Losing weight is a complex journey, and most people would like to get rid of those extra pockets of fat fast, but it is unlikely they will get the results they want in a short period. That is why other weight loss methods, whether invasive or non-surgical, are so popular besides diet and exercise plans. One particular method that is being advertised for losing weight is lipotropic injections, and weight loss centers and clinics usually add these injections into their programs for their customers. In this article, we are going to explain what lipotropic injections are and how they can be effective in the process of fat loss.
Read our Complete Weight Loss Guide here | What to do and how to reach your goal.
What Are Lipotropic Injections?
Lipotropic injections are claimed to be weight loss supplements, and they are said to affect the burning process. These injections are not going to show any significant results unless they are included in a weight loss plan with a well-planned diet and regular exercise sessions.
Vitamin B12 is the main ingredient in these injections, and it is said to be harmless in large quantities. That being said, lipotropic injections are unlikely to be risk-free if they are used without following a diet and having workout sessions. Also, this treatment is not suitable for everybody, and it might result in some unwanted side effects.
Lipotropic injections are not checked or regulated as other weight loss medications are, and if you would like to try them out, it is best to consult with your doctor before using them.
What Are Lipotropic Injections Made Of?
As we have covered before, the main ingredient of lipotropic injection is Vitamin B12, but there are other substances, and some of the most common ones are:
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B complex
- Branched Chain Amino Acids
- L-carnitine
- Phentermine
- MIC ( methionine, inositol, and choline )
These Injections are mainly used in areas with more fatty tissue, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Weight loss clinics and medical spas usually add this injection to their program for clients who are following a diet and workout plan. Since the administrators might not be doctors or medical specialists, it is recommended to talk to your doctor before injecting them. Also, some doctors might suggest these injections for people who have been following a restrictive diet and are now facing nutrition deficiency.
How Do Lipotropic Injections Work?
Lipotropic injections are mainly used to destroy fat cells directly. There are some substances inside each injection that can help the liver process fat cells faster and more effectively. They are also said to be helpful to your body in preserving muscle mass. Basically, lipotropic injections tell the body to burn fat cells to provide the fuel it needs after the glycogen stores are depleted.
Another important ingredient inside these injections is L methionine, which is a crucial amino acid responsible for adequate protein production. It also helps the body to burn more fat. So it is important to at least add foods that contain this amino acid, or you can use lipotropic injections if your doctor approves them.
Lipotropic injections are also said to keep your energy level high even if you are following the most hardcore workout sessions. The vitamins and minerals that make this injection can help the body preserve more energy so you do not feel sluggish and worn out, as most people would when they are following a diet and exercising.
Another primary substance in these injections is choline, which can help the liver and gallbladder function much better, resulting in better and faster fat burning. Another advantage that injections have over the usual oral medications is that they work rapidly, and all of the ingredients and nutrition inside them will be absorbed through the bloodstream, unlike other medications that need to be digested first, in which lots of nutrients get excluded from the body after the process.
It is said that lipotropic injections can help the liver detoxification process as the L methionine is responsible for creating taurine and cysteine, which are two chemicals that help the liver get rid of toxins more efficiently.
Research and Data
There have been limited studies on the effects of lipotropic injections, and the results seem inconclusive.
One study from the Pennington Biomedical Center in Louisiana reported that following a restrictive diet that does not provide the body with enough methionine in people who face metabolic syndrome resulted in increased fat digestion. In this study, people in the control group and those following the diet had lost the same amount of weight.
Another clinical research revealed that a mixture of diet, myoinositol, and D-chiro inositol might lead to weight loss in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, due to the fact that the subjects were numbered and the study was limited, the effects of inositol on weight loss have yet to be concluded.
Although the substances in lipotropic injections have important roles to play in overall metabolism and in healthier liver functioning, the studies conducted so far do not imply that higher dosage can be beneficial for weight and fat loss.
How many lipotropic shots are recommended for weight loss?
Weight loss clinics usually offer one shot per week for their clients, but some people might be getting two shots. Some doctors also might suggest taking these shots if the person is facing nutrition deficiency.
Side effects of lipotropic injections
Although lipotropic injections are considered to be safe, there might be some risks and side effects. Vitamin B112, B6, and BCAAs do not pose any threat even in large dosages since the body will get rid of the excessive amount through urination. However, other substances, such as phentermine, might lead to the following side effects.
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Incontinence
- Increased heart rate
- Insomnia
- Hand and foot numbness
If you have had any of the above side effects in a persistent way, you should visit your doctor, and it is best to change the ingredients being used. It is also important to avoid phentermine if you have anxiety and, cardiovascular issues or thyroid disease. There could be other side effects associated with low-calorie diet and taking these injections, such as:
- extreme fatigue
- gastrointestinal upset
- hunger pangs
- irritability
- jitteriness
- lightheadedness
Best alternatives to lipotropic injections
Since there is no clear evidence of the actual effects of these injections on weight loss, most people would consider other alternatives to lose weight faster. For those who do not have a BMI higher than 30 and those who are not facing fatal health conditions due to their weight, there are some non-invasive methods they can undergo to speed up their weight loss journey.
It is important to choose a non-surgical weight loss clinic that is able to help you transform your body and reach your body-shaping goal in the healthiest way possible. For those who would like to get rid of large fat pockets at once, liposuction is the most common surgical weight loss method, and laser liposuction, which is the new version of this treatment, offers weight loss quickly and with fewer complications.
Other steps you can take towards a healthier weight loss are :
Stress management
Healthy eating habits
Regular exercise
Lowering sugar intake
Adding more vegetables and whole grains to your diet
