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With three-quarters of Americans obese or overweight, interest in weight loss injections has surged. But which ones work best and which are safest? And what about costs?
Generally speaking, fat loss injections are known as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) injections that help boost metabolism and suppress appetite. They’re typically given in the upper arms, outer thighs, buttocks, or hips.
There are currently three GLP-1 injections FDA-approved for weight loss, including Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro. In clinical trials, these injectable medications helped people with type 2 diabetes lose between 6% and 8% of their body weight, while also improving blood sugar control.
Wegovy is a once-weekly stomach injection of the drug semaglutide, which has been shown to support weight loss in patients with obesity. It was approved by the FDA in 2021 and is one of the most effective options for weight loss, along with liraglutide (Saxenda).
Both Wegovy and Ozempic are made by the same company and contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. However, Wegovy has higher doses of the medication and is specifically designed for weight loss. It’s also more likely to be covered by health insurance than Saxenda.
In a study that compared the two, Wegovy significantly outperformed Saxenda for weight loss in patients with obesity. Patients on Wegovy saw an average of 6% to 8% of their body weight loss in about 10 months, whereas those on Saxenda only lost about half that amount.
Unlike some other GLP-1 agonists, Wegovy and Mounjaro have not been shown to increase the risk of thyroid cancer or medullary thyroid cancer in people who use them for weight loss. But it’s important to talk to your doctor about any underlying health conditions you have and all medications you take before starting these injections.
Another factor to consider is who will give the injections and how often. Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus are self-injections that come prefilled in a pen-like device that looks like a magic marker or cigar. You simply place the pen against your abdomen or thigh and press a button until you see the medication flow from the needle. The process only takes a few seconds and doesn’t hurt. However, if you don’t feel comfortable administering the injections on your own, both Wegovy and Ozempic can be given in a doctor’s office. For Mounjaro, doctors can give the medication to patients who have either a medical history of type 2 diabetes or a BMI of 30 or higher and at least one obesity-related comorbidity such as heart disease. Oral versions of these medications are expected to be available soon, as well. The cost for these prescriptions can vary widely, depending on the location and pharmacy and whether they’re covered by insurance. You can shop around for better prices by calling different pharmacies in your area.
Some offer discounts for first-time patients or bundle pricing. You can also find lower rates by searching for coupons online or using discount cards.
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