How to choose the right weight loss injection for you
Weight loss injections have become a revolutionary option for patients struggling to manage their weight.
They offer significant and sustainable results when combined with a healthy lifestyle. In addition, they are proven to help protect you from certain chronic diseases.
Read more about the benefits of weight loss injections for heart health.
But with multiple brands available with different active ingredients, dosing schedules and benefits, how do you know which one is right for you?
Here we guide you through what to consider when navigating the world of weight loss injections, to help you make an informed decision, alongside your healthcare practitioner.
Understanding how weight loss injections work
Weight loss injections are prescription medications that mimic hormones naturally produced by the body in response to food.
Effects of the active ingredients in weight loss injections:
- Appetite is suppressed
- Digestion is slowed down
- Blood sugar is regulated
- Feeling of fullness is extended
As a result, you eat less, feel satisfied sooner and for longer, and experience fewer food cravings.
The importance of a healthy lifestyle and medical support
Weight loss injections shouldn’t be viewed as a standalone solution.
To achieve a healthy, sustained approach to your weight loss, these injections should be combined with a nutritious diet, regular physical activity and expert medical guidance.
Ongoing medical support is imperative. Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments will ensure that your body is getting the nourishment it needs and that your weight loss journey is healthy and sustainable.
According to the NHS:
“Most people should get all the nutrients they need by having a varied and balanced diet, but if you are less hungry and eating less food, you may need to take extra supplements.
Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about whether you are getting enough vitamins and minerals (nutrients).”
Read more from the NHS on obesity treatments.
Knowing your options: what are the leading brands?
There are several weight loss injections available, each with slightly different ingredients, dosing schedules and indications.
Common weight loss injection brands/active ingredients overview
Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Dosage: daily injection
- Indications: weight management
- How it works: mimics GLP-1 hormone to regulate appetite (GLP-1 receptor agonist)
- Common side-effects: nausea, constipation, headache
Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Dosage: weekly injection
- Indications: weight management
- How it works: GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Common side-effects: nausea, diarrhoea, fatigue
More about Wegovy injections.
Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Dosage: weekly injection
- Indications: type 2 diabetes, weight management, heart and kidney health
- How it works: GLP-1 receptor agonist, blood sugar regulation
- Common side-effects: gastrointestinal discomfort, low appetite
More about Ozempic injections.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Dosage: weekly injection
- Indications: type 2 diabetes, weight management
- How it works: dual-action on GIP and GLP-1 hormones, blood sugar regulation
- Common side-effects: nausea, vomiting, low appetite
More about Mounjaro injections.
Our table provides a more detailed breakdown of the various weight loss medications:
| Dosage | Form | Approved for | Suitable for | Additional benefits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic (Semaglutide) | 1 per week |
 |
Type 2 diabetes |
 Adult |
Weight loss + heart & kidney health |
| Rybelsus (Semaglutide) | 1 per day |
 |
Type 2 diabetes |
Adult |
Weight loss |
| Wegovy (Semaglutide) | 1 per week |
|
Weight loss |
Adult |
None |
| Trulicity (Dulaglutide) | 1 per week |
|
Type 2 diabetes |
 Age 10 to adult |
Weight loss + heart & kidney health |
| Victoza (Liraglutide) | 1 per day |
|
Type 2 diabetes |
Age 10 to adult |
Weight loss + heart & kidney health |
| Saxenda (Liraglutide) | 1 per day |
|
Weight loss |
Age 12 to adult |
None |
| Byetta (Exenatide) | 2 per day |
|
Type 2 diabetes |
Adult |
Weight loss |
| Bydureon BCise (Exenatide) | 1 per week |
|
Type 2 diabetes |
Age 10 to adult |
Weight loss |
| Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) | 1 per week |
|
Type 2 diabetes |
Adult |
Weight loss |
Considering your individual health needs
When it comes to the right approach to your weight loss journey, there is no one-size-fits-all.
Your personal health plays a key role in deciding which injection is right for you. Your medical practitioner will guide you as to the best medication for your needs and your weight loss goals.
The decision making process with your practitioner will consider:
- Whether you have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Some weight loss medications are better suited for regulating blood sugar.
- How much weight you wish to lose. Certain medications may result in more significant weight loss.
- What other medications you’re taking. Your practitioner will be able to advise which weight loss medication is most suitable based on its interaction with other medications.
- Understanding the side-effects. These can vary by medication, so your practitioner will be able to discuss the potential side-effects with you.
Read more from the NHS about diabetes.
Lifestyle and support considerations
Beyond your health, your daily lifestyle and support network are also important considerations.
Your practitioner should also discuss:
- Whether daily or weekly injections will suit you best. Many patients prefer the convenience of once-weekly doses.
- Your support network. Weight loss has a significant impact on your body and your general wellbeing. It’s important to have access to the right health and nutritional information – your practitioner will be able to offer support and guidance.
Ensure you receive on-going monitoring
Don’t go it alone. It’s imperative to understand that weight loss injections are prescribed medications that are not intended to be self-prescribed without proper medical guidance.
To help you achieve your weight loss goals in a safe and healthy way, consult a trusted healthcare practitioner.
Your healthcare practitioner will:
- Evaluate your overall health – before advising on the best weight loss injection for you.
- Monitor side-effects – and give you guidance on how best to manage your dose to minimise them.
- Adjust your dose – to help achieve safe and consistent weight loss, and help manage side-effects.
- Help keep you motivated – with regular consultations.
- Offer nutritional support – to make sure your weight loss is healthy and sustainable.
Weight loss injections at Hannah London
Through our specialist London weight loss clinic, we can help you find the right approach to weight loss, and the most appropriate weight loss injection for your specific needs.
Find out more about the weight loss injections available at Hannah London.
We have helped our patients lose between 40 and 50 kilograms in weight through our personalised approach to their weight loss journey.
Our ethos is about monitoring you and offering motivational consultations to support you every step of the way.
We also offer the expert guidance of our in-house nutritionist to help you achieve a healthy, balanced diet.
Let us guide through your weight loss journey
To book your appointment please book online, call us on 020 8202 6187 or email
Further reading from our blog:
5 ways to improve your experience with weight loss injections [link to other new article]
Managing the side-effects of weight loss injections
Is Mounjaro ‘the new Ozempic’? A brief overview of this breakthrough weight loss treatment
How to help Mounjaro fatigue and feeling cold
