There are currently three injectable treatments approved for weight loss. Initially developed as diabetes medications to regulate blood sugar levels, these drugs were later found to be effective in weight management when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Here are the three FDA-approved injections that can assist you in losing weight:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?
Most of today’s weight loss injections belong to a category of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. The three injections mentioned above have since been FDA-approved specifically for weight loss.
Aside from helping you manage your blood sugar, these drugs slow down how quickly your stomach empties its contents. This delay makes you feel fuller for longer and decreases your appetite, both of which contribute to weight loss.
Tirzepatide, on the other hand, functions as a dual incretin receptor agonist, targeting two key hormones: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These hormones play essential roles in controlling blood sugar and regulating hunger. When you take tirzepatide, it signals to your brain that you’re full, which helps curb your appetite and cut down on cravings. This makes it highly effective in supporting your weight loss journey, as it simplifies maintaining a calorie-controlled diet.
Tirzepatide’s ability to reduce hunger is a major reason why it has become popular in the weight loss community. Clinical trials have shown that participants using tirzepatide experienced significant weight loss. The drug’s dual action in controlling blood sugar and suppressing appetite gives it an advantage over other weight loss treatments. By helping you keep your appetite in check, tirzepatide makes it easier to avoid extra snacks and stay committed to your weight loss goals.
What sets tirzepatide apart is its dual benefit in both weight loss and diabetes management. Its combined action on GLP-1 and GIP not only suppresses appetite but also aids in insulin secretion.
What is the Safest Weight Loss Injection?
No single weight loss injection stands out as being safer than the others. Injections designed for weight loss, such as Wegovy, Saxenda and Zepbound, share a similar safety profile.
It’s known that these weight loss drugs carry an elevated risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Because of this, you should avoid using weight loss injections if you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, including medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2).
Other potential risks linked to weight loss injections include gallbladder issues, acute pancreatitis, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney damage, increased heart rate and allergic reactions.
Before starting any weight loss treatment, be sure to inform your doctor about any pre-existing health conditions and provide a comprehensive list of your current medications to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions.
Who is Eligible for Chronic Weight Management Injections?
Individuals who meet the following criteria may be eligible to use these injectable medications for weight loss:
- Adults with obesity (body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more)
- Overweight adults with at least a BMI of 27 kg/m² and at least one weight-related condition
It’s worth mentioning that two of these medications (semaglutide and liraglutide injections) have been approved for use in overweight or obese children aged 12 years and older.
What is the Name of the New Injection for Weight Loss?
The latest weight loss medication, Zepbound (tirzepatide), was granted FDA approval in November 2023. This drug was already on the market under the brand name Mounjaro for treating diabetes.
Unlike other weight loss injections like Wegovy and Saxenda, which are GLP-1 receptor agonists, Zepbound operates through a dual mechanism. It activates both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. This dual action slows digestion, helps you eat less and curbs your appetite and, as a result, will help you get rid of excess weight.
These medications are most effective when combined with lifestyle modifications, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.
What is the Best Injection for Weight Loss?
The newly approved weight loss medication, Zepbound (tirzepatide), has delivered the most promising outcomes in clinical studies. Its unique mechanism of action, targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, suggests it may offer enhanced weight loss benefits. Explore more about tirzepatide for shedding pounds.
Your healthcare provider will assist you in choosing the most suitable weight loss injection for you, specifically. It’s important to remember that these medications are most effective in preventing weight gain and promoting weight loss when combined with a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
When deciding on the best weight loss injection, here are some factors to consider:
Convenience
Some injectable weight loss medications, like Saxenda, require daily administration, whereas others, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, are weekly injections.
Insurance Coverage
The decision between different injectable weight loss drugs may depend on your insurance plan. This is crucial because, without coverage, the cost of treatment with a GLP-1 receptor agonist can be thousands of dollars out-of-pocket.
Side Effects
Weight loss injections tend to have similar side effects, but you might tolerate one better than another. Your healthcare provider will usually start you on a low dose and gradually increase it over several weeks, allowing your body to adjust to the medication.
If diet and exercise alone haven’t helped you reach your weight loss targets and you’re not a candidate for weight loss injections, you may want to discuss alternative treatments with your healthcare provider, such as other weight loss medications or bariatric surgery.
How Much Weight Can You Lose in a Month with Ozempic?
Ozempic is not specifically approved by the FDA as a weight loss medication. However, it contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Wegovy, which is FDA-approved for long-term weight management. So for chronic weight management, Wegovy is the recommended option.
Ozempic and Wegovy are prescribed at different dosages, with Wegovy containing a higher dose of semaglutide designed to help you lose weight. Find out more about Wegovy’s uses and side effects.
Similarly, liraglutide is marketed as Victoza for diabetes treatment and as Saxenda for weight loss. Tirzepatide is sold as Mounjaro for managing type 2 diabetes and as Zepbound for weight management.
In any case, if you want to know how much weight you can lose with Ozempic in a single month, studies have shown it’s around 1% of your body weight.
How Quickly Can You Lose Weight with Injections?
Weight loss injections aren’t a quick fix—they don’t work overnight. You’ll need to maintain a healthy diet and stay physically active to maximize the effectiveness of these medications in helping you lose weight.
With semaglutide, many people start to notice significant weight loss after about 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use. However, individual results can vary depending on factors like your starting weight, exercise habits and diet and how well you stick to your medication schedule.
The usual semaglutide dosing regimen begins at 0.25 mg and increases gradually over four weeks to 0.5 mg, then to 1.0 mg, followed by 1.7 mg, and ultimately to 2.4 mg for optimal results. Semaglutide has an 8-week titration period, so your body can adjust to the optimal dose for weight management—2.4 mg. The most noticeable weight loss tends to occur after you’ve reached and maintained this dosage.
Weight Loss Results from the Three Injections
Saxenda (liraglutide) Results
60% of adults who used Saxenda lost 5% or more of their initial body weight (around 12 lbs) after 56 weeks.
33% achieved a weight loss of 10% or more (approximately 23 lbs).
6% experienced a weight loss of 20% or more (about 47 lbs).
Wegovy (semaglutide) Results
On average, users of Wegovy lost 15% of their starting body weight (roughly 35 lbs) after 68 weeks. (Find out how long it takes to lose weight on Wegovy.) 30% of users lost 20% or more (around 46 lbs).
Zepbound (tirzepatide) Results
On average, individuals on Zepbound lost 26% of their initial body weight after 88 weeks. About 72% achieved a weight loss of 20% or more.
How to Save on Your Weight Loss Medication
Managing the expense of weight loss medications can be one of the most challenging aspects and without insurance coverage, some of these medications can be quite costly.
Fortunately, many drug manufacturers provide savings cards or discount programs to help patients obtain their medications at a reduced cost.
Wegovy Savings Card
Wegovy (semaglutide) might be available for as little as $0 if you have private or commercial insurance.
To get this savings card, visit the Wegovy savings card page on the NovoCare website. There, you can find out more about eligibility requirements and apply for the savings card directly.
Ozempic Savings and Resources
The information on how to save on Ozempic (semaglutide) can be found on the Ozempic Savings and Resources page. This resource explains the application process and eligibility criteria. It’s important to note that Ozempic is currently FDA-approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. Therefore, only those prescribed Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes are eligible for the savings card.
Zepbound Savings Program
If your commercial insurance doesn’t cover Zepbound (tirzepatide), you could potentially pay as low as $550 per month. If your insurance does cover Zepbound but requires you to pay a portion of the medication’s cost, you might be able to access the medication for as little as $25 out of pocket.
Victoza Support and Savings
Victoza (liraglutide) has a support and savings page for patients who need help covering their medication costs. By visiting the Victoza Support and Savings page, you can find detailed information on how to access these savings, ensuring you get the support needed for your weight management journey.
Saxenda Savings Card
Saxenda (liraglutide) provides a savings card for eligible patients that can greatly lower the cost. Visit the Saxenda savings card page to learn more about this offer and how to apply.
Rybelsus Savings and Support
Rybelsus (semaglutide) offers savings and support for eligible patients. By visiting the Rybelsus Savings and Support page, you can access details on how to apply for a savings card and other resources to help you manage your condition effectively.
Few Things to Consider Before Using Weight Loss Injections
If the cost of medication is a hindrance, the savings programs we’ve mentioned above might offer the assistance you need to access the treatment recommended by your healthcare provider. Here are some extra tips for obtaining savings cards for your weight loss medication:
Before applying for a savings card, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the pharmaceutical company.
Understand the terms and conditions associated with the savings card. There may be limitations on how long you can use the card or a maximum savings amount.
You should discuss these medications and savings options with your healthcare provider as they can offer advice tailored to your health needs and financial situation.