Losing weight with injections, does it really work?

Weight-loss injections are medicines that you administer by injection and that help you lose weight. You can only get them on prescription.

These medicines, also known as GLP-1 medication, were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but are also used to supportweight loss.

They mimic a natural hormone, which makes you feel full so that you eat less.

Important to realise:weight-loss injections are medicines, not supplements. They can cause side effects and should only be used in consultation with a registered doctor.

Injecting medicines to lose weight can have several benefits [1]:

• Reduced appetite
  This makes it easier to take in fewer calories.

• Long-term weight loss
  Especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

In addition, you generally lose significantly more weight if you use these injections and adjust your diet and physical activity [2].

Not everyone can use an injection to lose weight. They are usually prescribed to people with:

• A BMI above 30 (obesity).

• A BMI above 27 with health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

One reason not everyone can use them is that these are not cosmetic slimming products. They were developed for medically necessary weight loss, not as an aid for people who want to lose a few kilos.

We also want to stress that, even in the case of obesity, the injections are no miracle cure. How well they work depends on a healthy lifestyle.

Most people inject the weight-loss injection into the abdomen, because it’s easy to reach. But you can also inject into your:

• Outer thighs

• Upper buttocks

There are various types of weight-loss injections, which we explain for you below.

Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) – weekly injection that reduces appetite

Semaglutide supports your weight loss by suppressing your appetite and regulating your blood sugar levels better. This medicine is available under two brand names:

1. Wegovy
   Specially developed for weight loss. This weekly injection is approved for people with obesity (BMI of 30+) or a BMI of 27+ with health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure [3].

2. Ozempic
   Officially intended for people with type 2 diabetes, but prescribed off-label for weight loss (off-label means a medicine is prescribed for a different condition, dose or patient group than the one it was officially approved for).

Research in 2022 showed that Wegovy is more effective than Saxenda (discussed below) for weight loss and that it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes and overweight [4].

Liraglutide (Saxenda) – daily injection that works in a similar way to semaglutide

Like semaglutide, liraglutide stimulates insulin production and reduces your appetite. This medicine is available as:

1. Saxenda
   Approved for weight loss in people aged 12* and over with overweight or obesity.

*Wellis applies a minimum age of 18.

What does the science say?

A study from 2022 showed that participants achieved an average weight loss of 9.2% with liraglutide after 4 months [5].

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) – newest and possibly most powerful option

Mounjarois a newer, powerful weight-loss injection with a dual action. It activates two natural processes in your body at the same time. It stimulates both GLP-1 and GIP. These two substances help regulate your blood sugar and appetite.

Other medicines, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, activate GLP-1 only. Because Mounjaro switches on both processes, it often delivers better results for weight loss and blood sugar control [6]. It is approved for people with type 2 diabetes and for the treatment of overweight.

Promising results

• Research shows that people on tirzepatide can lose more than 20% of their body weight in 18 months [7].

• In recent studies, tirzepatide appears to be possibly even more effective than semaglutide, but there is no direct comparison yet [8].

Which weight-loss injection suits you?

Which medicine is best for you to inject to lose weight depends on your goals and personal situation.

For instance, with Wegovy you can build up to a higher dose than with Ozempic, Mounjaro offers the best results, but Ozempic and Saxenda are less expensive.

A doctor will assess with you which medicine is most suitable for you.

Like all medicines, weight-loss injections can causeside effects. Often the side effects lessen or disappear as your body gets used to the medicine.

Possible side effects of GLP-1 medication are [9]:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Dizziness

• Rapid heartbeat

• Headache

• Stomach complaints

In rare cases, long-term use can increase the risk of thyroid cancer [10].

Seek medical help if you experience severe abdominal pain, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

The price varies per medicine, dose and provider.

These are the prices per four weeks at Wellis:

• Ozempic – from €179

• Saxenda – from €399

• Wegovy – from €449

Mounjaro:

• 2.5 mg – €359

• 5 mg – €359

• 7.5 mg – €449

• 10 mg – €449

• 12.5 mg – €579

• 15 mg – €579

Although medical weight loss with injections can be effective, there are also downsides and risks involved.

• Side effects
  You may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation.

• High costs
  The medicines are expensive and are often not reimbursed by health insurance.

• Long-term use
  Many people experience weight gain afterstopping the medication, which means long-term use will usually be necessary.

Consider these factors carefully and discuss with a doctor whether this treatment is suitable for your situation.

Don’t want to inject medicines to lose weight? Then look at other methods, for example:

• A healthy, natural and wholesome diet that is rich inproteinand other essential nutrients.

• Regular physical activity to burn calories and build and maintain muscle mass.

• Behavioural therapy and coaching, such as support with emotional eating.

• Surgery such as a gastric reduction (in severe cases).

Weight-loss injections can be an effective aid if you want to lose weight. There are various options, of which semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide are the main ones.

The injections are medicines and not supplements. That means they can’t be used by everyone, and they come with downsides such as side effects and high costs.

Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda and Mounjaro differ, among other things in strength. A doctor assesses whether, and which, medication is suitable for you.

The injections are no magic solution. They work best in combination with a healthy lifestyle.

Curious whether you’re eligible for losing weight with injections? Fill inour short questionnaireand find out straight away.

How do weight-loss injections work?

Weight-loss injections, such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), liraglutide (Saxenda) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), mimic a natural hormone that suppresses your appetite and stabilises your blood sugar levels. This helps you eat less and ultimately lose weight.

Who are weight-loss injections suitable for?

The injections can be prescribed to:

• People with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher).

• People with overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) and additional health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Which weight-loss injection is the most effective?

Effectiveness varies from person to person and depends among other things on your lifestyle. Mounjaro is the newest option and is possibly more effective than the other injections.

Are weight-loss injections safe?

Weight-loss injections are approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and are considered safe when used correctly. They can cause side effects, such as nausea, diarrhoea and headache. Always consult a doctor before you start.

How quickly do you see results?

Many people notice a reduced appetite within a few weeks. On average, you lose 10-20% of your body weight with semaglutide or tirzepatide within 12-18 months, depending on your lifestyle.

Do I need to change my diet and lifestyle?

Yes. Weight-loss injections work best in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, but an aid.

How do you use a weight-loss injection?

You administer the injection under the skin in your:

• Abdomen

• Upper arms

• Thigh

• Buttocks

Most people choose the abdomen, because it’s convenient.

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea

• Dizziness

• Changes in bowel movements

• Reduced appetite

In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur. Contact a doctor if you have persistent complaints.

Are weight-loss injections reimbursed by health insurance?

No, the medicines are not reimbursed, unless you meet specific medical criteria. Check with your health insurer what the options are.

Can I stop the injections once I’ve reached my target weight?

If you stop without having changed your lifestyle, the kilos will most likely come back on. A long-term treatment plan and tapering off slowly under the guidance of a doctor helps you maintain your weight loss.

Are there alternatives to weight-loss injections?

Yes, other weight-loss methods are:

• A healthy lifestyle with a wholesome diet and enough physical activity

• Behavioural therapy

• Surgical procedures such as a gastric reduction (only for severe overweight)