Are you considering phentermine and B12 shots to boost your weight loss journey? As a weight loss medication doctor, it's important to understand what to expect, the factors influencing your progress, and how to optimize your approach. While the desire to see the numbers on the scale decrease is understandable, weight loss is a highly individualized process. Let's delve into the research, consider the variables that impact weight loss, and learn how to set realistic expectations and optimize your journey with phentermine and B12 shots.
Average Weight Loss with Phentermine and B12 Shots
Studies indicate that when Phentermine is combined with a low-calorie diet and exercise, women experience an average weight loss of 3-6 lbs/month, while men see 5-8 lbs/month. While B12 is essential for energy metabolism, there's no conclusive evidence that B12 shots solely aid in weight loss.
Phentermine: Cutting Down the Cravings
Phentermine is a prescription drug that helps curb your appetite and is often prescribed to those who are significantly overweight and need a bit of extra help to get started. By reducing hunger, Phentermine makes it easier to stick to a low-calorie diet without feeling deprived.
B12 Shots: Boosting Your Energy
Vitamin B12 is essential for your body, playing a pivotal role in keeping your nerves and blood cells healthy. When taken as shots, B12 can significantly boost energy when cutting calories and might otherwise feel sluggish. Some people also believe that B12 can help speed up metabolism, aiding in weight loss.
Real-World Results: What People Are Seeing
Results can vary quite a bit from person to person, but here’s a general idea of what to expect:
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Initial Phase (First Month)
Most people see the most dramatic results in the first month. It’s common to lose between 5 and 10 pounds during this time. This rapid weight loss is mainly due to significantly reduced calorie intake and water weight loss.
Steady Progress (Following Months)
After the initial phase, the rate of weight loss typically slows down but remains steady. People tend to lose about 1 to 2 pounds per week, which can add up to a total loss of 15 to 30 pounds over three to six months.
Phentermine for Weight Loss: How it Works
Phentermine works primarily by suppressing your appetite. It belongs to a class of drugs called sympathomimetic amines, which are similar to amphetamines.
The Science Behind It: Appetite Suppression
Here’s how it works:
- Central Nervous System Stimulation: Phentermine stimulates the central nervous system, much like a stimulant. This leads to the release of certain chemicals in your brain that control appetite.
- Increased Levels of Neurotransmitters: The medication increases neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. These chemicals signal the brain that you’re full and reduce the feeling of hunger.
- Energy Boost: Phentermine stimulates the central nervous system, giving you more energy. This can help you feel more motivated to exercise, which is crucial to losing weight.
How Do B Vitamins Maximize Phentermine Weight Loss?
B vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin), are essential nutrients that play a critical role in energy production and metabolism.
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Energy Production
B vitamins are critical players in converting the food you eat into energy. They help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, ensuring your body has the energy to function correctly. This is especially important when you’re on a calorie-restricted diet and need to make the most of the nutrients you consume.
Metabolism Boost
Specific B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, are involved in metabolic processes that help your body burn calories more efficiently. A faster metabolism means you’ll burn more calories even at rest, aiding in weight loss.
Reducing Fatigue
Dieting can often lead to fatigue, making it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle. B vitamins, especially B12, are known for their energy-boosting properties. They can help combat the tiredness of calorie restriction, allowing you to stay active and burn more calories.
The Role of Individual B Vitamins
- B1 (Thiamine): Converts carbohydrates into glucose, providing energy for essential body functions.
- B2 (Riboflavin): Processes energy and amino acids, preventing unused energy from turning into fat. It also acts as an antioxidant, slowing down the aging process.
- B3 (Niacin): Releases energy from fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for proper use by the body.
- Vitamin B6: Reduces calorie intake and burns stored calories, promoting healthy glycogen to glucose conversion and boosting energy levels. It also aids digestion by helping the pancreas produce enzymes.
- Folate (B9): Involved in protein digestion and metabolism, maintaining insulin levels for efficient fat burning.
- Biotin (B7): Needed to metabolize proteins and fats for energy production and healthy skin and hair.
- Vitamin B-12: Affects the body’s metabolic, energy product, and fatty acid synthesis, which makes the body more efficient at converting food into energy and most importantly, burning fat.
Addressing Vitamin Deficiencies
According to a medical study analyzing the 2001-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, nearly 98% of American adults are lacking key vitamins. When the body is lacking certain vitamins, weight loss can be compromised. This is because supplements such as vitamin B-12 have been proven to boost weight loss received from using phentermine.
Importance of Regular B-12 Replacement
A water-soluble vitamin, B-12 is not stored in the body making it important that it is replaced on a regular basis. While one is on a weight loss journey with phentermine on a limited caloric diet and certain dietary restrictions, they may not receive their daily requirement of the vitamin. Without the proper quantity of B-12 in the body, some body processes may not be functioning well, which can lead to a sluggish metabolism and fatigue despite the stimulant effects of phentermine. This oftentimes even causes phentermine to even stop working. For this reason, many doctors prescribe B-12 when prescribing phentermine.
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Phentermine and B12 Shots’ Side Effects
While these treatments can be effective, understanding the risks can help you make an informed decision and manage any adverse effects if they arise.
Phentermine Side Effects
- Dry Mouth: Phentermine users frequently complain of persistent dry mouth. Drinking plenty of water can help alleviate this symptom.
- Insomnia: Since Phentermine stimulates the central nervous system, it can make falling or staying asleep difficult. Taking the medication earlier in the day might mitigate this.
- Increased Heart Rate: You might notice your heart beating faster than usual. This is a common reaction to the medication’s stimulant effects.
- Nervousness or Anxiety: Some users report feelings of restlessness, anxiety, or jitteriness.
Less Common but Serious Side Effects:
- Elevated Blood Pressure: Phentermine can significantly increase blood pressure. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is crucial.
- Heart Palpitations: Irregular or rapid heartbeats can occur, which can be concerning and require medical attention.
- Chest Pain: Any chest pain should be taken seriously and reported to a doctor immediately.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing can be a severe side effect that warrants immediate medical attention.
- Mood Changes: Some individuals may experience mood swings, irritability, or depression. These symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
B12 Shots Side Effects
- Pain at Injection Site: It’s normal to experience some pain, redness, or swelling where the injection was given. This usually resolves on its own within a few days.
- Mild Diarrhea: Some people might experience gastrointestinal discomfort, including diarrhea, after receiving B12 shots.
- Itching or Rash: Allergic reactions to B12 injections are rare but possible. Symptoms might include itching, rash, or hives.
- Dizziness or Headache: Some individuals report feeling dizzy or experiencing headaches after the injection.
- Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis): Although extremely rare, a severe allergic reaction can occur. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and a rapid heartbeat. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
Who Shouldn’t take Phentermine?
Phentermine can be a game-changer for many struggling with weight loss, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Certain health conditions, medications, and personal circumstances make it risky for some people.
Heart Conditions
Phentermine acts as a stimulant, elevating heart rate and blood pressure. This makes it particularly dangerous for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. If you have:
- Coronary Artery Disease: The added strain from Phentermine could increase the risk of a heart attack.
- Congestive Heart Failure: Phentermine can exacerbate symptoms by putting additional pressure on an already struggling heart.
- Severe Hypertension: High blood pressure is a serious risk factor, and Phentermine can worsen it, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.
Hyperthyroidism
People with hyperthyroidism already have an overactive thyroid gland, which accelerates metabolism and increases heart rate. Adding Phentermine to the mix can further overstimulate the system, leading to increased heart rate, anxiety, and other severe symptoms.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is characterized by increased pressure in the eyes, which can damage the optic nerve. Since Phentermine can raise blood pressure, it may also increase intraocular pressure, worsening the condition and potentially leading to vision loss.
History of Drug Abuse
Phentermine has the potential for abuse and dependency. If you have a history of substance abuse, using Phentermine can lead to addiction. It’s crucial to explore other weight loss methods that do not carry this risk.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Phentermine is not safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It can harm the developing fetus or the nursing infant. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should avoid Phentermine.
Certain Medications
Phentermine can interact dangerously with some medications. You should avoid Phentermine if you are taking:
- MAO Inhibitors: These antidepressants can cause severe, potentially life-threatening interactions with Phentermine.
- Other Stimulants: Combining Phentermine with other stimulant medications can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects.
- Certain Antidepressants: Especially those affecting serotonin levels, can lead to a serious condition known as serotonin syndrome.
Severe Anxiety or Agitation
Phentermine stimulates the central nervous system, which can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and restlessness. If you suffer from severe anxiety or agitation, Phentermine might worsen your condition, making it unsuitable for you.
Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
Even if you don’t have other heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure is a significant risk factor. Phentermine can further elevate blood pressure, leading to dangerous complications.
Semaglutide vs Phentermine Effectiveness
Both medications are effective, but studies suggest that Semaglutide may lead to more substantial weight loss compared to Phentermine. Clinical trials have shown that patients on Semaglutide can lose up to 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, whereas Phentermine users typically see an average loss of 5-10% of body weight over a shorter period.
Duration of Use
Phentermine is generally prescribed for short-term use, usually up to 12 weeks, due to its potential for dependence and side effects. Long-term use is not recommended because of the risks associated with prolonged exposure to stimulant medications. Semaglutide, however, can be used long-term. It is typically administered once a week via injection and is considered safe for extended use, especially in the context of chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Can I take Semaglutide and Phentermine Together?
Both semaglutide and phentermine can be used for weight loss, but their simultaneous use should be under a healthcare provider’s guidance due to potential interactions and side effects. The potential for increased side effects, cardiovascular risks, and the lack of comprehensive research make it crucial to consult a healthcare provider before considering this approach. Your doctor can help you navigate the best and safest weight loss strategy tailored to your health needs. Always prioritize safety and professional medical advice over experimentation with powerful medications.
Vitamin B12 Injections vs Lipotropic Injections
There are different types of weight loss injection. So, vitamin B12 shots are sometimes confused with lipotropic injections. Lipotropic injections do typically contain vitamin B12. But they contain other nutrients as well. Depending on the injection, it might include other B vitamins. It might also contain branched-chain amino acids and L-carnitine. Some lipotropic B12 injections contain phentermine. Phentermine is an amphetamine-like drug that helps decrease hunger. This is important because higher doses of vitamin B12 aren’t generally a problem. The same isn’t always true for ingredients found in lipotropic injections. The National Library of Medicine shares that phentermine can raise blood pressure. It may even affect insulin levels. This can create an issue for people with diabetes. It’s also not recommended for older adults.
Who Might Benefit from Vitamin B12 Injections
At this time, it is unknown whether a B12 injection can assist with a weight loss program. Who might these shots be good for then? If a client has a vitamin B12 deficiency, they might benefit from an injection. Megaloblastic anemia is one such deficiency, a macrocytic anemia that causes bone marrow to create very large red blood cells. Most people do get enough of this vitamin in their diet. Yet, a deficiency exists in as many as 43% of older adults. A deficiency in this vitamin can create a variety of symptoms. Among them are fatigue, dizziness, and muscle weakness. It can also result in confusion and personality changes. The Mayo Clinic shares that those most at risk of low levels include:
- people who don’t consume enough vitamin B12 in their diet
- people diagnosed with pernicious anemia
- people who’ve had gastric surgeries
- people with intestinal issues, such as celiac or Crohn’s disease
People following a vegetarian diet are especially at risk of deficiency. This is because vitamin B12 is primarily in animal-based foods. Research suggests that this is even more important for women who are pregnant or lactating. This helps ensure that the developing baby gets enough of this important vitamin. If clients have concerns about their B12 level, their doctor can do a blood test. These results can provide insight into whether a B12 deficiency exists. Clients should always consult with their doctors before trying new supplements or changes to their diet.
When B12 Shots for Weight Loss Are Not Recommended
Vitamin B12 injections aren’t for everyone. In some cases, a vitamin B12 shot can interfere with other medications. This can cause those medications to be ineffective. The University of Michigan also warns that a B12 shot is not recommended for people with Leber’s disease. This is a disease that causes a loss of vision. It also suggests talking to your doctor first if you:
- have kidney or liver disease
- have any type of infection
- are receiving treatment that affects bone marrow
Encourage clients to talk with their doctor before trying to achieve weight loss with vitamin B12 injections. This helps prevent these types of issues.
Vitamin B12 Injection Safety
If a client decides that they want to try B12 shots for weight loss, that’s up to them. Following a few general guidelines can help them stay safe. First, they should get the shots from a reputable provider. One option is from their doctor. If they use the services of a medical weight loss clinic, it might also offer vitamin B12 injections for weight loss. What about dosage? Older research indicates that 1,000 micrograms per injection helps reduce vitamin B12 deficiency. It also suggests getting five or six injections bi-weekly to “load” the body. This should be followed by once-monthly B12 injections. This helps maintain healthier B12 levels. The Mayo Clinic adds that some people experience side effects with a vitamin injection. These effects can include:
- abdominal pain
- chest pain
- cough
- dizziness
- eye pain
- irregular heartbeat
- ringing in the ears
- weight gain
While some of these effects are merely uncomfortable, others are cause for concern. If a client has side effects after a B12 injection, they should talk to their doctor. This helps them decide whether this option is safe for them.
How to Increase Vitamin B12 Without an Injection
Clients can increase their vitamin B12 level without an injection. They do this by adding certain foods to their diet. Foods that are rich in vitamin B12 include:
- Fish (salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines)
- Shellfish (clams)
- Organ meat (liver and kidneys)
- Beef
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Fortified cereal
A balanced meal plan can provide the nutrients clients need to support a healthy weight loss journey. It can also reduce the risk of weight gain due to unhealthy food choices.
Age-Related Deficiencies and Intrinsic Factors
As we age, we have a harder time absorbing vitamin B-12 from our food. A vitamin B-12 deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies in people as they age. Nearly 85% of us are deficient in some way from our diet. Absorption of B-12 in food requires a specific substance from our stomach known as intrinsic factor, which is produced at lower levels as we age.
Medical Conditions & B-12 Injections
If you’re suffering from a deficiency of vitamin B-12, a condition where your levels are too low in your blood, you may need vitamin B-12 injections. Sculpted MD offers a healthy way to treat your condition with this treatment plan. Ultimately vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin in the body, which helps to form and mature red blood cells. It also helps in DNA and maintaining nerve cells in the body. Deficiency of it can lead to numbness, weakness, leg stiffness, memory loss, changes in mood, and abnormal gait.
Benefits of Vitamin B-12 Shots
Vitamin B-12 shots can improve the immune system, overall energy levels, and one’s mood. It also can lower high homocysteine levels in the body which contribute to heart disease. The most effective way to get to optimal health and Vitamin B-12 levels are with B-12 shots. They are taken at regular intervals (bi-weekly or monthly). A regular schedule is needed in order to receive the injections in a customized treatment plan. Vitamin B-12 injections are used for memory loss with Alzheimer’s disease. They can also help to boost energy, mood and the immune system overall, which helps to slow the aging process. Vitamin B-12 is known to lower high homocysteine levels, which contribute directly to heart disease. They also help prevent mental illness, sleep disorders, diabetes, depression, stress, fatigue, allergies, asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, insomnia and high cholesterol. Those with kidney dysfunction or chronic liver disease should never take regular B-12 injections. It’s normal for some redness or swelling to occur at the injection site.
Additional Therapies and Medications
- B Complex Vitamin injections: combine Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin 5-Phosphate), B3 (Niacinamide), B5 (Calcium Pantothenate), B6 (Pyridoxine HCL) & B12 (Cobalamin). All of these B vitamins combined aid in the metabolism of starches, sugars, carbohydrates, proteins and fats. These vitamins improve metabolism, boosts production of energy, reduce water retention and promote a normal appetite.
- Lipotropics: are three amino acids that are essential for the health of your liver. The liver is an organ responsible for removing fat and toxins from your body, so when it's healthier, it will work better. By definition, lipotropic compounds are those that help accelerate the breakdown of fat during metabolism in the body. Vitamin B12 is essential for helping to form new, healthy cells in the body. Methione is one of the sulfur-containing amino acids and is important for many bodily functions. Inositol is a nutrient belonging to the B vitamin complex family. It is closely associated with choline. It aids in the metabolism of fats and helps reduce blood cholesterol. Choline supports the health of the liver in its' processing and excretion of chemical waste products within the body.
- Semaglutide injections: can significantly decrease many patients’ overall body weight and abdominal fat. Semaglutide’s weight loss effects stem from its ability to mimic the GLP-1 hormone that is responsible for sending messages to our brains when we eat. It tells our brains when we are hungry and when we are full. Semaglutide mimics this hormone and tells the brain when the body is full much faster. Another way semaglutide promotes belly fat reduction is by increasing our metabolic response to stored fat, breaking it down, and repurposing it for energy. While semaglutide excels in promoting weight loss, results are unique to every person. Patients who use semaglutide injections in conjunction with balanced diet and regular exercise see the best results.
- Vyvanse: (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is an FDA-approved central nervous system stimulant used to treat ADHD and binge eating disorder (BED).
- Bupropion: helps patients who have stress-related eating far better than those who have boredom-related eating. If you are an emotional eater, this may be a great medicine for you. It stimulates noradrenaline, dopamine, and (less-so) serotonin receptors. This gives you more energy, suppresses your appetite, and enhances your mood. Stress increases cortisol and ghrelin which stimulate your appetite. Dopamine and noradrenaline suppress your appetite. Because the medicine improves stress and mood, it was originally invented as an anti-depressant. However, later studies showed that it helped people quit smoking, so Bupropion has been FDA-approved to help with smoking cessation.
- Zerona Z6: is a non-invasive cold laser for fat loss. It was the first treatment FDA Market Cleared for overall body circumference reduction.