What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Injectable drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide have become an increasingly common way for men and women to lose or manage their weight. Many of these medications were originally formulated to treat type 2 diabetes but have also been found to provide weight loss benefits for those who are obese or overweight. Popular brands like Ozempic®, Zepbound™, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® involve once-weekly injections, typically in the abdomen, which helps to reduce appetite and can lead to weight loss.
- Weight Loss Injection Candidacy
- Weight Loss Injection Options
- Amount of Weight Loss with Injectable Drugs
- Weight Loss Injection Cost
Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Injections?
Eligibility for weight loss injections is determined on a case-by-case basis according to each patient’s medical history. In general, those who are obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight with weight-related medical conditions (e.g., high blood pressure or high cholesterol) are considered ideal candidates. If diet and exercise alone have not helped you lose weight, an injectable weight loss drug may be beneficial for helping you achieve your goals.
To help you manage your weight long-term, you may need to adjust your lifestyle habits by adopting a healthy diet and regularly exercising. The best way to learn whether weight loss injectables like Ozempic are right for you is to schedule an appointment with an experienced physician, such as our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Neil Zemmel or Sarah Ashcraft, P.A.
What Are My Weight Loss Injectable Options?
Our team at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery offers several injectable options to help candidates lose weight. This includes Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. To learn more about each injectable drug, see the information below.
Ozempic®
With the active ingredient semaglutide, Ozempic works by increasing insulin production and sending a signal to your brain that makes you feel full. While FDA approved for type 2 diabetes, this prescription is increasingly being used off-label for weight loss.
Zepbound™
Composed of tirzepatide, Zepbound is FDA approved for chronic weight management, as well as for controlling blood sugar in those with diabetes. This weight loss drug works by slowing down how fast you digest food, helping you to feel full longer.
Wegovy®
Another semaglutide-containing injectable, Wegovy is FDA approved for weight loss. This drug helps to decrease hunger and increase feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake and weight loss over time.
Mounjaro®
Similar to Zepbound, Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which has been found to contribute to weight loss. Mounjaro is FDA approved for helping to regulate blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is often used as an off-label weight loss injectable.
How Much Weight Can I Lose with Injectable Drugs?
Weight management injectables can lead to varying levels of weight loss, depending on the brand, dosage, and patient. Factors like whether the patient has type 2 diabetes and their ability to follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen also play a role in how much weight loss can be expected. While results will vary for every patient, studies have shown the prescription injectables can have the following weight loss effects:
- Ozempic: around 20% of their body weight (1)
- Zepbound: as much as 20% of their body weight (2)
- Wegovy: about 15% of their body weight (3)
- Mounjaro: about 20% of their body weight (4)
Weight that is lost while using injectable drugs like Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, and Mounjaro can come back after you finish taking the medications. As a result, it is important for you to maintain a healthy lifestyle following treatment to manage your weight long-term.
For those who experience significant weight loss — whether from an injectable, bariatric procedure, or lifestyle changes alone — our plastic surgeons perform body contouring after major weight loss to remove excess skin and isolated pockets of fat. This transformative procedure can often put the finishing touches on a physique you have worked so hard to achieve.
How Much Do Weight Loss Injections Cost?
While the total cost of injectable drugs for weight loss will vary according to each patient’s treatment plan, people can typically expect to pay between $800-$1,400 per month. More details about what you can expect with your treatment cost will be discussed with you during your consultation.