Weight Loss Injections Near Me
Introduction
Weight loss is a process that features many physiological and environmental challenges. Doctors now consider obesity a health condition that requires treatment. This shift in conventional thinking has opened up new avenues to address weight loss.
Researchers understand that while creating a caloric deficit is essential to weight loss, multiple hormones and biological processes dictate how the body uses and stores energy.
Treating obesity can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Patients can now use one of several effective, safe, and reliable injections to support their weight loss journeys.
What are Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss injections are FDA-approved medications that help patients with obesity reduce their caloric intake to fuel weight loss. Common prescriptions include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. While the exact functionality of the medications varies based on their composition, they mimic the effects of digestive hormones to slow digestion and create a feeling of satiety in the user.
Many current weight loss injections first served as diabetes treatments. Semaglutide, one of the most common active compounds in weight loss medications, stimulates insulin production and aids digestion. Doctors noticed their patients lost weight while ingesting it, and researchers subsequently investigated the compound's potential as an obesity treatment.
These weight loss injections are self-administered. Most patients take a weekly dose and place the injection in their thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. You administer them with a pen-like device that contains a small needle. Following the recommended injection schedule is vital for maintaining the medication's effectiveness.
How Do You Qualify for Weight Loss Injections?
The best way to learn if you qualify for injections is by visiting an experienced weight loss doctor. The medications are usually appropriate for patients with BMIs over 30 or over 27 when a weight-related risk factor, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, is present.
While weight loss injections are safe and FDA-approved, all medications carry risks and contraindications. Patients with chronic kidney or liver disease, pancreatic conditions, or a family history of thyroid cancer are likely to be deemed ineligible for weight loss injections. Disclosing your complete health history during your consultation will ensure your medication is safe and effective.
You can only get prescriptions from licensed doctors because the medications are regulated substances. Physicians specializing in weight loss understand the nuances of treating obesity and have the experience to recommend the best medication based on your health history and treatment goals.
How Does a Medical Weight Loss Program Work?
A medical weight loss program is a collaborative approach to treating obesity that recognizes the complex factors influencing weight and body composition. These programs use weight loss injections, counseling about lifestyle modifications, and a support system to maximize the amount of weight you can lose.
The first step is to meet with a caring weight loss doctor who will assess your health history and determine your eligibility for weight loss injections. The provider will rule out potential contraindications and recommend the medication they believe can help you the most.
You can then pick up your medication from your pharmacy and begin treatment. Most weight loss injections have an acclimation phase where the doctor builds your dosage over time. This tiered process allows your body to adapt to the medicine and minimizes the extent of any side effects.
Once you reach the optimal dose, weight loss is often rapid as the medication depresses your appetite. This reduction creates a caloric deficit that spurs weight loss as the body burns fat for energy.
The doctor will monitor your progress to ensure you lose weight at a healthy rate and that the medication remains effective. They may modify the dose or prescribe an alternative medication if your weight loss plateaus or you experience pronounced side effects.
Beyond the medication, the doctor will advise you about dietary choices and exercise plans that could amplify the pace and extent of weight loss by widening the calorie deficit. They will also offer support and encouragement. Dispelling the many myths about weight loss and learning about digestive processes can help you through your journey and reframe your outlook.
Do Weight Loss Injections Really Work?
Yes. While results vary from person to person based on the medication and biochemistry, the surging demand for these medications stems from their effectiveness. One study of semaglutide found that patients lost 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks. These injections help you burn more calories than you consume by making you feel full and slowing digestion.
Being open and honest with your doctor is essential to achieving the benefits of the medication. Attending your scheduled follow-up appointments is also critical. Over time, your body may adapt to the medicine, requiring a higher dose to achieve the same effects.
Additionally, adhering to the injection schedule and your doctor's instructions will help you maintain appropriate medication levels in your bloodstream so it remains effective.
See results on your first visit.
90% of the time ED can be treated and treated effectively.
August 9, 2023
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Avidon Appel
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
