Which weight loss medication format is right for you?
There are a lot of weight loss pharmaceuticals out there these days. So many, in fact, that it can be hard to figure out exactly what makes the most sense for you to try.
This page will look at the differences between oral weight loss medications and weight loss injections, as well as the pros and cons of each format of prescription weight loss drugs available, so you can make a more educated decision about which option fits you best.
Different Types of Weight Loss Medication Formats
At this time, when it comes to prescription weight loss drugs, there are two different formats available: oral weight loss medications and weight loss injections. Both are meant to be used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, in order to achieve the best possible results.
Regardless of which type of weight loss pharmaceutical you choose, you’ll be using a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, and potentially, a gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIP) if you’re using injectable tirzepatide.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
It’s important to remember that these treatments shouldn’t be confused with ‘weight loss supplements’, which are largely unregulated and can be dangerous if not taken properly. The vast majority of them also aren’t FDA-approved for use.
Oral (Troches) Weight Loss Pills
Oral weight loss medications, sometimes called troches or suspension capsules, contain semaglutide in a slow-release form that takes approximately 30 minutes to dissolve in your stomach. For weight loss, they are often prescribed so that you take one dose per day.
These medications are used for the same purpose as injectable weight loss pharmaceuticals; either as a treatment for people with type 2 diabetes and/or those with obesity. The amount and frequency of your dosage will depend on the strength of your prescribed oral pills, as well as the specific condition that you’re looking to treat.
Weight Loss Injections
Conversely, injections for medical weight loss contain much of the same ingredients that oral weight loss medications do, but in a higher concentrated dosage. This is partially offset by the fact that weight loss injections are only taken once a week, rather than once a day like oral tablets.
In the United States, there are 8 primary medications being used in weight loss injections:
- Semaglutide
- Tirzepatide
- Liraglutide
- Dulaglutide
- Phentermine
- Setmelanotide
- Naltrexone-bupropion
- Orlistat
You should use your subcutaneous weight loss injections either on your upper arms, upper thighs, or stomach (abdomen)
The Benefits of Oral (Troches) Weight Loss Drugs
A major benefit of oral prescription weight loss drugs is that they’re much easier to use for people that are uncomfortable, nervous, or squeamish about needles; especially the element of injecting themselves.
Not to mention that some studies have begun to show that once-a-day oral obesity drugs are just as effective as weight loss injections – maybe even more so.
The Drawbacks of Weight Loss Pills
Because there are many more varieties of weight loss injections than oral weight loss medications, it can be a lot easier to find access to one of the injectable options than pills, simply because of supply vs demand.
It can also be hard to remember to take your pills for medical weight loss every single day; especially because you’re recommended to take it first thing in the morning, at roughly the same time each day. If that’s going to be difficult for you, because of your lifestyle, daily weight loss pills may not be the best choice for you.
The Benefits of Weight Loss Injections
Of course, the variety of options available to fit your specific needs is a big benefit to weight loss injections over oral counterparts. Not to mention that tirzepatide contains both GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists, which offers additional benefits over just GLP-1 medications for some people.
Plus, if you’re someone who doesn’t want to have to remember every day to take your pill at the same time, weekly injections are an easy way to drastically reduce how often you have to take your medication.
The Issues with Injectable Weight Loss Drugs
Some people just hate needles, and there’s nothing that can change that. And that’s okay! That’s part of the reason why oral weight loss medications were created, so that if you really can’t stand needles, you can still take advantage of these innovative obesity treatments.
Possibly the biggest issue with injectable weight loss pharmaceuticals is the fact that some physicians may be tempted to suggest unregulated versions of weight loss medications (i.e., semaglutide, tirzepatide, etc.), which can be very risky for patients (FDA).
Should I Trust Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Pills or Supplements?
No, it’s just not a good idea.
As we mentioned early on this page, most of the over-the-counter obesity drugs or supplements that you can buy are completely unregulated. Some are even largely untested in the long-term. Without proper oversight from the FDA and government agencies, these ‘treatments’ can end up doing you more harm than good.
Safely Accessing Both Oral Weight Loss Medications & Weight Loss Injections Through Elite Health
If you’re looking to try either oral weight loss medications or injections for medical weight loss, we may be able to help you at Elite Health Center NYC. All you need to do is fill out your intake form and book your 1-on-1 with one of our expert weight loss specialists.
They’ll be able to help you find a weight loss pharmaceutical that will be both effective for your personal needs, as well as safe for you to use. Plus, we can ship your medication directly to you with overnight shipping.
With Elite Health, you can start shedding those extra pounds and turn that new diet into a healthy, long-term lifestyle!
