Lipotropic injections are supplements used for fat loss. These are intended to complement other aspects of a weight loss regimen, including exercise and a low-calorie diet. The injections most often contain vitamin B12, which is considered safe in large quantities.
Lipo Injection
Lipo injections, also known as lipotropic injections, supplement a balanced weight loss program. When combined with a low-calorie diet and exercise, it can help shed excess weight. The shots contain vitamin B-12 and when use in conjunction with a weight loss plan, they can be effective. While not guaranteed, they do work for many people. Also, due to the risks associated with the injections, they should be administered and monitored by a board-certified physician.
Lipo Injection Ingredients and Procedure
Lipo injections contain several vitamins and nutrients that help with a weight loss program. The most common ingredients include:
- Vitamin B-12
- Vitamin B-5
- Vitamin B complex
- Phentermine
- L-carnitine
- MIC (methionine, inositol, choline)
- Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs)
Lipo injections can be administered in the arm but the preferred areas are those with more subcutaneous fatty tissue including the buttocks, thigh or abdomen. These injections are available through medical spas and weight loss clinics. They should be administered in conjunction with a diet and exercise plan. If used without diet and exercise, there is an additional risk. It’s important to understand the qualifications of the individuals offering these injections. If possible, use them under the care of a physician.
Frequency of Injections
This will vary with each person’s weight loss goals and the plan provided by the clinic. Some recommend having the injections weekly. Others recommend having the shots twice a week to bolster the metabolization of fat and the additional energy it provides. Additionally, if you are experiencing vitamin deficiencies, your doctor may recommend these injections to improve your overall health. These should be taken as directed by your physician.
Lipo Injection Dosage
As these injections are a mix of ingredients, the exact dosage will vary depending on the combination being used. Some studies have determined the efficacy of vitamin B-12 and phentermine at 1,000 mg per week for weight loss. Your practitioner will recommend the proper dosage and frequency for you. Most likely, you will have weekly injections for a few months. When you reach your weight loss goal, they will be discontinued.
Side Effects and Precautions for Lipotropic Injections
When you meet initially with your physician or provider about lipotropic injections, they will provide information about the type of formulation they recommend. They should also cover information about the associated risks and any potential side effects. In general terms, vitamins B-12, B-16 and BCAAs are not harmful, even when used in large doses. Excessive amounts of these vitamins are excreted through urine when given in high doses. It is the other ingredients in the injection, including phentermine, that can cause negative side effects. These potential side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Numbness in hands or feet
- Rise in heart rate
- Incontinence
If you experience any of these side effects, you should contact your physician. They may stop your series of injections or change the formula that is being used. As a precaution, if you have cardiovascular issues, thyroid disease or anxiety, you should avoid products that contain phentermine.
Lipo Injections, Weight Loss Plans and Side Effects
If you are experiencing side effects, they may be caused by the diet plan and not necessarily the lipotropic injections. Some weight loss centers place clients on extremely restricted low-calorie diets in conjunction with lipo injections and exercise. This can cause the client to experience symptoms such as:
- Hunger pangs
- Extreme fatigue
- Irritability
- Lightheadedness
- Jitters
- Gastrointestinal upset
If symptoms persist, check in with your physician or healthcare provider to ensure that everything is okay.
Do These Lipo Injections Really Work?
Scientific studies on the efficacy of lipo injections have been mixed. Clinical studies have not been able to clearly show a link between lipo injections and weight loss. The Mayo Clinic stated that vitamin shots, including B12, have not been proven as an effective weight loss management tool. They state that the shots don’t provide the metabolic boost that overweight patients need. Skeptics attribute any weight loss to the diet and exercise regime that you have been adhering to over the series of lipo injections.
Cost of Lipotropic Injections
This will vary according to the formulation of the injections you receive. The cost will also vary among providers. Many medical spas and weight loss clinics offer the vitamin injections as part of a weight loss package. This will affect the cost of the injections. Some may offer the injections alone for a lower cost but if you want to include the shots for weight loss, you need them to be part of an overall weight loss plan to be effective and safe. If you are receiving the lipo injections for a medical condition, they may be covered by your insurance plan. Check with your insurance provider. They may dictate where the injections are administered. For instance, some may not cover injections at a non-traditional provider such as a weight loss clinic. The medical spa or weight loss clinic may, however, offer package discounts or financing options. Check with your provider for any discounts before pursuing treatment. If you decide to use a weight loss plan that includes lipotropic injections, you’ll find that it doesn’t take much time. You can receive the injection during your lunch break with minimal interruption to your routine.
Choosing a Safe and Effective Weight Loss Plan
As with any weight loss plan, the first place to start is with your doctor. They can ensure that you are healthy and offer advice on how to set your weight loss goals. They can also work with you to tailor a fitness plan to your needs. They will also advise you if you decide to include lipo injections into your weight loss plan.
Successful plans include the following:
- One to two-pound weekly weight loss
- Changes to your eating habits
- Regular exercise
- Regular checkups with dietician, doctor or weight loss counselor
- Regular sleep
- Drinking additional water
- Cutting down on sugar and processed foods
- Managing stress
You may even choose to journal or use an app to track your progress. This can encourage you to stick to your plan until you reach your goals.
Finding Long Term Success
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has found that for overweight or obese patients to be successful in the long term, they need to lose 5-10% body weight during the first six months of a weight loss program. This is a good measure to have in mind when you are beginning your program.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, lipotropic injections, when use in conjunction with diet and exercise, may help some people lose weight. But they are by no means, the sole way to lose weight.