follow-up appointments.
Conclusion
Zepbound, Wegovy, and Saxenda are GLP-1 receptor agonist injections that are registered by the FDA for weight management. Ozempic and Mounjaro, which are from the same class but registered for type 2 diabetes treatment, are sometimes used off-label for weight loss. Because of their many actions on the brain and pancreas, GLP-1 receptor agonists work efficiently, often resulting in significant weight reduction.
Your healthcare provider will decide what the best weight loss injection is for you, taking into account many factors such as your baseline weight, how much weight you need to lose, your medical history, and your budget.
Starting your weight loss journey is as easy as booking an online appointment, so do it today.
FAQ
Which injection causes the most weight loss?
It is difficult to guarantee the most effective weight loss injection, as individuals might react differently to each medication; however, in a
Which is better, Ozempic or Wegovy?
Which is better, Ozempic or Mounjaro?
Which is better, Wegovy or Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is not registered as a weight loss injection and therefore cannot be compared to Wegovy; however, in a
Which is better, Saxenda or Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is not registered as a weight loss injection and therefore cannot be compared to Saxenda.
Which is better, Wegovy or Zepbound?
In a
Is Zepbound better than Mounjaro for weight loss?
Zepbound is a weight loss medication containing tirzepatide, whereas Mounjaro, which is also tirzepatide, is registered for diabetic management. Therefore, Zepbound is the preferred medication for weight management.
What is the best weight loss shot for women?
Identifying the best weight loss injection for women is difficult, as individuals might react differently to each medication; however, in a
