Weight Loss Injections In Stomach Once A Week - Best GLP-1 Injection For Losing Weight 2023

2023 has most definitely been the year when weight loss injections in the stomach have dominated the industry. Currently, the most effective injection to lose weight is Mounjaro by all accounts, but there are some new weight loss drug treatments in the final stage of clinical trials that could make 2024 interesting.

This article reviews the current best weight loss injections (in the abdomen) and describes how to use them, how much weight you can lose and where to obtain them.

Natural Alternatives to Stomach Injections for Weight loss

Weight loss injections can lead to side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gallstones. They may interact with other medications or health conditions unknown to the user. Injections are also expensive, often costing hundreds per month out of pocket.

When stopped, weight regain is common as the body's chemistry returns to baseline. Known as the "yo-yo" or "bounce back" effect, hormonal changes that promote weight loss and appetite suppression will reverse, while lifestyle habits may also backslide into old routines.

For these reasons natural alternatives are often preferred - here are the leading natural OTC alternatives that are highly recommended.

#1 - PhenQ - Natural Appetite Suppressant and Fat Burner

CLICK to view PhenQ website and view price and availability

PhenQ is an oral supplement for losing weight naturally containing ingredients like capsimax powder, caffeine, and calcium carbonate. It claims to work through several mechanisms to support fat burning and appetite suppression. PhenQ may be a cheaper and safer alternative to prescription weight loss injections.

Unlike injections that target specific hormone pathways or require administration by a doctor, PhenQ can be purchased online without a prescription. The capsules are said to increase fat breakdown, block fat production, improve mood, boost energy, and reduce hunger pangs. PhenQ's active ingredients are generally recognized as safe, with few reported side effects.

CLICK to view PhenQ website and view price and availability

#2 - Zotrim - Herbal Hunger Suppressant

CLICK to view Zotrim website and view price and availability

Zotrim is a clinically proven dietary supplement to curb hunger cravings containing yerba mate, guarana, and damiana leaf extract. It is said to reduce appetite and food intake, leading to weight loss over time. Zotrim comes in tablet form and is available for purchase online without a prescription.

Zotrim claims its natural ingredients produce a thermogenic effect to increase fat burning, provide an energy boost, regulate blood sugar, and curb hunger. The yerba mate and guarana contain caffeine, which may temporarily increase metabolism and alertness.

CLICK to view Zotrim website and view price and availability

Ozempic Weight loss Injections

Ozempic is an injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, but may also reduce BMI and body fat. It contains semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that stimulates insulin production and appetite regulation. Use Ozempic for weight loss by injecting once weekly into the stomach, with doses increasing from 0.25 mg to 1 mg. In studies, people lost 3-8% of their body weight over 6-12 months. Weight loss depends on factors like diet, activity and starting initial weight. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite.

Wegovy Injections to Lose Weight

Wegovy is a higher-dose semaglutide injection specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. It is used along with diet and exercise, and can lead to average weight loss of 12-15% over 68 weeks. Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg weekly, increasing to 2.4 mg. Wegovy is administered into the abdomen and works by affecting areas of the brain involved in hunger and food intake. Side effects are similar to Ozempic, mostly temporary nausea and diarrhea. Wegovy should only be used under medical supervision.

Mounjaro Weight Loss Treatment

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and body weight reduction. It is the latest drug treatment to gain FDA approval for weight reduction. It is once weekly injection, with doses of 2.5 mg to 20 mg. Mounjaro can lower A1C and promote weight loss of 3-22% when combined with lifestyle changes. Common side effects include nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea and constipation. Mounjaro stimulates insulin, reduces blood sugar and impacts appetite. Weight loss depends on dosage, diet and exercise.

Saxenda Injection

Saxenda has liraglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, for obesity. It is injected daily into the lower abdomen, ramping up to 3 mg. In trials, Saxenda led to 3-8% weight loss over 56 weeks, up to 15-20% for some. It works by affecting the brain's appetite center and insulin production. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, gallstones and pancreatitis. Saxenda is for long-term use with diet/ exercise.

Trulicity Injection

Trulicity has dulaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. It leads to average weight loss of 2-5% over treatment. Trulicity starts at 0.75 mg weekly, increasing to 3 mg. Trulicity is an injectable weight reduction treatment gven by jab into the stomach. It stimulates insulin and appetite regulation. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Trulicity may promote modest weight loss, but lifestyle changes are still needed.

Victoza Weight Loss Medication

Victoza has liraglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, to improve blood sugar control in diabetes. When used as directed, it can produce weight loss of 3-5% over 6-12 months. Victoza starts at 0.6 mg daily, rising to 1.8 mg. It works like other GLP-1 drugs. Victoza may cause nausea, diarrhea, high blood pressure, pancreatitis and gallstones. Weight loss is a potential benefit, but Victoza only treats diabetes - diet and exercise remain essential.

Botulinum Toxin Injections

Botulinum toxin injections, like Botox injections, are not approved for weight loss. They work by paralyzing muscles to reduce wrinkles or migraines. Some clinics claim botulinum injections in the stomach muscles can slim and tone the area, but there is little evidence to support this. Side effects may include pain, bruising, numbness and muscle weakness. Botox requires repeat injections to maintain any changes.

Peptide Injections for Obesity

Peptide injections for obesity typically contain growth hormone-releasing compounds like AOD9604 or GHRP6. Their safety and effectiveness are unclear, and they are not FDA approved for weight loss. Some clinics and supplement companies claim peptides can burn fat, increase lean muscle and reduce appetite. But according to studies, weight loss is minimal and the potential risks include joint pain, cardiac issues and abnormal organ growth.

HCG Injections

contain the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hormone, only proven safe during pregnancy. But its use for weight loss is not FDA approved and side effects may include headache, fatigue and inflammation. Many clinics advertise weight loss without dieting or exercise, but studies show HCG injections have no effect. It is illegal for over-the-counter sales, and many reported vendors are illegal or scams.

Lipotropic Injections for Weight loss

Lipotropic injections claim to boost fat metabolism and liver function, but lack evidence for direct weight loss. The shots contain methionine, inositol, choline, and B vitamins which proponents say support fat breakdown and insulin balance. However, video reviews and reports show little significant weight loss. The injections are not FDA approved and may cause side effects like nausea, digestive issues, nerve pain, and interactions with medications.

In summary, additional options like botulinum toxin injections, peptides, HCG shots or lipotropics are not proven or approved for safe or effective weight loss. They are often marketed as miracle cures, but science does not support the claims.

These injections may be illegal, dangerous or simply ineffective, depending on the particular type. The only medically-approved weight loss injections remain prescription medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Wegovy and Saxenda, used under medical supervision for chronic obesity along with diet and exercise. Lifestyle changes ultimately drive real success. For safe and sustainable weight loss, trust your doctor and evidence-based solutions.

Why Injections for Weight Loss in the Stomach?

Weight loss injections, like Ozempic, Saxenda and Wegovy, are typically administered in the abdomen (stomach area) for several reasons:

Abdominal fat is easy to grasp and inject into. The abdomen provides an easy area to grasp a fold of skin and fat to administer the injection. This makes the injection process simpler and less painful for most people.
Abdominal fat absorbs injections well. The fat tissue in the abdomen readily absorbs injectable medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight loss. This allows for good absorption and activity of the drug.
There are few nerves in abdominal fat. The abdomen has relatively few pain-sensing nerves in the fat tissue. This makes injections into the abdomen less painful for most people compared to areas with more nerves.
There is little chance of hitting muscle or bone. The abdomen provides a thick layer of fat and tissue, with little chance of accidentally injecting into muscle or near bone. This avoids potential damage or unintended effects.
Easy to vary injection sites. The abdomen offers multiple possible injection sites, so people can rotate where they do their weekly injection. This helps avoid irritation, scarring or lipohypertrophy (lumps) from repeatedly injecting in the exact same spot.
Convenient location. The abdomen is a convenient part of the body for self-injecting or having another person administer the injection when needed. It does not require twisting or difficult maneuvering to access.

While the abdomen is the recommended and most common location, weight loss injections can also be administered in the thigh or upper arm if needed. However, these areas may be more difficult or painful for some people. The specific injection technique and location should be discussed with your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure proper administration and best results.

How to Use Stomach Injections for Weight Loss

Here are the usage instructions for injecting Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro - the 3 most popular injectable weight loss injections into the stomach.

How to Use Ozempic Shots:

Ozempic comes in a prefilled pen device. Each pen contains 4 weeks of medication.

The recommended starting dose is 0.25 mg injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once per week. The dose can be increased to 0.5 mg and 1 mg per week based on your doctor's recommendations.

Ozempic should be injected at the same time each week, with or without meals. The injection site should be rotated between the abdomen, thigh and upper arm.

To inject Ozempic, clean the injection site, pinch the skin to create a firm surface, place the needle into the fat at a 90 degree angle, press the injection button until you hear a click, wait 6 seconds and remove the needle.

Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. These tend to lessen over time or after titrating to higher doses. There may be stomach discomfort on the injection site.

Wegovy Shots Usage Instructions:

Wegovy comes in a prefilled pen containing 4 weekly doses. The starting dose is 0.25 mg per week, increasing to 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg based on tolerance and weight loss response.

Wegovy should be injected once weekly at the same time into areas with fatty tissue, such as the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. The injection site should be rotated with each dose.

To inject, clean the area, grasp the fatty tissue, insert the needle and press the button until you hear a click. Hold for 6 seconds, then withdraw the needle.

Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and decreased appetite. These often subside over weeks of use or after titrating to higher doses.

Mounjaro Jabs - How to Use:

Mounjaro comes in prefilled pens providing doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg or 20 mg per week based on your doctor's prescription.

Inject Mounjaro once weekly under the skin in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm at the same time each week. Rotate injection sites with each dose.

To inject, wipe the area with alcohol, grasp the fat firmly, insert the needle at a 90 degree angle and press the injection button until a click is heard. Hold for 10 seconds, then remove the needle.

Common side effects may include nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation. These tend to lessen over time but can contribute to weight loss. Severe side effects may include pancreatitis or gallbladder problems.

Always follow the instructions provided with your specific medication and from your doctor. Let your healthcare team know if you have any side effects or questions about injecting properly. They can provide guidance to ensure you get the most benefit from your weight loss treatment.

New Drug Treatments for Weight Management Available in 2024

GEP44 and Retatrutide are two new drug treatments for to lose weight still in clinical trials that may be approved in 2023 or the coming years:

GEP44 contains semaglutide, the same GLP-1 receptor agonist as Ozempic and Wegovy, but in a new extended-release formula. In studies, GEP44 led to average weight loss of 17.8% over 68 weeks. It involves a single high dose stomach injection given once monthly or less often. GEP44 stimulates insulin, slows digestion and reduces appetite. It may cause similar side effects as Ozempic like nausea, but less often due to slower release. If approved, GEP44 could provide an easier option for weight management.

Retatrutide is a new triple hormone agonist that activates GLP-1, glucagon and GIP receptors involved in blood sugar control and hunger/fullness cues. In trials, Retatrutide contributed to average weight loss of 22.5% over 24 weeks without major side effects. It is injected under the skin once weekly. Retatrutide impacts multiple hormonal pathways to significantly reduce appetite and calorie intake (by using a reduced calorie diet). Some nausea or diarrhea may occur. If approved, Retatrutide could become the most effective weight loss injection available.

Both GEP44 and Retatrutide show promise for greater Body Mass Index reduction with less frequent or intense treatment through new mechanisms of action. However, injections may not suit everyone, and diet/exercise are still required for success. The drugs remain in development, so additional studies are needed to confirm safety, efficacy and determine cost before potential approval.

Other treatments on the horizon include orbicules, implantable gastric pacemakers, gut hormones, and combination of multiple weight loss drugs. New options aim to enhance current approaches by maximizing effectiveness, minimizing side effects, and allowing for increasingly individualized care based on health needs and personal factors.

The future appears hopeful for people struggling with obesity and their body weight. Medical advancements continue progress toward better understanding weight regulation and how to treat it for the long run. By partnering with your doctor, you can stay up to date on innovations to come, determine what may benefit you, and develop a comprehensive plan for wellness success over time. The journey ahead remains optimistic.

Best GLP-1 Stomach Injection to Lose Weight Summary

Although administering injectable drugs into the stomach wall may appear to be the answer to many peoples weight management dreams - the high cost, side effects and difficulty in obtaining are major negatives.

Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.