Weight-loss injections like semaglutide, also known as Wegovy®, are a game-changer for weight loss, helping many people reach their goals. They’ve become so popular that many pharmacies are running out of these medications.
Because of the shortage, pharmacies now offer compounded semaglutide — custom-made injections containing active ingredients, and extra ingredients like vitamin B-12.
Dutch Hollow Medical Day Spa in Godfrey, Illinois, has a new weight loss program that includes semaglutide injections. We also offer vitamin B-12 injections as a tool to help boost energy and burn unwanted fat.
Here, we discuss compounded semaglutide and B-12 injections and their role in weight loss.
Semaglutide is an injection for chronic weight management and is FDA-approved. It’s a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a hormone released in your stomach in response to food. This hormone acts on the satiety center in your brain, helping you feel full.
It’s theorized that some people may not release enough GLP-1 during meals, leading to overeating and weight struggles.
Semaglutide mimics the actions of GLP-1, decreasing your appetite so you eat less and lose weight. It works best with a balanced eating plan and a sensible exercise program.
Our medical weight management program includes semaglutide and a healthy eating and exercise program.
Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin your body uses to make red blood cells and support the normal function of the nervous system. Your body also needs vitamin B-12 to create enzymes that help turn food into energy and metabolize fat.
Unfortunately, you can only find vitamin B-12 in animal-based foods like red meat, poultry, and seafood. Additionally, the vitamin must combine with a protein called intrinsic factor in the stomach for the body to absorb it.
Your body stores vitamin B-12 in your muscles and organs, which helps keep nutrient levels up. You may become deficient if you’re not eating enough foods rich in vitamin B-12, and your body has difficulty absorbing the vitamin because of a lack of intrinsic factors.
We offer vitamin B-12 injections to replenish nutrient levels, boost energy, and improve metabolism to help with weight management.
Currently, there’s a shortage of semaglutide in the United States. When this happens, pharmacies are allowed to make compounded semaglutide. Pharmacists use different active ingredients to create the compounded semaglutide, including vitamin B-12.
Though compounded semaglutide may fill a need during the shortage, you may not experience the same results. Compounded semaglutide may not contain the same active ingredients as the original weight-loss injection.
Weight loss is hard. But with advances in medical treatment options, researchers are finding solutions to help you get your healthy weight.
If you’re struggling with your weight, we can help. Call our office today to schedule your weight loss consultation with Dr. Samuel Figuero. Or, send us a message online.
