Myth #1: Weight Loss Injections Are a Quick Fix.
While weight loss injections can be a valuable tool, they are not a magic bullet. They work alongside lifestyle changes, not in place of them. Weight loss using this treatment requires both the medications, as well as a commitment to a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Myth #2: Weight Loss Injections Are Expensive and Unaffordable.
This can be true depending on the specific medication, insurance coverage and your personal circumstances. However, it's important to consider the costs associated with weight-related health complications, such as diabetes, heart disease, and reproductive issues to name a few [3]. There are programs on the market that offer affordable weekly payments, so it’s important to consult a medical professional and explore options that can help you find a solution that fits your budget.
Myth #3: Weight Loss Injections are Only for People with Obesity.
While injections are often considered a late intervention, they can be beneficial for people in various stages of weight loss, and for some can be a breakthrough needed to overcome a plateau or stubborn weight. Having comorbidities such as high blood pressure can mean that certain injectables are appropriate when you are overweight, before you become obese. For others, they can be a valuable tool for weight management and prevention of further weight gain [4]. Your doctor will be able to assess where you are in your weight loss journey and whether it is appropriate to consider an injectable medication.
Myth #4: All Weight Loss Injections are All the Same.
There are several types of weight loss injections. Each works in its own way and has potential side effects. What works for one may not work for another. Making the right choice requires careful consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who will consider your personal health.
Myth #5: You Don’t Need a Prescription.
You will need a prescription to get weight loss injections in Australia. Only a pharmacy with a prescription from a qualified health care professional can legally dispense it [10,11] . Aside from legally requiring a prescription to obtain these medications, it is important to note that they also have incompatibilities. Therefore, it is important for a doctor to supervise a treatment program for weight loss with injections. Some online forums let you consult with doctors about weight loss medications. However, it is important to ensure that these platforms are legitimate and that practitioners are registered and qualified to practice in Australia.
Key Questions Relating to Weight Loss Injections
1. How do weight loss injections work?
Different medications work in different ways, but most target the appetite-regulating hormone GLP-1. By mimicking its effects, they help you feel fuller for longer, leading to lower calorie intake and weight loss [5].
2. How effective are weight loss injections in non-diabetics?
You may have seen or heard celebrities from Elon Musk [6] to Sharon Osborne [7] discuss their weight loss success using weight loss injections, but how effective are they really? A recent study involving 2,000 participants provided some interesting insights. Those who included a specific weight loss medication, alongside dietary and exercise changes, lost significantly more weight, with half achieving a 15% reduction and nearly a third reaching 20% after 68 weeks. This compares to an average weight loss of only 2.4% in the group who made lifestyle changes alone [9].However, it's important to remember that weight management is a long-term journey, not a quick fix and one treatment may not work for all.
3. How long do I need to take weight loss injections?
The duration varies depending on individual factors and response to treatment. Some people may see significant results quickly, while others may need longer-term use. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed [8].
Remember:
- Weight loss injections are a medical intervention, and their use should be under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
- They are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, but rather a tool to support and enhance your efforts.
- Individual results vary, and it's important to manage expectations and focus on long-term sustainable change.
- Open communication with medical professionals is the key to ensuring a safe and effective treatment.
Weight loss injections offer a different avenue for people struggling with weight management. While they come with their own considerations, their potential benefits, when combined with a healthy lifestyle, may make a positive impact on your health and wellbeing. By having realistic expectations and a commitment to healthy habits, you can embark on a weight loss journey using weight loss injections.
