Losing weight is not just about your appearance. It is also about how you feel in your body. Slimming down can help you feel strong, confident, and more in control of your life. It also comes with more social capital, as your weight impacts how people perceive you. As you age and life gets busier, your metabolism changes. This makes it much harder to lose weight. Weight gain can make everyday tasks difficult. Going up a few flights of stairs or walking around the theme park can feel exhausting. Many people want to lose weight but do not have the time to spend hours in the gym. Following a restrictive diet also takes time and mental space. However, some treatments can make weight loss more achievable. You may wonder, how safe are weight loss injections?
How Safe Are Weight Loss Injections?
As you gain weight, it can seem insurmountable to reverse the number on the scale. Fad diets and working out are not as easy and effective as they used to be. Research shows that excess weight can harm your health. It can lead to chronic conditions and make life much more difficult now and in the future. Weight loss injections are not only safe, but they are also very effective.
Medical Supervision
Patients are carefully evaluated before starting weight loss injections. This is essential as an experienced medical provider oversees your progress. Some patients experience side effects. Common issues include nausea, fatigue, headaches, and digestive upset. These are generally short-term, as your body naturally adjusts to the medication. Your provider can adjust your dosage as needed depending on how your body reacts. This ensures the injections are safe and effective.
FDA Approved
Weight loss medications have been approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. Common weight loss injection medications include Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. These medications mimic a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. This hormone is helpful for weight loss as it signals fullness. This helps control your appetite and support weight loss. When paired with a balanced diet and regular exercise, patients can safely lose weight.
Clinical Evidence
Research has shown that weight loss injections are safe and effective. This is when they are used under medical supervision. In fact, patients can lose up to 15% of their body weight over time, compared with lifestyle changes alone. Medication is a powerful tool for safely and effectively losing weight. Backed by extensive research, patients can feel confident using weight loss injections.
Are Weight Loss Injections Right for Me?
Whether weight loss injections are right for you is a personal decision. If you have gained weight and are unhappy with how you look and feel, they can be an effective treatment option. It is important to consult a medical provider to determine whether you are a good candidate for treatment.
Weight and Overall Health
Patients who have weight to lose are great candidates for treatment. This generally includes those with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 with a weight-related condition. However, you should consult with a provider at the top plastic surgery center specifically about your weight and overall goals. If excess weight impacts your health, you may be a good candidate.
Lifestyle Changes
Research suggests that weight loss is most effective when paired with lifestyle changes. This includes maintaining a balanced diet filled with nutrient-dense foods. Patients benefit from eating lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Regular exercise is also essential for weight management. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. Committing to these lifestyle changes ensures that you get the best results from the medication.
Difficulty Losing Weight
Many people struggle with weight loss. This may be due to natural aging and a slowing of their metabolism. It may also be due to a busy lifestyle that does not accommodate an intense workout schedule and diet. If you have tried making lifestyle changes through diet and exercise but cannot lose weight, weight-loss injections may be right for you.
Weight loss injections can give your body the boost it needs to shed those unwanted pounds. The medication does work best when paired with diet and exercise. However, the diet does not have to be extremely restrictive. The exercise regimen does not have to be intense. A balanced diet paired with moderate exercise is enough to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Certain Medical Conditions
Patients with certain medical conditions can benefit significantly from weight-loss injections. If you have Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, medication can offer additional benefits beyond weight loss. The medication also supports better blood sugar control and overall metabolic health. This is a great alternative for patients who have not found success with other medications.
Schedule Your Consultation
Patients who are ready to lose weight should schedule a consultation. A weight loss specialist will review your current health and medical history. Labs may be taken to assess your health. Be prepared to discuss your weight-loss goals so the weight-loss provider understands them and your expectations. If you are a good candidate for treatment, a customized treatment plan will be designed based on your needs.
It is common to have weekly injections. In many cases, you will start on a low dose to manage any potential side effects. This allows your body to adapt to the medication more easily. From there, dosage adjustments occur if you are responding well to the medication. In addition to the medication, a plan for diet and lifestyle changes is also a part of the process. You will be monitored throughout treatment to ensure you are getting the most out of it. This includes follow-up appointments and labs to document your progress.
Top Plastic Surgery Center
If you are ready to make changes to your weight, contact the team at Leyngold Institute for Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!