Weight loss injections

A revolutionary approach to the treatment of obesity are injectable solutions, for example under the trade names Wegowy, Mounjaro or Ozempic. They are not a magic solution, they should be seen as a helpful partner in setting up and subsequently maintaining a lifestyle that is able to maintain the adjusted weight even after the end of this treatment.

Their function is based on the principle of imitating natural hormones, especially GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is released after eating. They slow down the emptying of the stomach, so that the feeling of satiety lasts longer, reduce appetite by affecting the centers in the brain and stabilize blood sugar levels. The result can be a reduction in food intake by up to a quarter and, with long-term use, weight loss of up to 20%.

Your doctor must approve your treatment. Injections are prescribed and it is important not to suffer from any restrictions that would not support this treatment, on the contrary, it could worsen your health condition. The professional name for these facts is contraindications. Pregnancy, ongoing oncological disease, pancreatic disease, ... it is therefore very important to consider the introduction of treatment by a doctor. These drugs are not covered by insurance in most cases, unless it is primarily a therapeutic agent, the patient must count on a financial burden.

Ozempic and Wegowy have the active ingredient semaglutide. Semaglutide increases the production of insulin (a hormone that reduces the amount of sugar in the blood) and reduces glucagon (a hormone that, on the other hand, increases blood sugar by converting it from adipose tissue). It slows down the emptying of the stomach, i.e. a longer feeling of satiety, reduces appetite, also lowers blood pressure and protects the blood vessels by improving the lipid profile. Overall, it helps in the treatment of diabetes. Semaglutide is available in injectable form applied once a week and also in the form of tablets taken daily.

The active ingredient of Mounjara is tirzepatide. It contains two components that better control blood sugar levels and therefore increase the effect.

During monitoring, scientists are also discovering other effects of this treatment and these are the overall benefits in forms of addiction. They indicate a reduction in addictions, for example, to nicotine and other forms of psychological, both stimulants and long-term psychiatric illnesses, in those treated.

There are already many products in this area, more are heading to the market and more are being developed. It would be ideal if we as humanity did not need such drugs, but if we realize what our lives and bodies are like, it is good that thanks to them we have a chance to change our eating and living habits early.

As I wrote in the introduction, they are not magic. Setting a diet, sufficient hydration, strength training and regular walks, trying to limit long-term stress and if all of these aspects come together, or at least most of them, only then can the declared result be expected.

WT.24, Petra