Weight loss shots are changing the landscape of how we deal with stubborn weight problems. What was once considered a specialized treatment, injectable medications have moved to the forefront of weight management discussions between doctors and patients. With their impressive results capturing attention, many are asking: what is the best injection for weight loss?
This article provides an overview of the top weight loss injections available, how they work, their effectiveness, and factors to consider when choosing the right option for you.
Understanding Weight Loss Injections
Weight loss injections are prescription medications administered through a needle just under the skin layer; common injection sites are the abdomen (stomach), thigh, or upper arm. It is important to rotate injection sites with each use. These medications are only available by prescription from a healthcare provider, who will determine if this treatment is appropriate for you. Prescription weight loss injections are crucial for people struggling with obesity-a condition that poses serious health risks like diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. Unlike pills, weight loss injections deliver the medication just under the skin layer through a needle.
These injections work by mimicking hormones in your body that regulate appetite and food intake, helping you feel full faster, reducing cravings, and ultimately leading to weight loss. Some medications approved for other conditions, like Type 2 diabetes, are used off-label for weight loss. For instance, Ozempic and Mounjaro were initially approved for diabetes management but are now widely used to help people lose weight.
Obesity is a complex disease influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Traditional methods like diet and exercise often aren’t enough for many people. Prescription weight loss injections offer a new avenue for those who need additional help to shed pounds.
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Types of Weight Loss Injections
The pharmacological treatment of obesity is a fast-changing landscape, and care providers must strive continuously to stay current. Before 2012, there were few weight loss medications approved by the FDA. In the 2020s, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 receptor agonists) exploded in popularity and media attention. Next came a dual receptor agonist, Mounjaro, which is indicated for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound, which is indicated for obesity.
Several prescription weight loss injections have emerged as significant tools in the battle against obesity and weight-related health issues. The top contenders include:
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Zepbound (tirzepatide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Ozempic (semaglutide)
Let's take a closer look at each of these options.
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Wegovy represents a breakthrough in weight loss medication injections. Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It was FDA-approved in June 2021 as a weight loss medication. It is administered as a weekly injection and approved for use in adults and children aged 12 years or more with obesity (BMI ≥30 for adults, BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex for children) or some adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems.
The science behind GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy revolves around mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. Clinical trials demonstrated impressive results - participants lost approximately 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks on average. This significantly outperforms many traditional weight loss medications.
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The dose must be increased gradually over 16 to 20 weeks to arrive at the 2.4 mg dosage. This progression can help to alleviate side effects, which include gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. It is intended to be used indefinitely, in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
Zepbound (Tirzepatide)
Tirzepatide (branded as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for weight management) marks a new phase in weight loss shots. Zepbound (tirzepatide) is the newest FDA-approved injection for obesity, approved in November 2023, showing promise with significant weight loss results. Zepbound is approved to treat obesity in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater.
Moving beyond the single-hormone approach of medications like Wegovy, tirzepatide works through two hormones, acting on both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. Recent clinical research shows tirzepatide’s exceptional effectiveness. Studies report participants achieved 20-25% total body weight reduction, possibly greater results than any other pharmaceutical weight loss option available. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults with obesity or overweight (without diabetes) taking tirzepatide achieved up to 22.5% average body weight reduction at 72 weeks. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that suppresses appetite, improves satiety, and supports metabolic health. In addition to impressive weight loss, studies show improvements in cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic markers.
Like semaglutide, it works by reducing appetite and is meant to be used in combination with diet and exercise to lose weight. Zepbound is administered as a weekly injection. Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, and dizziness.
The list price of Zepbound is $1,086.37; however, it doesn’t mean that you will pay this much. If you are on insurance, it might be as little as $25 for a one to three-month supply; check this link for coverage. provides Zepbound (tirzepatide) single-dose vial access for the 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg doses-starting with refill eligibility within 45 days of delivery.
Read also: Comprehensive guide to Chronos weight loss
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Saxenda occupies a unique position in the weight loss shot marketplace. Liraglutide is a daily injectable medication that acts on hormones that send signals from the gut to the brain to make the patient feel full quicker and decrease hunger signals. Clinical data shows that Saxenda users typically lose 5-10% of their starting weight, which remains medically significant but less dramatic than newer options.
Doses start at 0.6 mg to 3 mg a day. Some patients may lose 5-10% of body weight, especially with the higher dose of liraglutide. Liraglutide is also approved for Type 2 Diabetes, under the brand name Victoza. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, increased lipase, and renal insufficiency.
The list price of Saxenda is $1,349.02; however, it doesn’t mean that you will pay this much.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Mounjaro contains the same active ingredient as Zepbound (tirzepatide). Mounjaro was approved by the FDA in 2022 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Dosage: Mounjaro is administered as a weekly injection. Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Ozempic contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy (semaglutide) and works through identical GLP-1 receptor mechanisms. However, it deserves separate discussion due to its different approval pathway and dosing. Lower maximum dose in Ozempic (1mg vs. Diabetes-focused approval vs. For those considering Ozempic as a shot to lose weight, the side effect profile will be identical to that of Wegovy. You will need to schedule follow-up appointments with your provider. Because these medications often have side effects at higher doses, they are started at a low dose which is increased slowly, allowing you to get used to them.
Ozempic may be a more familiar name to some patients.
How Weight Loss Injections Work
Prescription weight loss injections work by targeting specific hormones and pathways in the body to help you lose weight. GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Saxenda are a popular class of prescription weight loss injections. They mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
One of the primary ways GLP-1 receptor agonists help with weight loss is by suppressing appetite. These medications act on the brain regions that control hunger. By doing so, they make you feel fuller for longer periods, reducing the urge to eat.
Hormones are chemical messengers that play a huge role in weight management. GLP-1 receptor agonists help regulate hormones that control hunger and satiety. By mimicking GLP-1, these medications can improve insulin sensitivity and promote the release of insulin when blood sugar levels are high.
Another mechanism by which these injections aid weight loss is by slowing down stomach emptying. When the stomach empties more slowly, you feel full for a longer time after eating. This helps reduce overall calorie intake.
Benefits of Weight Loss Injections
Prescription weight loss injections can be a game-changer for those struggling with obesity. Health improvements often accompany weight loss. These can include better control of blood sugar levels, reduced blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels.
Effectiveness
The amount of weight loss you’ll have with these injections depends on how well they’re combined with your lifestyle factors. For instance, studies for Semaglutide weight loss injections, Wegovy, and Ozempic have shown an average of 5-15% loss in 68 and 30-52 weeks respectively, while Saxenda is also 5-10% at 56 weeks, and Zepbound is 21% by the 72-week mark. The average weight loss varies from 5% to 21%, with some people losing more and some people losing less.
Potential Side Effects
While effective, these injections come with potential side effects. Most of these side effects are mild and tend to subside over time. However, there are also more serious risks to consider.
Side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Common side effects for both medications include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rare but serious side effects can include pancreatitis and retinopathy.
While generally well-tolerated, weight loss injections can cause side effects.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Injection
Selecting the optimal weight loss medication injection involves considering how your personal situation matches with each medication’s profile.
- Does my BMI align with medication guidelines?
- Do my health conditions affect medication choice? Do you have diabetes? Do you have thyroid issues? Have you had pancreatitis? Do you have digestive problems? Are you pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
- Which injection schedule fits my lifestyle?
- What are my cost and coverage options?
- What weight loss results am I looking for? Are you seeking maximum possible weight loss? Would moderate weight loss meet your health goals? How quickly do you need results?
Choosing the best injection for weight loss is not only a personal decision, but it depends on your health history, existing medical conditions (like diabetes or MASH), your weight loss goals, adherence to the injection schedule, and medication tolerance.
BMI and Health Conditions
Determining whether someone is a candidate for weight loss medications begins with BMI. For each individual case, the doctor and patient should discuss the patient’s current health issues, other medications, and family medical history. The guidelines for tirzepatide (Zepbound) and semaglutide (Wegovy) state that a patient should have a BMI of 30 or a BMI of 27 with weight-related health problems.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of prescription weight loss injections can be a significant barrier. Wegovy and Ozempic can cost over $15,000 per year without insurance coverage source. GLP-1s are notoriously costly. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates the annual net price of Wegovy at $13,600. and are not covered by insurance. Insurance coverage varies and will affect many patients’ choices about going on weight loss medications.
Knowing the cost of your preferred weight loss injection is a natural next step. While prices can range from $200 to $1500 monthly out-of-pocket, the specific cost you pay depends on: geographical region, insurance coverage, and what your insurance’s copays and deductibles are. At Valley Integrated Urgent Care and Wellness Center, we aim to make effective weight management treatments accessible, which is why Dr. Braga always accepts insurance that offers coverage for weight loss injections.
Lifestyle and Personal Preferences
Which injection schedule fits my lifestyle? What weight loss results am I looking for? Are you seeking maximum possible weight loss? Would moderate weight loss meet your health goals? How quickly do you need results?
The Importance of Medical Guidance and Lifestyle Changes
Getting advice from medical professionals makes a huge difference in treatment success. Doctors can help match your specific situation with the right medication option by weighing risks against benefits for your unique case. Any weight loss shots work best when paired with other health practices. Success rates jump when people have good support networks. Help goes beyond doctor’s offices into everyday routines.
A treatment plan for obesity can comprise multiple forms of treatment, including medications, diet, exercise, and/or surgery. All weight loss medications work best in the context of a healthy eating plan and exercise.
The Future of Weight Loss Injections
With fervent consumer demand for weight loss medications, combined with rising obesity rates, more medications are bound for the market in the coming years. Pharmaceutical platform Ozmosi predicts one to two GLP-1 launches annually starting in 2026. specifically for obesity. Lilly is developing at least two new options. The first, orforglipron, is an oral GLP-1 inhibitor that completed a Phase 3 clinical trial in early 2025. It could provide a welcome alternative for people who do not want injections. Phase 3 results expected soon. at 36 weeks. The other, retatrutide, targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. At this writing, it is in Phase 3 clinical trials. In Phase 2, participants lost up to 24.2% of body weight at 48 weeks.
Amgen is developing MariTide, a monoclonal antibody designed to increase GLP-1 receptor activity while reducing GIP receptor activity. The once-monthly injection entered Phase 3 clinical trials in March 2025. Researchers continue to study hormones that play a role in appetite for other ways to target obesity with medication. Those of interest include not only GLP-1, but also peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) and cholecystokinin (CCK). With more options available, doctors will be increasingly able to personalize treatments.
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