Weight Loss Injections
Key Takeaways
A group of medications called GLP-1 RAs can help to keep blood sugar under control as well as promoting weight loss.
There are several medications in this class. Some are approved for treating diabetes, while others are approved for weight loss. The dose of the medication differs for different indications.
Two GLP-1 RAs are approved for weight loss in Singapore – Wegovy and Saxenda. Both are given by injection, and are sometimes referred to as weight loss injections.
GLP-1 RAs are only available with a doctor’s prescription.
The side effects of weight loss injections are generally mild and are related to the digestive system. They usually decrease on their own over time, as the body adjusts to the medication.
What are weight loss injections?
A group of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs, can be used for promoting weight loss or for treating diabetes. These medications mimic a natural hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, which is naturally produced in the digestive tract after eating. This hormone has a variety of functions throughout the body.
GLP-1 RAs have a variety of effects, including:
Increasing the body’s production of insulin, a hormone that lowers blood sugar
Decreasing the body’s production of glucagon, a hormone that causes increased fasting blood sugar
Slowing down emptying of the stomach, causing people to feel full for longer
Working in the brain to reduce both overall appetite and specific food cravings
Because of these effects, GLP-1 RAs help to keep blood sugar under control, and can be used for treating diabetes. They also promote weight loss. Even though all GLP-1 RAs tend to have both of these effects, some GLP-1 RAs are specifically approved for weight loss (Wegovy and Saxenda), while others are specifically approved for treating diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Trulicity). The doses of the medications are different when used for different indications.
Most GLP-1 RAs are given by injection. The injections are generally performed at home, and people using the medications receive coaching from their doctor’s office about how to do this safely and effectively. There is also a GLP-1 RA that’s taken as a pill instead of by injection. However, this particular medication is only approved for treating diabetes, rather than for weight loss.
Do weight loss injections work?
Many people are skeptical of weight loss claims. They may have tried various weight loss supplements that promised results but weren’t effective. They may wonder whether GLP-1 RAs really work.
However, GLP-1 RAs are prescription medications. Unlike supplements, prescription medications must have demonstrated effectiveness in multiple large clinical trials in order to be approved for sale. Governmental boards oversee the approval of medications, and they won’t approve any that haven’t been shown to be both safe and effective.
Several GLP-1 RAs have been approved by the Health Sciences Authority. In Singapore, some are approved specifically for the indication of promoting weight loss, while others are approved for treating diabetes. Most GLP-1 RAs, including both of the options that are approved for weight loss, are given by injection.
Weight Loss Injections Approved in Singapore
In Singapore, there are two GLP-1 RAs that are currently approved for weight loss. Both of the options that are approved for weight loss are given by injection. There are four other GLP-1 RAs that are approved for treating diabetes rather than for weight loss. One of these is given as a pill, while the other three are given by injection.
Saxenda is a form of liraglutide that’s approved for weight loss. Saxenda injections are given once per day. There is also a form of liraglutide known as Victoza, which is approved for treating diabetes rather than for weight loss. Victoza is also given by injection once per day.
Wegovy is a form of semaglutide that’s also approved for weight loss. It’s given by injection once per week. There are also two other forms of semaglutide that are approved for treating diabetes, but not for weight loss.
One of these forms of semaglutide is Ozempic, which is also given by injection once per week. Many people have heard of Ozempic – several celebrities and social media influencers have discussed their experiences of weight loss while on Ozempic. However, it’s important to know that Ozempic is not approved for weight loss, but only for treating diabetes. Weight loss on Ozempic may occur as a side effect, but this is not the intended purpose of the medication. Instead, Ozempic is used to improve blood sugar control.
Rybelsus is another form of semaglutide that’s approved for treating diabetes. This medication is taken once per day in the form of a pill. Some people prefer to avoid giving themselves injections, and they may prefer Rybelsus to Ozempic for this reason. However, the inconvenience of having to remember the medication every day, instead of every week, may make Ozempic preferable for some people. Like Ozempic, Rybelsus is used to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes, rather than for weight loss.
In addition, a form of dulaglutide known as Trulicity is also approved for treating diabetes in Singapore. This is given by injection once per week.
How to get weight loss injections in Singapore
GLP-1 RAs are prescription medications. They can’t be obtained over the counter, but require a doctor’s prescription. In order to get access to weight loss injections, you’ll need to visit a doctor. They’ll determine whether the medication is a safe and effective option for you, and will explain any alternatives for you to consider.
If you and your doctor agree that a GLP-1 RA is an appropriate option for you, then they’ll give you a prescription. You’ll then be able to obtain your medication.
Side effects
Although GLP-1 RAs are considered to be safe medications overall, all medications have the potential to cause side effects, and this group of medications is no exception. Fortunately, most of the side effects of GLP-1 RAs are mild. The most common ones are:
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Indigestion or acid reflux (heartburn)
Constipation or diarrhea
Weakness during exercise
Headache
In general, although these side effects may be uncomfortable, they’re not dangerous. They also tend to resolve on their own over time. GLP-1 RAs are usually started at a low dose, which is gradually increased over a period of several weeks until the full therapeutic dose is reached. Doing this helps to minimize the side effects by allowing the body to gradually get used to the medication.
Some people choose to stay on a GLP-1 RA for the long term, in order to help them maintain their weight loss. This is considered to be a safe option, and no major side effects have yet been found for long-term use of GLP-1 RAs. Still, some people prefer instead to come off the medication once they reach a weight loss plateau.
It’s common to regain some of the weight that was lost after the medication is stopped. However, there are ways to help maintain weight loss after stopping a GLP-1 RA. This involves being diligent about factors like food intake and exercise. A health coach can help you to develop a plan for keeping the weight off after stopping a GLP-1 RA.
Importance of a holistic weight loss plan
It’s important to understand that GLP-1 RAs aren’t intended to be a person’s sole method of weight loss. Instead, they work best when used alongside a healthy lifestyle plan, including a healthy diet with appropriate portion sizes as well as regular physical activity.
Many people have struggled to create and stick to a healthy lifestyle plan. Those who are genetically predisposed to be at a heavier weight may have gotten frustrated in the past, because their body fought their efforts to lose weight through lifestyle changes. However, taking a GLP-1 RA helps these healthy lifestyle changes to be more effective. When using lifestyle alongside weight loss injections, many people find that getting to a healthy body weight is much more achievable.
The support of health professionals like nutritionists and health coaches can help in creating and sticking to a healthy lifestyle plan. Our NOVI Optimum Plus medical weight loss program includes this support. Using our custom NOVI app, our clients are able to stay in communication with their teams, helping them to achieve a healthier body weight.