Weight Loss Injections

Lipotropic injections are supplements used for fat loss. These are considered to complement other aspects of a weight loss regimen, including exercise and a low-calorie diet.

The injections most often contain vitamin B12, which is considered very safe even in large quantities. However, lipotropic injections used alone without any weight loss plan may not be safe for everyone.

While there’s a lot of hype regarding B12 and mixed-ingredient lipotropic injections, these aren’t even a guarantee for everyone, nor are they completely risk-free.

They also aren’t even used in the same way prescription and over-the-counter medications are. Always talk to a trained and experienced doctor before getting lipotropic injections for weight loss.

Lipotropic injections procedure

These injectables consist of several vitamins, nutrients, and other ingredients mainly used to help in fast weight loss. Some of the very common ingredients in these shots are:

vitamin B-12
vitamin B-6

vitamin B complex
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
L-carnitine
phentermine
MIC (methionine, inositol, and choline)

The shots may be injected in the arm or other areas containing more subcutaneous fatty tissues, like the thigh, abdomen, or buttocks.

Lipotropics are mainly used in medical spas and weight loss clinics, along with a proper diet and exercise plan. The providers may or may not be medical professional doctors, so it’s vital to check the credentials of any provider before undergoing any lipotropic treatment plan from them.

Some doctors may also recommend single-ingredient shots, such as vitamin B-12, but these are mainly intended for people who have a deficiency in that nutrient.

Lipotropic injections frequency

If your weight loss plan has these injections, your doctor will administer them weekly. Some experts might recommend you B-12 shots up to 2 times per week for energy and fat metabolism.

Some doctors may recommend B-12 injections if you’re having an overall deficiency of this micronutrient. In such cases, you may be prescribed to take B-12 injections at home a couple of times per week, or as directed by your doctor.

Lipotropic injections dosage

The exact dosage of your injections will depend on the ingredients being used. In one clinical trial assessing the efficacy of phentermine and vitamin B-12 for weight loss, vitamin B-12 injections were used as the sole ingredient of 1,000 mg per week.

Regardless of the dosage, your practitioner will likely suggest weekly shots for a few weeks. This may be for a few months at a time or until you are able to reach your weight loss goal.

Weight loss injection's side effects

A reputable practitioner will look for all the risks and side effects of these shots. The specific kind of risks often depends on the ingredients being used in the injections. For example, Vitamin B12, B16, and BCAAs aren’t harmful in large doses. Your body can excrete any excessive amounts of these components through the urine.

Other ingredients, especially drugs like phentermine, could potentially cause side effects like:

anxiety
constipation
diarrhoea
dry mouth
fatigue
incontinence
increase in heart rate
insomnia
numbness in feet or hands

Call your doctor if any of these symptoms show, or if they get worse. They might stop your lipotropic or switch the components being used. You’ll also want to avoid phentermine if you have problems like anxiety, cardiovascular issues, or thyroid disease.

It’s also possible to have side effects that may affect your overall weight loss programs. Some weight loss clinics recommend these shots in conjunction with a very low-calorie diet. When you’re not taking in many calories, you may experience:

extreme fatigue
gastrointestinal upset
hunger pangs
irritability
jitteriness
lightheadedness

Do lipotropic injections work?

The science behind these is mixed. Clinical studies on Lipotropics and obesity have remained indecisive. Also, according to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin shots such as B12 haven’t been proven to be effective in weight loss management as they don’t provide the promised metabolic boost that many practitioners.

If you do lose some weight from the injections, this is likely mainly due to your overall weight loss program than to the shots alone.

Safe and effective weight loss alternatives

While some evidence suggests these injections might work with other weight loss methods, it’s vital to implement these steps from the very start. Your doctor is your primary source of advice on your weight loss goals, as every individual's situation is different.

True weight loss plans usually help to implement the following measures:

a steady weight loss of one to two pounds each week, which includes eating habits
getting enough sleep — 7-9 hours is considered adequate for most the adults
stress management
regular exercise is a must
regular check-ins with a doctor or dietitian
cutting down on sugars and processed foods
drinking more water

If your doctor feels it’s a good idea for you to get injections, they will likely make sure you’re following the weight loss methods mentioned above first.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, adults who are obese need to lose 5 to 10 per cent of their body weight within 6 months to have long-term success.

Take Away

Lipotropic injections could promote fat loss in the body, but these aren’t bulletproof shots. But they only work when combined with a healthy lifestyle that helps to enhance weight loss.

While the shots aren’t necessarily dangerous, there’s no surety that they’ll help you lose weight, either. Always consult with a doctor before taking any shots — especially if you’re already having nutritional supplements.