How Does a Weight Loss Injection Pen Work?

If you have the desire to lose weight, you’re not alone - around 25% of adults are obese in the UK, and a further 37.9% of adults are overweight. 

However, with so many options out there, it can be difficult to find the right weight loss solution that works for you. Weight loss injection pens can be a great way to aid weight loss and help you to reach a healthy weight. 

Read on to learn more about the weight loss injection pen, including how weight loss injections work and how long you take them. 

We’ll also be exploring how our professionals at Dam Health can help you achieve a healthy weight through weight loss medication. 

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Eligibility For Weight Loss Injection Pen 

You should speak to a healthcare professional before you begin any weight loss treatments. The GLP1 weight loss injection is suitable for people who are overweight - typically, those with a BMI/ body mass index of over 35. 

There are some factors that can affect your eligibility - for example, medical conditions such as kidney or gastrointestinal issues. Be sure to always follow instructions when taking any weight loss medication. 

That being said, you may still be eligible for a weight loss injection pen if your BMI is lower than this if you meet certain criteria. Speak with our weight loss team at Dam Health to determine your eligibility and to begin your weight loss treatment.

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Weight Loss Injections - How They Work

Weight loss injections are taken as subcutaneous injections - which means injected into the subcutaneous fat under the skin. You inject the once-daily injection into your stomach. 

There are three main types of weight loss injection available on the market - Liraglutide (also known as Victoza), Semaglutide (sold as Ozempic), and Dulaglutide (Trulicity). Most weight loss injection pens available today feature the active ingredient Liraglutide. 

You may be wondering exactly how they help you lose weight. They mimic the hormone that suppresses your appetite, which can help you to regulate your hunger. In turn, this can help you consume fewer calories, and achieve the reduced-calorie diet needed to lose weight.

Weight loss injection pens can also help your body produce more insulin when required. This ultimately reduces glucose levels produced in the liver. 

Another way that weight loss injections help you lose weight is by slowing down the speed at which your stomach digests food. This can leave you feeling fuller for longer, meaning you won't feel the need to eat as much food. 

For best results, we recommend that you follow a healthy lifestyle and make healthy food choices while taking weight loss injections. It can also be beneficial to increase your activity levels. 

Our team at Dam Health can provide you with guidance and support throughout your weight loss journey, and help you to make positive changes to your diet and lifestyle. A healthy diet and exercise can ensure you get the best from your weight loss injection pen. 

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Common Side Effects of Weight Loss Injection Pens

Weight loss injection pens such as the Saxenda pen are licenced and completely safe to use following the doctor’s instructions. This means that if you stick to the dosage prescribed and inject the product into the correct injection site, weight-loss pens can be a great weight-loss solution.

Despite being a safe option, there is still a chance of experiencing side effects when taking your weight loss injection pen. 

Some side effects to be aware of may include: 

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea 

Constipation 

Low blood sugar 

Dizziness

Fatigue and trouble sleeping 

Heartburn and bloating

Skin reactions near the injection site 

Headaches 

Changes in taste 

Gallstones 

It’s important to note that these side effects can vary from person to person - and many people experience little to no side effects. It’s also important to be aware of serious side effects. For example, there is a risk of allergic reactions and symptoms of pancreatitis. If you experience a fast heartbeat, swelling of the face, mouth/ tongue, throat or eyelids, trouble breathing or swallowing, or severe stomach pain, call 999 or visit your local A&E.  

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How Long Do I Take Weight Loss Injections For?

The length of time you’ll take your weight loss injections can vary - however, in most cases, you will trial them for around six months. 

At the six-month mark, you will be assessed. During this assessment, your healthcare professional/ doctor will determine whether you’ve experienced a weight loss of 3% of your starting weight - typically 1 stone. 

They will also look for signs of improvement in your HbA1c measurement, generally by around 11mmol/mol. If you have shown signs of improvement in these areas, you may continue to take the injections in the long term. 

However, if you have seen no improvement, then your healthcare provider may recommend that you stop the medication. 

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Begin Your Weight Loss Journey With Dam Health 

At Dam Health, we understand how difficult it can be to lose weight. This is why we are home to an effective weight loss clinic and can help you to achieve your goal weight. 

Our safe and effective weight-loss pens may be the perfect solution for you. It works by delaying gastric emptying and ultimately curbing feelings of hunger. Our weight loss pens delay the pace your stomach empties its contents, which leaves you feeling fuller for longer. Over time, this lowers your body weight threshold. 

Regulate your appetite and metabolism today with a weight-loss injection pen. Our weight loss professionals will work closely with you to create a tailored plan - you won’t be left on your own when you start treatment. 

We can help you to reach your weight loss goals. Once you’ve completed your treatment, our support doesn’t have to end. We are proud to offer effective aftercare - we’ll provide you with ongoing support throughout your journey. This can help you keep on track and achieve long-term success. 

As well as offering effective weight loss treatment, we can also provide test kits. Testing kits can help you to understand the root causes of your high BMI. If you need a thyroid test kit, for example, we can help with fast and efficient delivery. Contact us today for a consultation.