For individuals seeking information about weight loss injections available from physicians, this article provides insights into different types of injections, such as fat-burning, metabolism-boosting, and appetite-suppressant injections. With a growing selection of weight loss medications available, patients may ask what the strongest or most effective weight loss prescription medication is, and which one is best for them. The pharmacological treatment of obesity is a fast-changing landscape, and care providers must strive continuously to stay current.
Understanding Weight Loss Injections
Weight loss injections are injectable medications that can help you lose weight when taken in combination with an exercise and diet plan. Weight loss injections are typically prescribed for individuals who have not been successful with diet and exercise alone and have a BMI (Body Mass Index) above a certain threshold. These injections are usually used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program that includes lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
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
Most weight loss medicines are prescription only. They’re broadly classified by the way they work. They can also be categorized as being a GLP-1 agonist or not. This is a newer class of medications that were first used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Healthcare providers noticed that it also led to significant weight loss. Because of this, some GLP-1s are now approved for weight loss, too.
Administration of Weight Loss Injections
Weight loss injections are typically administered via intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. The specific administration method can vary depending on the type of injection and the healthcare provider's recommendations.
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Intramuscular (IM) Injections: In this method, the injection is delivered directly into a muscle. Common injection sites for IM injections include the upper arm, the thigh, or the buttocks. The healthcare provider will clean the injection site, insert the needle into the muscle at the appropriate angle and depth, and then inject the medication.
Subcutaneous (SubQ) Injections: Subcutaneous injections are administered just under the skin, into the fatty tissue. Common injection sites for SubQ injections include the abdomen (around the belly button), the thighs, or the upper outer arm. Before administration, the healthcare provider will clean the injection site, pinch the skin to create a fold, insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle, and then inject the medication.
Autoinjectors: Some weight loss injections come in pre-filled autoinjectors, which are devices that automatically deliver the medication when activated. Autoinjectors can make the injection process easier and more convenient for individuals who are self-administering the injections at home.
The frequency of weight loss injections can vary depending on the specific medication and the healthcare provider's recommendations. Some injections may be administered daily, weekly, or at other intervals.
Types of Weight Loss Injections
Some weight loss injections are officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States for weight loss, and others are not officially approved for this purpose but can still be used to help you lose weight. Different weight loss injections are approved for different purposes. It is important to understand the different types of weight loss injections so you get the best results.
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FDA-Approved Weight Loss Drugs
These are FDA-approved for weight management for adults as of 2025:
- Bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave®)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®)
- Orlistat (Alli®, Xenical®)
- Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia®)
- Phentermine (Adipex-P®)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
- Tirzepatide ( Zepbound®)
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It was FDA-approved in 2021. Semaglutide (Wegovy) can aid in weight loss of up to 20 percent after one year. In addition to reducing appetite, Ozempic regulates blood sugar levels. Semaglutide is a weekly injection. Side effects could include stomach issues like diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.
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.
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. Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. 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.
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Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that suppresses appetite, improves satiety, and supports metabolic health. 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.
Zepbound is approved to treat obesity in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater. 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. In addition to impressive weight loss, studies show improvements in cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic markers.
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.
Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave)
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. 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 is a lipase inhibitor that comes in a capsule. Undigested fat is then passed through the body. Some patients may lose about 5% of their body weight. An over-the-counter formulation is available at 60 mg capsules with each fat-containing meal. 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.
Setmelanotide
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.
Weight Loss Injections Used Off-Label
Some weight loss injections are officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for other purposes but can still be used to help you lose weight.
Ozempic
Ozempic is FDA-approved for people who have type 2 diabetes and are at risk of cardiovascular problems. 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.
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is FDA-approved to help with blood sugar management in people with diabetes, but it can be used off-label for weight loss. Mounjaro works by slowing down the digestion process, which will help you feel full for longer periods of time.
Other Types of Injections
MIC Injections (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.
Common ingredients found in MIC injections include:
- Choline: 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, inositol helps your body use cholesterol and fat and helps with waste removal by helping fat cells leave the liver.
- L-carnitine: A naturally-occurring amino acid that provides energy and improves the function of the brain, heart, and muscles.
- Methionine: 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: A water-soluble vitamin that 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.
Important Considerations
Eligibility and Contraindications
Determining whether someone is a candidate for weight loss medications begins with 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. For each individual case, the doctor and patient should discuss the patient’s current health issues, other medications, and family medical history. You should not take liraglutide or tirzepatide if you have a history of or increased risk of thyroid cancer.
While some weight loss medications are FDA-approved only for adults, some-including semaglutide and liraglutide-are approved for children 12 and older with a BMI >/= 95th percentile. Monjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy can only be prescribed for adults. Older AOMs also have indications based on BMI and may be contraindicated for use with certain other medications.
Potential Side Effects
As with any medication, side effects are possible when taking appetite-suppressing injections. GLP-1s slow food moving through the intestines. It tells your brain it’s not hungry,” says Sara Fausett, a registered dietitian at Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital. 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. They can also interfere with hormonal birth control.
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. 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.
Medically-supervised weight loss helps you stick to your treatment plan and reach your weight loss goals. With prescription medications, a healthcare professional can weigh all factors affecting the patient’s lifestyle and BMI and monitor progress and side effects.
Comprehensive Treatment Plan
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. 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.
Long-Term Use and Weight Regain
Most people regain weight if AOMs are discontinued. GLP-1s are not meant to be stopped and restarted at will. The dosing for some of these includes a long ramp-up period-up to five months-to reach full dosage. 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.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
GLP-1s are notoriously costly. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates the annual net price of Wegovy at $13,600. Insurance coverage varies and will affect many patients’ choices about going on weight loss medications. 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.
Potential Future 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. The other, retatrutide, targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon and is in Phase 3 clinical trials. 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.
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