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The popular once-weekly semaglutide injection — widely used overseas for weight loss and developed by Novo Nordisk — is now available at our clinic.
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Achieving long-term weight loss remains a significant challenge for many individuals in Singapore, even with dedicated efforts in diet and exercise. As a result, prescription weight loss injections have become an important part of doctor-supervised weight management, offering an additional solution for those who need medical support.
Developed by internationally recognised pharmaceutical companies such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lily, these injectable medications have been widely adopted in clinical practice and are clinically proven to support healthy, sustainable weight loss for suitable patients.
This doctor’s guide will explain how prescription weight loss injections fit into a comprehensive program, their key benefits, and what patients in Singapore should consider when seeking medically supervised treatment.
Weight loss injections are prescription medications used to support individuals in Singapore who face challenges achieving weight loss through traditional methods such as diet and exercise alone. These treatments are generally recommended for adults with obesity, or those with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
Unlike over-the-counter supplements, weight loss injections require a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional and ongoing medical supervision. These medications are supplied in convenient pre-filled injectable pens, allowing patients to self-administer the injection subcutaneously—usually in the abdominal area—after receiving proper training from their doctor.
There are two main categories of prescription weight loss injections available in Singapore:
Weight loss injections are designed to be part of a comprehensive medical weight management program that also includes nutritional guidance, increased physical activity, and ongoing behavioural support. As with any medication, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine suitability, assess potential benefits and risks, and ensure safe use.
Prescription weight loss injections work by influencing the body's natural hormonal systems that control hunger, fullness, and metabolism. The most widely prescribed medications in Singapore target the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, a key hormone involved in appetite regulation.
By mimicking the action of GLP-1, these injections slow down the rate at which the stomach empties after a meal and help regulate blood sugar levels. This process sends signals of satiety to the brain, making it easier for individuals to feel full with less food and to experience reduced hunger between meals.
Some injectable medications, produced by companies such as Eli Lilly, also stimulate the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) pathway in addition to GLP-1. This dual-action mechanism provides even stronger appetite suppression and greater metabolic benefits, resulting in more significant and sustained weight loss for appropriate patients.
Rather than simply burning fat or speeding up metabolism, weight loss injections address the underlying hormonal factors that often make long-term weight control difficult. When used as part of a doctor-supervised program that includes dietary changes and increased physical activity, these medications can help patients overcome persistent barriers to weight loss and achieve healthier, lasting results.
Weight loss injections, when used as part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes diet and exercise, can offer several benefits:
One of the most significant benefits of prescription weight loss injections is their ability to enhance weight loss outcomes when used alongside diet and exercise. These treatments—such as the daily or weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist injections developed by Novo Nordisk, as well as dual-action GLP-1/GIP injectables produced by Eli Lilly—help regulate appetite and satiety, making it easier for individuals to feel full sooner and reduce hunger cravings.
By supporting appetite control and lowering overall calorie intake, these medications enable patients to lose more weight compared to lifestyle changes alone. When integrated into a doctor-supervised program, they offer an effective pathway toward reaching and sustaining weight loss goals.
Weight loss achieved through medically prescribed injections can lead to notable improvements in various health markers. Patients often experience better blood pressure regulation, reduced cholesterol levels, and improved blood sugar control. These benefits help to lower cardiovascular risk and support overall metabolic health, which is particularly important for those with pre-existing conditions or risk factors.
Overweight and obesity are associated with a greater risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. By helping individuals achieve and maintain significant weight loss, these injections can contribute to a lower risk of developing weight-related diseases. This protective effect adds to the overall health value of medical weight management.
Beyond the physical advantages, successful weight loss can provide psychological benefits as well. Many patients report increased self-confidence, a more positive body image, and enhanced overall quality of life. These improvements can further motivate individuals to maintain healthy habits and sustain their progress over the long term.
For those managing obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, weight loss injections can offer additional support that extends beyond lifestyle modification alone. These prescription therapies may be especially beneficial for patients who have struggled to lose weight through conventional approaches and need a more comprehensive, doctor-led treatment plan.
Some prescription weight loss injections are suitable for long-term use, supporting ongoing appetite control and weight maintenance. Sustaining weight loss over time is often one of the greatest challenges in weight management, and these therapies can play a valuable role in helping patients avoid weight regain.
It is important to remember that while weight loss injections offer many benefits, they are not a stand-alone solution. The most successful results are achieved when these medications are used as part of a holistic program that includes dietary adjustments, physical activity, and behavioural change under professional supervision.
There are several prescription injectable medications widely used for weight management in Singapore. While these treatments work via similar biological pathways to help regulate appetite and support weight loss, they differ in dosage, frequency of administration, and specific approved uses.
Below is a comparison of the main types commonly prescribed in Singapore, all developed by leading pharmaceutical manufacturer Novo Nordisk:
This daily injectable medication is based on liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Patients administer the injection subcutaneously once every day. By mimicking the effects of natural appetite-regulating hormones, this treatment helps reduce calorie intake and supports gradual, sustained weight loss.
The daily GLP-1 injection is generally prescribed for adults who are overweight or obese, particularly if they have additional health issues such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol.
Learn more about GLP-1 (Liraglutide) daily injections and how they work.
This once-weekly injectable pen contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist with a long-acting formulation. While it is most commonly prescribed to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, clinical studies have shown that it also supports weight loss. The once-weekly dosing can be more convenient for some patients compared to daily injections.
Learn more about once-weekly GLP-1 (Semaglutide) injections.
This prescription weight loss pen uses a higher dose of semaglutide than the standard version and is specifically approved for chronic weight management. Patients administer the injection once per week.
Studies have demonstrated that this higher-dose formulation can lead to significant weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes, particularly for adults with overweight or obesity and at least one related health condition.
Learn more about high-dose weekly GLP-1 (Semaglutide) therapy for weight loss.
Dual-action GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist injections, developed by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, represent an important addition to medical weight management in Singapore. Unlike traditional GLP-1 injections, these once-weekly injectables mimic the action of both the GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) hormones—two naturally occurring peptides that play key roles in appetite regulation and metabolic health.
By targeting both pathways simultaneously, dual-action injections provide enhanced appetite suppression, improved feelings of fullness after eating, and greater support for sustained weight loss. Clinical studies have shown that tirzepatide-based treatments can deliver more significant weight loss outcomes compared to single-hormone injectables, when combined with lifestyle changes and ongoing medical supervision.
These injections are administered once weekly and are approved in several major countries for adults with obesity or weight-related health conditions. As with all prescription weight loss treatments, it is essential to consult a qualified healthcare professional for individual assessment and safe use.
Learn more about dual-action GLP-1/GIP (Tirzepatide) weight loss treatments.
In summary, prescription weight loss injections available in Singapore share a common mechanism of supporting appetite regulation and promoting weight loss through hormonal pathways. However, they differ in terms of their active ingredient, dosing frequency, and primary clinical use.
Injection Type | Active Ingredient | Manufacturer | Dosing Frequency | Primary Indication | Typical Use in Singapore |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Daily GLP-1 | Liraglutide | Novo Nordisk | Daily | Weight management | Adults with overweight, obesity & comorbidities |
Once-Weekly GLP-1 | Semaglutide | Novo Nordisk | Weekly | Type 2 diabetes (also supports weight loss) | Blood sugar control; sometimes adjunct for weight loss |
High-Dose Once-Weekly GLP-1 For Weight Loss | Semaglutide (higher dose) | Novo Nordisk | Weekly | Weight management | Adults with overweight, obesity & comorbidities |
Dual-Action GLP-1/GIP | Tirzepatide | Eli Lilly | Weekly | Weight management (dual hormone pathways) | Enhanced weight loss for obesity/weight-related health |
Each medication has its own suitability profile based on health status, lifestyle, and personal preferences. The best choice should always be made in consultation with your doctor, who can assess your medical history and recommend the most appropriate prescription weight loss injection for your needs.
Consultation and Prescription:
The treatment journey begins with a medical consultation. Your doctor will assess your overall health, medical history, and individual weight loss goals to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for prescription weight loss injections. If these medications are deemed appropriate, your doctor will prescribe a specific injectable based on your needs and preferences.
Patient Training:
Before starting treatment, you will receive practical training on how to self-administer the injections at home. This typically involves learning to inject the medication into the fatty tissue just under the skin—usually in the abdomen or thigh—using a pre-filled pen device. Your healthcare provider will ensure you are comfortable with the technique and confident about safe self-administration.
Dosage and Frequency:
The specific dosage and frequency of your weight loss injections will depend on the prescribed medication. Some options are designed for daily use, while others are administered once weekly. Your doctor will advise on the correct starting dose, which is often gradually increased over time to optimise results and minimise side effects.
Ongoing Monitoring:
Regular follow-up appointments are an essential part of the treatment process. Your doctor will monitor your progress, assess your response to the medication, and make any necessary adjustments to your dosage. Common side effects—including nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation—may occur in the initial weeks but typically improve as your body adapts to the treatment.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Prescription weight loss injections are most effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle. Your doctor will recommend a reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity, and other positive behaviour changes to maximise your results and support long-term success.
Duration of Treatment:
The length of treatment varies for each patient and depends on factors such as your weight loss response, tolerance of the medication, and ongoing health goals. Some individuals may benefit from longer-term use of these injections to maintain their results, always under regular medical supervision.
Timeline for Results
The timeframe for noticeable results with prescription weight loss injections can vary from person to person. Many patients may begin to observe some reduction in weight within the first few weeks of starting treatment.
More significant and sustained weight loss is typically seen within the first three to six months, as the body adapts to the medication and responds to changes in appetite and metabolism.
Expected Weight Loss
Individual outcomes depend on factors such as starting weight, dietary habits, physical activity level, and adherence to the prescribed regimen. On average, clinical studies have shown that patients using prescription weight loss injections can expect to lose approximately 5% to 15% of their initial body weight over six to twelve months.
For example, the semaglutide clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) reported an average 15% reduction in body weight at 68 weeks. Similarly, SURMOUNT-1 and SURMOUNT-2 trials evaluating tirzepatide found significant and sustained weight loss among participants. It is important to note that these medications are most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Monitoring Progress
Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are essential to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Your doctor will assess your weight loss, review any side effects, and provide guidance on lifestyle changes to support long-term success.
If after 12 weeks of consistent use you have not achieved at least 4–5% reduction in your initial body weight, your healthcare provider may recommend discontinuing the medication or exploring alternative weight management options.
Prescription weight loss injections are generally recommended for adults who have not achieved sufficient weight loss through diet and exercise alone and meet specific medical criteria. You may be suitable for these treatments if:
Eligibility is always determined after a thorough assessment by a qualified doctor. Your healthcare provider will consider your overall medical history, current medications, and weight loss goals before recommending an appropriate treatment plan.
For more information on weight loss injection eligibility, book a consultation with our clinic.
The duration of treatment with prescription weight loss injections depends on your individual health goals, progress, and how your body responds to the medication. For some patients, these injections may be used as a short- or medium-term tool to achieve weight loss, with the possibility of discontinuing treatment once their goals are met and healthy habits are firmly established.
Others may benefit from longer-term use to help maintain their weight loss and ongoing health improvements. This is because obesity is considered a chronic condition, and some individuals may experience a tendency for weight regain after stopping medication. In the STEP 4 clinical trial, researchers found that weight regain could occur after stopping semaglutide, underscoring the importance of ongoing lifestyle changes and follow-up care (NEJM STEP 4 semaglutide withdrawal study).
Importantly, the decision about how long to continue weight loss injections is highly individual. Your doctor will regularly assess your progress, discuss your preferences, and adjust your treatment plan as needed to help you achieve lasting results. With a supportive, holistic approach that includes dietary improvements, regular exercise, and behavioural strategies, many patients can achieve sustainable weight management—regardless of whether medication is used long-term.
While prescription weight loss injections can be highly effective for supporting weight management, it is important to be aware of their potential side effects. Most patients tolerate these medications well, and serious complications are uncommon, especially when used under medical supervision.
Common Side Effects
The most frequently reported side effects of weight loss injections are related to the digestive system. These include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and occasional vomiting. Such effects are usually mild and tend to resolve as your body adapts to the medication over time.
Other Side Effects
Some patients may experience less common effects such as dizziness, fatigue, a slight increase in heart rate, or reactions at the injection site (such as redness, swelling, or mild discomfort).
Serious Side Effects
Rarely, more serious complications may occur. These include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder disease, kidney issues, and—very rarely—mood changes, including suicidal thoughts or behaviours. The overall risk of these events is low, but it is essential to seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, reduced urination, or unexplained mood changes.
Weight loss injections are a promising option for medically supervised weight management, but they should always be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes healthy lifestyle changes. Consultation and ongoing follow-up with a qualified healthcare professional will help ensure the safest and most effective results for your individual needs.
Talk to Dr Edwin today!
When choosing a weight loss clinic in Singapore, prioritise those with experienced doctors who specialise in medical weight management. Leading clinics offer a comprehensive range of treatment options, including prescription-based injectables such as GLP-1 and dual-action weight loss injections.
The best clinics take a personalised, doctor-supervised approach. This involves a thorough consultation, tailored treatment planning, ongoing monitoring, and holistic lifestyle support. Transparent communication about the expected outcomes, potential side effects, and overall costs is essential for a safe and effective weight loss journey.
For professional advice and personalised care, book a consultation with our experienced medical team.