Weight Loss Injections Singapore Guide

As a society, we are constantly in pursuit of solutions for better health and fitness. Among the numerous options available today, weight loss injections have emerged in Singapore as an increasingly popular method for shedding those extra pounds. 

This article provides a detailed guide to different types of weight loss injections, including Saxenda, Ozempic, and Wegovy, to inform patients about this innovative approach.

What Are Weight Loss Injections?

Weight loss injections are medications designed to assist individuals on losing weight in Singapore, particularly those who have been unsuccessful with traditional methods like diet and exercise alone, or those who are struggling with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes. They are prescription medications, meaning they need to be prescribed by a healthcare provider and are not available over the counter.

These injections work by mimicking or influencing natural hormones in your body that play a role in appetite regulation and metabolism. In other words, they alter the physiology of your body to promote weight loss. They usually come in pre-filled injectable pens, which patients can use to self-administer the medication subcutaneously, i.e., under the skin, typically around the abdomen.

There are several types of weight loss injections available on the market, each with its unique way of promoting weight loss:

1. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists: 

These are a class of medications that mimic the function of a hormone in your body known as GLP-1. This hormone plays an important role in regulating your appetite and blood sugar levels. 

By acting like GLP-1, these medications help you feel full faster, thereby reducing the amount you eat. Additionally, they slow down the rate at which your stomach empties after eating, which further contributes to a feeling of fullness. 

Examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists include Saxenda (liraglutide), Ozempic, and Wegovy (both semaglutide).

2. Amylinomimetics: 

These mimic the function of amylin, a hormone that is released by your pancreas after eating. Amylin works by slowing the rate at which food leaves your stomach and preventing a rapid rise in blood sugar levels after eating. An example of an amylinomimetic is Symlin (pramlintide).

While weight loss injections can be an effective tool in the weight loss journey, it's important to note that they are not magic bullets. These medications are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program, including a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and behavioral changes. 

Additionally, like all medications, they can have side effects, and it's essential to discuss these potential risks with your doctor before starting treatment.

The Benefits of Weight Loss Injections in Singapore

Weight loss injections, when used as part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes diet and exercise, can offer several benefits:

Enhanced Weight Loss: 

One of the most significant benefits of weight loss injections is their ability to enhance weight loss. These injections work by regulating appetite and satiety, helping individuals feel less hungry or full sooner. 

This can lead to a reduction in calorie intake and, consequently, weight loss. When combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, weight loss injections can help individuals lose more weight than they would with lifestyle changes alone.

Improved Health Markers: 

Weight loss, facilitated by these injections, can lead to improvements in various health markers. These include blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and more. By improving these markers, weight loss injections can contribute to overall better health and well-being.

Reduced Risk of Weight-Related Health Conditions: 

Overweight and obesity are associated with a higher risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and more. By aiding in weight loss, weight loss injections can help lower the risk of these weight-related health conditions.

Psychological Benefits: 

Achieving weight loss goals can also have psychological benefits. It can lead to improved self-esteem, body image, and overall quality of life. These psychological benefits can, in turn, motivate individuals to maintain their weight loss over the long term.

Support for Individuals with Obesity-Related Health Conditions: 

For individuals with obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, weight loss injections can provide additional support beyond lifestyle changes. These injections can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.

Long-Term Weight Management: 

Some weight loss injections can also support long-term weight management. They can help individuals maintain their weight loss over time, which is often one of the most challenging aspects of weight management.

It's important to note that while weight loss injections offer several benefits, they are not a magic bullet for weight loss. They are intended to be used as part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes dietary changes, physical activity, and behavior changes.

What Are The Differences Between Saxenda, Ozempic and Wegovy?

Saxenda, Ozempic, and Wegovy are all injectable medications used for weight management, but they have some differences in terms of their dosage, frequency of administration, and specific uses. Here's a detailed comparison:

Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Saxenda, also known as liraglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is administered as a daily subcutaneous injection. Saxenda works by mimicking the functions of natural hormones in your body that help regulate your appetite, which leads to reduced calorie intake and weight loss. It is typically used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight or obese and have at least one weight-related comorbid condition.

Ozempic (Semaglutide)

Ozempic, or semaglutide, is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist, similar to Saxenda. However, it is administered once weekly, which may be more convenient for some patients. Ozempic is primarily used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, but it also has been shown to help with weight loss.

Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Wegovy is a higher dose of semaglutide, the same active ingredient as in Ozempic. Like Ozempic, it is administered once weekly. However, Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight or obese and have at least one weight-related comorbid condition. It has been shown to result in significant weight loss in clinical trials.

In summary, while all three medications work in a similar way to help regulate appetite and lead to weight loss, they differ in their dosage, frequency of administration, and specific indications. 

Saxenda is a daily injection, while Ozempic and Wegovy are weekly injections. Ozempic is primarily used for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes, while Saxenda and Wegovy are used for weight management.

It's important to note that the choice between these medications should be made in consultation with your doctor, taking into account the individual's specific health needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?

Weight loss injections work by targeting various processes in the body related to hunger, satiety, and metabolism. For instance, GLP-1 receptor agonists like Saxenda, Ozempic, and Wegovy mimic the action of a naturally occurring hormone that slows digestion, helps to regulate blood sugar, and reduces appetite.

The Weight Loss Injections Treatment Experience in Singapore

Consultation and Prescription: The first step in the process is a consultation with your doctor. They will evaluate your health status, medical history, and weight loss goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate for weight loss injections. If deemed appropriate, they will prescribe the medication.

Training: Before you start the treatment, you will receive training on how to self-administer the injections. This usually involves injecting the medication into the fatty tissue under the skin (subcutaneous injection), typically in the abdomen or thigh.

Dosage and Frequency: The dosage and frequency of the injections will depend on the specific medication. For instance, Saxenda is typically taken once daily, while Ozempic and Wegovy are usually taken once weekly. The dosage may be gradually increased over time under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress, adjust dosages if necessary, and manage any potential side effects. These medications can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, which usually improve over time.

Lifestyle Changes: It's important to note that these injections are not a standalone solution for weight loss. They should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Duration of Treatment: The duration of treatment varies from person to person and depends on how well you respond to the medication and tolerate its side effects. Some people may need to stay on the medication long-term to maintain their weight loss.

When Can Weight Loss Injection Results Be Seen?

Timeline for Results: The time it takes to see results can vary from person to person. However, generally, patients may start to see some weight loss within the first few weeks of treatment. Significant weight loss is typically observed within the first six months of consistent use, which is when the body has had enough time to adjust to the medication and respond accordingly.

Expected Weight Loss: The amount of weight loss can also vary greatly depending on individual factors such as starting weight, diet, physical activity level, and adherence to the medication regimen. On average, studies have shown that patients using these types of weight loss injections can expect to lose approximately 5-15% of their initial body weight over a period of 6-12 months. It's important to note that these medications are intended to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, which will significantly impact the results.

Monitoring Progress: Regular follow-ups with your doctor are crucial during this process. They will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary. If after a certain period (usually around 12 weeks), you haven't lost at least 4-5% of your initial body weight, your healthcare provider may decide to discontinue the medication.

Duration of Treatment: Is It A Lifelong Treatment?

The duration of treatment with weight loss injections depends on individual health goals and how well the body responds to the medication. Some people may need to use these medications for a longer term to maintain weight loss, while others may be able to transition off after reaching their weight loss goals.

Risks of Weight Loss Injections in Singapore

While these medications can be effective tools in weight management, it's important to be aware of potential side effects. However, remember that these side effects are not experienced by everyone and many people using these medications do not experience serious side effects.

Common Side Effects: The most common side effects of these medications are gastrointestinal in nature. These can include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. These side effects are typically mild and tend to improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication.

Other Side Effects: Other less common side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, increased heart rate, and injection site reactions such as redness or swelling.

Serious Side Effects: While rare, serious side effects can occur. These can include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder disease, kidney problems, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. 

It's important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of these conditions.

Weight loss injections offer a promising approach to managing weight and improving overall health. Like any treatment, they should be used under the supervision of a doctor and in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your specific needs.