GLP-1 Injections for Weight Loss: What to Expect and Who Qualifies

Being obese or overweight can raise your risk for Type 2 diabetes and other health problems. Obesity is a chronic condition in which you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Eating healthy and staying active are important, but they aren’t always enough for lasting weight loss. That’s where GLP-1 injections, also called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Many people lose a lot of weight with this therapy, which is now a common treatment for both obesity and Type 2 diabetes. But when their doctor recommends it, many people ask: are GLP-1 injections right for me? Setting expectations and understanding eligibility is important.

Let’s take a closer look at how these injections work for weight loss and who qualifies for them.

What are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?

These are medications that supress appetite by acting like a natural hormone in your body that helps control blood sugar and makes you feel full longer. Key anti-obesity drugs include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

These medications slow down the rate at which food empties from the stomach, contributing to feelings of fullness. By reducing your appetite, food intake and hunger, these medications make you eat less, effectively supporting your weight loss journey.

How do These Injections Work to Reduce Weight?

This is a subcutaneous injection, meaning that it is injected in the fat tissue just below the skin. Injection sites include the belly, thighs, upper buttocks, and the backs of the arms. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on when to take your injection. As this schedule is carefully tailored to your medical needs, it’s essential to strictly adhere to the timing and dosage guidance.

For instance, some medications are administered once weekly, while others require more frequent dosing to maintain consistent levels of the drug in your bloodstream. The timing-morning or evening, with or without food-can also impact how effectively your body absorbs the medication and how well it works.

What to Expect after Starting the Therapy?

Here’s a week-by-week breakdown of the effects of these appetite suppression injections:

• Week 1: You may begin to notice changes in your appetite, such as feeling full more quickly or experiencing shifts in hunger patterns. Mild nausea or fatigue is common in this stage.
• Week 2: Energy levels usually begin to stabilize, and changes in appetite become easier to manage. You may begin to find smaller meals more satisfying.
• Week 3: Many individuals report improved appetite control and feeling full with less food.
• Week 4: By the end of the first month, side effects often diminish. After assessing your progress, your healthcare provider may recommend a dosage adjustment if appropriate.

The benefits of these FDA-approved injections for weight reduction are:

• Reduced weight
• Improved blood sugar levels
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced risk of serious cardiovascular conditions like strokes and heart attacks.

It’s important to be aware of their risks too. While GLP-1 injections may cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and fatigue, these side effects usually occur when you start the medication or if you’re taking a higher dose.

When it comes to weight reduction from these injections, patience is key. Results typically develop gradually. For the best outcome, it’s essential to combine the medication with a healthy diet and consistent physical activity.

Who Qualifies for these Weight Loss Medications?

These injections are FDA-approved for weight loss in individuals who meet certain criteria and when they are used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications. These injections can benefit individuals who:

• Are overweight with weight-related health conditions:
• Have a BMI between 27 and 29.9 and at least one weight-related health problem, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and heart disease.
• Have tried but failed to achieve significant weight loss through diet and exercise.
• Are committed to making lifestyle modifications with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
• Are evaluated by a healthcare provider and determined a good candidate for these appetite-control injections.

Who Might not be a Good Candidate?

Always discuss your full medical history with your doctor before starting GLP-1 treatment. These hormonal appetite suppressant injections are not recommended for individuals who:

• Have a history of medullary thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or MEN2.
• Have severe digestive issues
• Are pregnant and breastfeeding
• Are allergic to the medication or any of its ingredients.

Consult an Expert

Plastic surgery clinics in New York that offer non-invasive treatments now also provide GLP-1 injections. If you’re considering medical weight reduction, talk to your doctor to find out if you’re a good candidate. While side effects are possible, the benefits-such as significant weight loss, improved metabolic health, and enhanced quality of life-make GLP-1 injections in NYC an effective option.