Since the 1960s, the population of the United States has been growing, and not just in the number of its residents. Obesity is a major problem all over the United States, to the point that nearly 40% of adults in the country are obese. Yet we’re a country that is obsessed with weight loss solutions, diet fads, and exercise gimmicks.
But the truth is most exercise gimmicks don’t work and fad diets are impossible to stick to. Lap band surgeries can be rough on the body and too intense for some patients. Science proves time and again that eating a proper diet and getting enough of the right types of exercise are the healthiest and most effective ways to achieve and maintain optimal weight. But some people still can’t lose weight following these time-proven basics. Some people just need more help.
That’s where lipotropic injections can be especially beneficial. Lipotropic injections are manufactured using a combination of certain ingredients that are specially designed to help accelerate weight loss.
While these injections have been around for some time, there remain a lot of misconceptions about them. In this post, we will take a deeper dive into lipotropic injections to help demystify them and give you a better idea of what to expect from them.
Different Types of Lipotropic Injections Available
In the world of weight loss injections, things can get a little complex because there are a variety of different solutions out there and yet they all get categorized under a “skinny shot” umbrella. For instance, some lipotropic injections are known as Lipo-B and others are known as Lipo-C. Then there are pharmaceutical weight loss injections like semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide.
How these injections work can differ greatly because they each have different ingredients and as a result, they’re used for different purposes. Here’s a breakdown to give you a better understanding of each type.
Lipo-B Injections: Lipo-B injections contain certain compounds like methionine, inositol, and choline, that are designed to help increase metabolism and release fat deposits stored in certain parts of the body, especially the liver. This type of injection also contains vitamin B12 which helps preserve muscle mass.
Lipo-C Injections: Lipo-C injections contain many ingredients similar to Lipo-B injections but they also contain vitamins B1, B6, and B5, as well as L-Carnitine, the amino acid which transports fatty acids into the mitochondria.
Semaglutide: Semaglutide is a pharmaceutical drug that was originally designed to treat people diagnosed with type-2 diabetes and/or who are at risk of cardiovascular problems. It works for weight loss because it is an appetite suppressant. Not all semaglutide products contain lipotropic, but those that do can be considered lipotropic injections.
Liraglutide: Liraglutide is similar to semaglutide in that it is an appetite suppressant designed to help patients manage diabetes. It is also used off-label as a weight loss drug.
Tirzepatide: Tirzepatide is FDA-approved to help people with diabetes regulate their blood sugar. It works by slowing down the digestion process, which helps users feel fuller for longer periods.
Similar to semaglutide, both liraglutide, and tirzepatide may or may not include lipotropic agents in their formulations.
Exploring the Benefits and Potential Side Effects of Lipotropic Injections
Lipotropic injections are incredibly proficient at helping people lose weight because they work by boosting the metabolism and helping their bodies burn fat more effectively. Additional benefits of these injections can include:
- Increases energy levels
- Makes you feel less tired
- Helps maintain healthy liver function
- Fortifies the liver against disease
Because these injections are made up of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and other natural ingredients, the risk of side effects is considerably lower than pharmaceutical lipotropic injections.
In general, the most common side effect reported with Lipo-B and Lipo-C shots is mild discomfort at the injection site. However, as with anything that is being introduced to the body, there is always the risk of an allergic reaction or an interaction with certain medications. Discussing this information with your medical provider will help reduce these risks.
Pharmaceutical weight loss injections can also help users lose a lot of weight, but their potential for risks is also much higher. The following are some of the known side effects that can result from using these drugs:
Potential Side Effects of Semaglutide
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Gassiness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Stomach distension (bloating)
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
Potential Side Effects of Liraglutide
- Appetite changes
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gallbladder disease
- Headache
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Indigestion
- Injection-site reactions such as discomfort, lumps under the skin, redness, or swelling
- Kidney problems
- Nausea
- Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
- Thyroid cancer
- Vomiting
Potential Side Effects of Tirzepatide
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Facial changes, such as the face looking thinner or older
- Fatigue
- Gallbladder disease
- Hair loss
- Hypoglycemia
- Kidney damage
- Nausea
- Pancreatitis
- Rebound weight gain
- Stomach pain
- Thyroid tumors
- Vivid dreams
- Vomiting
Identifying Ideal Candidates for Lipotropic Injections
The best candidates for lipotropic injections are overweight, but otherwise healthy men and women who would like to burn stubborn fat, lose more weight, and achieve better results from their diet and exercise regimens. If you are having a problem controlling your appetite or your body has a slow metabolism, you can benefit from this treatment as long as you make it part of a healthy weight loss plan that includes eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
The ideal candidates for the pharmaceutical lipotropic injections are patients who are diagnosed with type-2 diabetes or another qualifying chronic condition or are considered at high risk for certain cardiovascular problems. These injections are only available with a doctor’s prescription.
Discussing the Administration Process and Dosage Guidelines
Like their ingredients, the administration process and dosage guidelines for lipotropic injections can also differ. For Lipo-B and Lipo-C injections, the dosage and administration guidelines are customized for each individual because not every person has the same weight loss needs or goals.
While most people will see outstanding results with weekly injections, others may require two or even three injections per week to spark their metabolism and increase their energy, especially if they suffer from nutrient deficiencies. Plus, an individual’s age, overall health, and lifestyle can impact their dosage and administration.
As for pharmaceutical injections, physicians tend to start their patients out on the lowest dose available because of their potential for serious side effects. As the patient gets accustomed to the drug, which is injected every week, their physician will gradually increase their dosage over the coming months.
Outlining the Expected Results and Timeline for Weight Loss with Lipotropic Injections
One of the most important factors to know about when considering lipotropic injections is their expected timeline for weight loss results. After all, you want to know how long it takes for these products to work, so you can keep your expectations realistic.
With Lipo-B and Lipo-C injections, the fat-burning compounds will start acting on your body immediately, however; the most noticeable benefits become visible about 30 days after beginning your treatment. These injections are designed to help activate a sluggish metabolism and start the body’s natural fat-burning process. As a result, they are not designed for long-term use, but should only be used as part of a healthy diet and exercise plan to help initiate weight loss.
With pharmaceutical injections, the timetable can be considerably longer because, unlike Lipo-B and Lipo-C shots, these drugs will need to be taken for the rest of the patient’s life. Since the starting dosages are low, and because weight loss is not their original intended use, it can take months before the patient starts seeing noticeable weight loss results.
If you want to learn more about lipotropic injections or are looking for a reliable provider for your Office, Clinic, MedSpa, Wellness Center, or Weight-Loss Clinic, then contact National Medical Resources, Inc. today. We can help you establish your program.