As so many people have come to realise, weight loss is not a simple feat. Now, many healthcare practitioners, scientists, and clinicians are saying it isn’t just down to diet and exercise alone for successful and sustainable weight loss. Obesity and excess weight can be very difficult to shift as there are so many factors involved. Weight issues can arise from hormone imbalances, thyroid problems, genetics, and existing medical conditions.
So, when weight loss injections arrived on the scene they were seen as game changing.
At Bodyline, we have been prescribing medical weight loss treatments for over 17 years, helping those struggling with obesity and weight health, and consistently up to date with the latest in obesity treatment as new research comes in.
Though weight loss injections are newer, we have helped over 100,000 people reach their weight loss goals with oral medications designed to curb appetite, weight loss injections like Saxenda that have been around for almost a decade, and now the newest GLP-1 and GLP-1 GIP injectable therapies.
What are weight loss injection pens?
Weight loss injection pens, also known as skinny jabs, GLP-1 injections or GLP-1 GIP injections, are type of medications used to assist individuals struggling with obesity in their weight loss journey.
These pens contain an active ingredient which mimic the effects of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and some contain glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
The most known medications are semaglutide (brand name WeGovy or Ozempic), liraglutide (brand name Saxenda), and most recently dual acting GLP-1 and GIP ingredient tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro). The pens are designed for self-administration and provide a convenient and precise way to deliver the medication.
Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.
How do weight loss injections work?
Weight loss injections work by activating GLP-1 or dual GLpP-1 GIP receptors in the body, which leads to several beneficial effects. Since these hormones is usually produced naturally in the gut following a meal, thus stimulating the feeling of fullness, by activating these receptors artificially they can suppress appetite, making it easier to follow a reduced-calorie diet.
Additionally, they regulate blood sugar levels and promote insulin secretion, helping to control cravings for sugary and high-calorie foods. They also improve metabolism, leading to higher energy expenditure, even at rest. This combination of effects helps individuals maintain a calorie deficit and achieve weight loss.
Dr Morgan Toerien is a weight, health, and wellness clinician and has been working with Bodyline for 3 years as a Clinical Director. He has seen the evolution of slimming pens as they have swept the weight health industry.
“When GLP-1 weight loss injections came onto the market in the form of semaglutide and liraglutide, they were essentially introducing more of what the body already makes so that there’s enough of it to do the job. Users were able to restore the kind of natural physiological process that those hormones are meant to perform.
“What researchers have found is that it might be that they’re lacking GIPs. By combining the two hormones, we can treat a broader base of deficiencies. We’re not just working on one pathway but working on two pathways.
“Think of it a little bit like trying to fill a paddling pool with one hose or trying to fill it with two hoses. If you’ve got two different hoses, your chances of getting it filled quicker are better. With tirzepatide, patients can hedge their bets in terms of whichever one of their hormones is more likely to be deficient or more likely to be resistant to, and one will be in the package.”
Who can use weight loss injection pens?
Weight loss injection pens are only prescribed to individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) that qualifies them as obese (over 30) or overweight (over 27) with weight-related health problems like high blood pressure or prediabetes. This is in accordance with guidelines from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Nationial Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for prescription.
Eligibility for weight loss injections should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional who will consider factors such as medical history, current medications, and overall health. That’s why it’s vital to use safe, regulated experts when sourcing injectable weight loss therapies. Find out more about how to tell if weight loss injection precribers are safe here.
How much weight can you lose?
The amount of weight you can lose with weight loss injection pens varies from person to person, and from prescription to prescription.
It depends on various factors, including your starting weight, adherence to a reduced-calorie diet, level of physical activity, and individual metabolism. Weight loss injections are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program that includes healthy eating, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes.
Studies are showing incredible results when used as prescribed, and individuals can expect to lose a significant amount of weight over time with the help of weight loss injections. On semaglutide, after 68 weeks over half of participants in one large clinical trial lose 15% of their body weight, and over a third lost 20% of their body weight. To put that into context, if starting at 200lbs, you could lose 40lbs!
While tirzepatide, the most recently approved weight loss injection pen, participants lost on average up to 21% of their weight, dubbing it the so-called ‘King Kong’ of weight loss injection pens. The additional hormone GIP works synergistically – that is GLP-1 and GIP help to produce more weight loss.
What are the side effects?
Like any medication, weight loss injection pens may have potential side effects.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
These side effects are generally mild and subside over time as the body adjusts to the medication. However, it is important to consult with your prescriber and healthcare professionals if you experience any persistent or severe side effects. They can provide guidance and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
When using weight loss injections, regular consultations are vital to ensuring you are receiving the best care in a medical weight loss journey. Consultations will monitor your side effects, your progress, and enables qualified healthcare providers to titrate the treatment – that is slowly increase the dose to ensure safety and no adverse reactions.
Where can I get weight loss injection pens?
Weight loss injection pens should only be obtained from reputable and regulated healthcare providers. It is important to ensure that the provider is regulated by healthcare authorities and holds the necessary certifications.
Specialist weight loss clinics like Bodyline Clinic offer weight loss injection pens as part of our medically supervised weight loss programmes. By seeking treatment from trusted providers, you can ensure the safety and effectiveness of the weight loss injections.
Here at Bodyline, we are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, also known as the CQC. They are a regulatory body who inspect healthcare facilities in the UK, including NHS hospitals and GP practices to ensure they are offering “safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care”.
We are proud to admit that our in-person clinics in the Northwest are rated as ‘good’.
We know how important it is to be certified and regulated so we can assure you we offer the highest quality of care when providing prescriptions to lifechanging medications weight loss injection pens.
What should I expect on a weight loss journey with injections?
Embarking on a weight loss journey with weight loss injection pens is an individual experience, but at Bodyline your patient journey will look a little like this:
Initially, you will have a consultation with a healthcare professional who will assess your eligibility and develop a personalised treatment plan. At our doctor and nurse-led clinics, we discuss your weight loss goals and understand your medical history before taking you through the options we provide.
We offer the choice of face-to-face specialist nurse consultants at one of our clinics or via an on-line consultation at home depending on your lifestyle and location.
You will then have a consultation with a specialist weight loss nurse to decide the best treatment plan to achieve your weight loss goals.
We are qualified to prescribe and will even contact your GP where necessary to confirm your eligibility based on medical history.
If you are prescribed one of our weight loss injection pen treatment plans, you will learn how to properly use the injection pen and self-administer the medication and will be provided thorough nutritional guidance and advice.
Throughout your weight loss journey, you can expect regular follow-up consultations to monitor your progress, manage any side effects, and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. It is also important to incorporate healthy eating, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes to maximize the benefits of the weight loss injections.
Remember, weight loss injection pens are a tool to assist you in your weight loss journey, but they should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive weight loss programme and under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals. By following a personalised treatment plan and making sustainable lifestyle changes, you can achieve your weight loss goals and embark on a path to a slimmer and healthier you.
If you are considering weight loss injection pens, contact Bodyline Clinic today to learn more about their medically supervised weight loss programmes and how they can support you on your weight loss journey. Call 0800 995 6036 or complete a contact form for a call back.
