Weight loss injections can reduce appetite, boost metabolism, and even target specific fat deposits. These are the features which make them appealing for those who’ve struggled with traditional weight loss methods.
But there is a problem. With the range of injections available, each promising different benefits, it isn’t easy to tell which the best weight loss injection for you is.
We created this guide to try and make it easy to choose the best weight loss injection option in Singapore for your case. On this page, we’ll explain how these injections work, compare options, and provide expert tips to help you make a confident decision for lasting results.
What Does a Weight Loss Shot Do to Your Body?
Weight loss injections primarily work by affecting hormones that regulate appetite, digestion, or fat storage. For example:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): This daily injection works by reducing hunger to make you feel fuller longer. It helps curb cravings and may support steady weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): Administered weekly, this medication mimics a hormone that signals the brain you’re full to slow down digestion to reduce food intake. Semaglutide can support substantial weight loss, especially when paired with lifestyle changes.
- Ozempic: Another version of semaglutide, Ozempic is used for type 2 diabetes but is also effective for weight loss. This once-weekly injection reduces blood sugar and helps manage appetite.
Other weight loss injections target fat cells directly. Examples include;
- Kybella: An injectable solution of deoxycholic acid, Kybella is used to dissolve fat in areas like the chin, stomach, and bra bulge. It works by breaking down fat cells permanently in small areas.
- Botox: Known for reducing wrinkles, Botox is also used off-label for weight loss by temporarily paralyzing stomach muscles, potentially reducing hunger. Research is ongoing about its effectiveness in weight loss, and its effects are typically temporary.
Weight loss injections are generally most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. However, they’re not without side effects.
Nausea, vomiting, and constipation are common; more serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or kidney issues. To minimize these risks and maximize effectiveness, you will want to consult with a knowledgeable provider and have treatment custom-tailored to your unique needs.
Are All Weight Loss Injections the Same?
No, weight loss injections vary greatly in how they work and who they’re suitable for. Some focus on appetite control, while others target fat cells. Hormonal injections like Saxenda or Wegovy impact the brain and gut, leading to reduced food intake, while injections like Kybella are designed to break down fat directly in targeted areas.
Each injection also has different dosage schedules. For instance, Saxenda requires daily injections, whereas Wegovy and Ozempic are weekly.
Side effects, effectiveness, and duration can differ significantly as well. Some injections are FDA-approved for weight loss, like Saxenda and Wegovy, while others, like Kybella, are approved for specific fat-reduction purposes, such as treating double chins.
What is the Best Injection for Fat?
If you’re looking to target stubborn fat pockets, Kybella is a leading choice. It’s FDA-approved for fat reduction in small areas, such as under the chin, and works by dissolving fat cells, which are then eliminated by the body. This can result in permanent fat reduction in treated areas after a few sessions.
However, it’s essential to note that Kybella isn’t designed for general weight loss but rather for contouring specific areas. For overall weight reduction, Saxenda or Wegovy may be more appropriate options, as they address appetite and calorie intake. Follow these seven tips to choose the best weight loss injection for you;
- Understand Your Goals: First things first, clarify whether you want to lose overall body weight, reduce appetite, or target specific fat areas. Hormonal injections like Saxenda help with weight loss, while fat-dissolving injections like Kybella focus on small areas.
- Consult a Board-Certified Provider: Weight loss injections should be administered by a board-certified professional experienced in weight management. They can evaluate your health and suggest injections based on your individual needs, reducing risks of side effects.
- Consider FDA-Approved Options First: For safety, opt for FDA-approved weight loss injections like Saxenda, Wegovy, or Kybella. These have undergone rigorous testing for both efficacy and safety.
- Assess Side Effects and Risks: Different injections come with specific risks. Appetite-reducing injections may cause digestive issues, while fat-dissolving injections may lead to bruising or swelling at the injection site. Weigh these side effects carefully before proceeding.
- Assess Duration and Frequency: Weight loss injections vary in how often they need to be administered. Saxenda requires daily injections, while Wegovy is weekly. Consider whether you’re comfortable with the required dosing schedule.
- Look Into Costs and Insurance Coverage: Some weight loss injections are costly, and insurance may not cover all of them. Kybella, for example, is considered a cosmetic treatment and is typically paid out of pocket. Discuss costs upfront to avoid unexpected expenses.
- Research the Clinic’s Reputation: Clinics offering weight loss injections should have good reviews and a track record of safe, successful treatments. Look into their reputation, especially if they specialize in weight loss or aesthetic injections.
How Long Do Weight Loss Injections Last?
The duration of weight loss injections depends on the type and your body’s response. Hormonal injections like Wegovy and Saxenda offer benefits as long as they’re administered.
Once you stop, appetite may return to normal, so maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is essential to sustaining weight loss. In contrast, fat-dissolving injections like Kybella have permanent effects in the treated area.
Fat cells destroyed by Kybella do not regrow, so results can last indefinitely, provided you maintain a stable weight. For other injections, like Botox, the effects are temporary, typically lasting three to six months.
Repeated treatments are necessary to maintain weight loss results. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider will help track progress and adjust treatments as needed.
In Closing
Choosing the best weight loss injection can feel overwhelming, but understanding how each type works, their side effects, and treatment durations can help simplify the decision. Whether your focus is on reducing appetite or targeting specific fat deposits, a customized approach can provide the safest, most effective results.
Are you ready to take the next step toward your weight loss goals? Consult a certified provider today to find the injection that best aligns with your needs. Book your consultation today at;
Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic – Dr Edwin Lim
#02-12/13, Changi City Point
5 Changi Business Park Central 1,
Singapore 486038
By appointment only:
#05-51, Lucky Plaza
304 Orchard Road
Singapore 238863
+65690042218
+6596372218 (WhatsApp)