Discover the Ultimate Guide to Weight Loss Injections: Types, Benefits, and How to Choose the Best One for You!

For years, many have hoped for a magic weight loss pill, as losing weight is hard to do and even harder to sustain. For the past few years, that pill might have come in the form of an injectable. With the rise of medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound, some might think we have found the answer. But scientists and doctors say there’s still more to come when it comes to perfecting weight loss drugs and treating obesity. This article aims to provide an informative overview of the different types of weight loss injections available, how they work, and what factors to consider when choosing the right treatment option.

The Rise of Weight Loss Injections

Weight loss medications are nothing new. Oral stimulant medications for weight loss have been in use since the 1960s. The difference with the latest weight loss injections is their effectiveness and easier use than older-generation injectables. Current approved weight loss injections include semaglutide (Wegovy or Ozempic when used for diabetes), tirzepatide (Zepbound or Mounjaro when used for diabetes) and liraglutide (Saxenda or Victoza when used for diabetes). 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.

How Weight Loss Medications Work

Weight loss drugs work in different ways to help you lose weight. Most of them work in one or more of the following ways:

Decrease your appetite or reduce cravings
Help you feel full
Change how you absorb fat
Increase how many calories you burn
Improve insulin sensitivity
Acting on the “weight set point” in the brain and lowering it

Types of Weight Loss Injections

Let’s discuss the types of weight loss injections available and how they compare. GLP-1 injections are a type of GLP-1 agonist. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that helps control hunger and keep your appetite down. GLP-1 agonists bind themselves to GLP-1 receptors and mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone, which in turn helps the body feel fuller faster and stay satisfied longer. Here's an overview of some common types of weight loss injections:

Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)

Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It was FDA-approved in 2021. It is administered as an 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 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. Ozempic may be a more familiar name to some patients. In addition to reducing appetite, Ozempic regulates blood sugar levels. Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, but it can be used for this purpose. Lose and maintain a healthy weight with semaglutide (the same ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) or tirzepatide injections (the same ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) at home. We will evaluate your eligibility and prescribe medication if appropriate. Make an appointment by clicking the button below! This medication can also help with Type 2 diabetes because it helps manage blood sugar levels. It also helps you feel fuller for longer. It’s a weekly injection. Side effects could include stomach issues like diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.

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Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)

Tirzepatide injections are often thought to be similar to GLP-1. While true, tirzepatide injections are considered a dual receptor agonist of GLP-1 and GIP receptors, making these injections much more potent. Tirzepatide has been shown to be about 40% more powerful than GLP-1 injections, which can work well for people who need to lose lots of weight. Tirzepatide has shown remarkable effects on appetite regulation, as well as regulating blood glucose and reducing cholesterol levels. Zepbound is approved to treat obesity in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater. It is both a GLP-1 and a GIP receptor agonist. Like semaglutide, it works by reducing appetite and is meant to be used in combination with diet and exercise to lose weight. 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. This drug lowers blood sugar and reduces appetite by working with two natural hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) in your body. Tirzepatide helps you feel full longer, so you eat less. It’s a once-weekly injection. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)

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. 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. Saxenda can be used to help obese and overweight adults with at least one weight-related condition lose weight, as well as for weight loss in children ages 12 years and older who weigh more than 60 kg (about 132 pounds) and have obesity based on their age, height, and sex. Victoza is FDA-approved for the management of type 2 diabetes in people who are ten years and older. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss. This medication slows down how quickly your stomach empties. This makes you feel fuller for longer. Liraglutide is a daily injection. Nausea is the most common side effect.

Skinny Shots

Skinny shots contain a blend of nourishing vitamins and lipotropic compounds that help activate the breakdown of fat during metabolism in the body. These injections also contain a healthy combination of amino acids to increase energy and aid in the weight loss journey. Because skinny shots have a blend of B vitamins and other compounds, these injections offer additional benefits besides weight loss, such as helping to regulate mood, clearing mental fog, and boosting energy. Choline is a water-soluble vitamin that regulates energy levels and metabolism and prevents fatty acid deposits. Inositol (also known as vitamin B8, even though it is not actually a vitamin) helps your body use cholesterol and fat and helps with waste removal by helping fat cells leave the liver. L-carnitine is a naturally-occurring amino acid that provides energy and improves the function of the brain, heart, and muscles. Methionine is an amino acid that protects the body from free radicals that cause cell damage. Methionine also breaks down and processes fats and supports digestion. Vitamin B6 is water-soluble and is found in a number of foods. It boosts metabolism, reduces cravings, and aids in muscle growth. Vitamin B12 increases metabolism, which boosts energy by stimulating your body to convert fat into energy.

Other FDA-Approved Weight Loss Drugs

These are FDA-approved for weight management for adults as of 2025:

Bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave®)
Orlistat (Alli®, Xenical®)
Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia®)
Phentermine (Adipex-P®)

Bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave®)

Bupropion-naltrexone combines an antidepressant (bupropion) and an addiction treatment drug (naltrexone). It comes as a pill that you swallow. It works by changing your brain chemistry, so you aren’t hungry. It can raise blood pressure, so your provider will need to check yours regularly. Common side effects include nausea, headache and constipation. Bupropion also carries a suicide risk warning. This medication is also helpful if you have substance use disorder or if your main issue is sugar cravings.

Orlistat (Alli®, Xenical®)

Orlistat works by changing how your body digests and absorbs fat. A lower-dose version of orlistat (Alli) is available over the counter. It may cause side effects like gas and diarrhea. It works best when you follow a low-fat diet. These weight loss medications come in a pill you swallow. The only over-the-counter medicine for weight loss currently approved by the FDA is Alli (orlistat).

Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia®)

This combination drug helps with weight loss by decreasing your appetite and helping you burn calories. Possible side effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia and nervousness. Phentermine as a standalone weight loss medication (Adipex-P) is for short-term use only. This medication comes as a pill you swallow. Topiramate can cause kidney stones.

Other Weight Loss Medications

Naltrexone-bupropion combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to affect the pleasure-reward areas of the brain and thereby decrease cravings and appetite. Start with a daily dose of one 8/90 mg tablet and gradually increase to four tablets a day. The most common side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and diarrhea.
Phentermine is the oldest and most widely used weight loss medication. It was originally used as a short-term medication to jump-start weight loss, but now newer medical guidelines have added it to long-term therapy. Side effects include headache, overstimulation, high blood pressure, insomnia, rapid or irregular heart rate, and tremor.
Topiramate can be combined with phentermine to decrease appetite and cravings. Adults with migraines and obesity are good candidates for this weight-loss medication. Some patients may lose an average of 5-10% of body weight. Daily doses with four strengths start at 3.75 mg/23 mg to 15 mg/92 mg. Side effects include abnormal sensations, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth.
Setmelanotide is a melanocortin-4 receptor agonist indicated for chronic weight management in adult and pediatric patients six years and older, with obesity due to certain rare genetic disorders.
A medical device rather than a medication, Plenity was FDA-cleared in 2019 for people with a BMI of 25 to 40. It consists of a capsule that releases a biodegradable, super-absorbent hydrogel into the stomach. The gel helps to increase satiety, enabling the person to eat less.

How Do They Compare?

It is safe to say each injection brings benefits that can help achieve weight loss goals. GLP-1 is popular among celebrities; tirzepatide has been deemed more potent than GLP-1 injections, and skinny shots can aid in weight loss but also help ensure you get a healthy dose of vitamins and their benefits.

Factors to Consider

Many factors go into choosing a weight loss injection treatment, such as how much weight you’d like to lose, physical activity, diet, and other issues (such as mental fog, poor sleep, etc.) that you’d like to address with these injections.

BMI: 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. Older AOMs also have indications based on BMI and may be contraindicated for use with certain other medications. Determining whether someone is a candidate for weight loss medications begins with BMI.
Age: Different weight loss injections are approved for different purposes. Saxenda is approved for use by adults and children ages 12 years and older, and Victoza can be used by adults and children ages ten years and older. Monjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy can only be prescribed for adults.
Underlying Health Conditions: You should not take liraglutide or tirzepatide if you have a history of or increased risk of thyroid cancer. For each individual case, the doctor and patient should discuss the patient’s current health issues, other medications, and family medical history.
Potential Side Effects: As with any medication, side effects are possible when taking appetite-suppressing injections.
Cost and Insurance Coverage: Right now, there are two main problems for patients when using the current injectable weight loss drugs: cost and side effects. And in terms of cost, right now there’s been a manufacturing shortage as demand has skyrocketed for these drugs. With any medication, the longer they have been on the market, sometimes the cost will come down a little bit. Additionally, many insurance companies won’t cover the cost of these drugs for weight loss alone, without the presence of diabetes or some other comorbid condition. Insurance coverage varies and will affect many patients’ choices about going on weight loss medications. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates the annual net price of Wegovy at $13,600.
Personal Preferences: Some medications are administered orally, and others are given as subcutaneous injections. Some patients who are less comfortable with injections may ask about weight-loss pills.

The Importance of Medical Supervision

Weight loss injections are available by prescription only, and healthcare professionals can administer weight loss injections for you. Having weight loss injections administered by a healthcare professional rather than self-administering the injections ensures that the correct dose is given safely each time. Medically-supervised weight loss helps you stick to your treatment plan and reach your weight loss goals. Having a physician administer your weight loss injections may make you feel more comfortable during the experience. It can be difficult to self-administer injections, but if a doctor does it for you, you do not need to worry about administering the injection incorrectly and injuring yourself. With prescription medications, a healthcare professional can weigh all factors affecting the patient’s lifestyle and BMI and monitor progress and side effects.

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Addressing Weight Regain

Another problem with current weight loss drugs is that people tend to regain weight if they stop taking the drugs. Some drug makers are working to address this problem. AOMs may counter the effects of metabolic adaptation and prevent weight regain. After weight reduction, the body metabolically adapts, often causing an increase in hunger hormones and a decrease in satiety hormones and resting metabolic rate, all of which can contribute to weight regain. GLP-1s are not meant to be stopped and restarted at will.

The Future of Weight Loss Medications

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.

Important Considerations

Lifestyle Changes: All weight loss medications work best in the context of a healthy eating plan and exercise. FDA-approved anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are safe, evidence-based therapies that target specific physiology to improve the disease and are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. A treatment plan for obesity can comprise multiple forms of treatment, including medications, diet, exercise, and/or surgery.
Duration of Use: Some weight management medications are designed for short-term use and others for long-term use. Those approved by the FDA for long-term use include orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro).
Compounded Medications: Some online healthcare providers claim to sell Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound at reduced prices. However, the FDA warns against buying medications from any source other than a state-licensed pharmacy. In April 2025, they banned the sale of “counterfeit” semaglutide and tirzepatide. These medications are not made or packaged by the original manufacturers. Instead, they are compounded medications. Compounded versions of medications are made by compounding pharmacies, often to tailor a medication to specific patient needs, like an allergy to an inactive ingredient. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. due to shortages. Some patients have taken these alternatives, which are generally more affordable, without ill effects. has received 520 reports of adverse events associated with compounded semaglutide and 480 reports of adverse events associated with compounded tirzepatide (as of April 30, 2025).

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