What Are Weight Loss Injections?

Weight loss injections are FDA-approved (or in some cases, prescribed off-label) medications given with a small needle under the skin. They help regulate appetite, slow digestion, and support weight management.

FDA-approved options for weight loss:

• Wegovy® (semaglutide)
• Saxenda® (liraglutide)
• Zepbound® (tirzepatide)

Diabetes medications sometimes used off-label for weight loss:

• Ozempic® (semaglutide)
• Victoza® (liraglutide)
• Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)

Most belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, which mimics a natural gut hormone that:

• Reduces appetite
• Increases feelings of fullness
• Helps regulate blood sugar

Tirzepatide also targets GIP receptors, enhancing fullness and insulin production even further.

Types of Weight Loss Injections

1. Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®)

• How it works: GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces hunger.
• Dosing: Weekly injection.
• FDA approvals:
  
  • Ozempic® – Type 2 diabetes (off-label for weight loss)
  • Wegovy® – Weight loss in obesity or overweight with a related health condition
• Compounded semaglutide: Non–FDA-approved, but often more affordable and customizable in dose or formulation.

2. Liraglutide (Saxenda®, Victoza®)

• How it works: GLP-1 receptor agonist for appetite regulation.
• Dosing: Daily injection.
• FDA approvals:
  
  • Saxenda® – Weight management in obesity
  • Victoza® – Type 2 diabetes (sometimes used off-label for weight loss)

3. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®)

• How it works: Targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors for appetite and blood sugar control.
• Dosing: Weekly injection.
• FDA approvals:
  
  • Mounjaro® – Type 2 diabetes (off-label for weight loss)
  • Zepbound® – Weight loss

How to Get Weight Loss Injections

You’ll need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider — either in person or via telehealth. Your provider will typically:

1. Review your medical history and weight loss goals
2. Calculate your BMI to see if you meet treatment criteria
3. Discuss medication options, benefits, and risks

Safety and Side Effects

Common side effects (often temporary):

• Nausea
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mild injection site redness

More serious (rare) risks:

• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Kidney issues
• Possible increased risk of thyroid tumors (seen in animal studies, not humans)

Not recommended if you have:

• Type 1 diabetes
• History of pancreatitis
• Gallstones
• Severe kidney disease
• Personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Safety is not well studied — use only if benefits clearly outweigh risks.

Compounded versions at Good Life Meds start around $149/month and are supplied directly from FDA registered drug manufacturer and 503B pharmacy.  Most insurance does not cover weight loss injections unless prescribed for diabetes but HSAs/FSAs can sometimes help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Weight loss injections can be a safe and effective tool for managing obesity when combined with healthy habits. Choosing the right medication depends on your health profile, lifestyle, side effect tolerance, and budget.

Work closely with a healthcare provider to find the best plan for you — and remember, long-term results depend on ongoing lifestyle changes, not just the injection.