B12 Injections for Weight Loss: Here’s What You Need to Know

Are you trying to lose weight? Shedding extra pounds isn’t always the funnest process, and looking for ways to make it a little easier is understandable. Eating a balanced diet and making time for vigorous exercise five to seven days a week are great places to start, but you may not see your desired results right away. In your quest for effective dieting strategies, you may come across information about B12 injections for weight loss. Here I’ll tell you more about the data on B12 injections, their benefits and drawbacks, and the role vitamins play in weight loss.

B12 Injections for Weight Loss: Do They Work?

B12 is a vitamin your body requires to stay healthy and to produce adequate red blood cells. Food sources of vitamin B12 include milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, fish, meat, and poultry. A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia and cause symptoms like weakness or exhaustion, gastrointestinal disruption, memory loss or depression, heart palpitations, and nerve issues. You might develop a B12 deficiency if you follow a strict vegan diet, take certain medications (like metformin), or have trouble absorbing your vitamins properly. You can ask your doctor to test the B12 level in your blood to ensure it’s adequate, especially if you haven’t been feeling well recently.

You can boost your vitamin B12 level with simple changes to your diet, over-the-counter supplements, or even injections. It’s important to have a conversation with your physician before embarking on any new health regimen, however, and B12 supplements are no exception. It’s unlikely you’ll experience any major side effects from B12 shots, but they can interact with some other medications you may be taking. Don’t leave anything to chance; if you’re determined to give vitamin B12 shots a try, be sure you have the all-clear from your doc before proceeding.

Are Vitamin B12 Injections Worth Your Money? – The Doctors

If you’re deficient in vitamin B12, bringing your level up using a supplement or injection should help to eliminate any unwanted symptoms. Do B12 shot benefits also include increased weight loss? The short (and probably disappointing) answer is that no, there’s almost no evidence that they do. But they can help you to feel light-years better if you’re low on B12, which can help you to take better care of yourself. That can include following a healthy diet for weight loss and making time for regular exercise.

Are Any Weight Loss Injections Legitimate?

B12 shots aren’t the only injectables for weight loss on the market right now. If you’re considered obese (with a body mass index of 30 or greater), you may be eligible for a prescription injection for semaglutide (sold under the brand name Wegovy). Unlike vitamin B12 shots, there’s ample evidence to support the use of Wegovy for significant weight loss. This medicine isn’t for every patient, and it’s not a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise. It can also cause some unpleasant side effects, like headache, fatigue, and constipation or diarrhea.

B12 shots aren’t the only injectables for weight loss. (Image Source: Shutterstock)

Your doctor can tell you more about using semaglutide for weight loss and whether you’re a good candidate for prescription injections. If you do decide on this treatment, it’s important to remain in touch with your doctor’s office and keep all of your scheduled follow-up appointments. In addition to measuring your weight loss, your practitioner will want to monitor you to make sure the medication isn’t causing any long-term issues, like pancreatitis or gallstones. Be sure to notify the office immediately if you experience any new symptoms.

Vitamins for Weight Loss: What You Should Know

Losing weight can be a real drag, and I know how tempting it can be to look for shortcuts. The sad truth is that there’s very little evidence to support the use of vitamins and other supplements as a means of weight loss. The best thing you can do for yourself is to create a calorie deficit via a balanced diet and a robust fitness routine. If you don’t know where to start, you can ask your doctor or a registered dietitian to help you create a meal plan that works for your needs. You should be eating a combination of lean protein, whole grains, and fruits and veggies for the majority of your meals and snacks, with an allowance for occasional treats. And be sure to watch your portion sizes—you won’t lose any weight if you’re eating enormous quantities, even if it’s healthy foods.

It’s easiest to stick to a workout routine you truly enjoy, so now is a great time to experiment with various exercises to see what you prefer. If you’re intimidated by the gym, try power-walking around your neighborhood—it’s low-impact and practically free, other than the cost of new sneakers. You’ll enjoy the benefits of fresh air, and you might decide to level up to jogging or even running. You can also try streaming workout routines directly to your living room. Most services offer trial periods so that you can see what you like. Check out yoga, Pilates, barre, dance, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT). If you love them all, you can alternate by day so that you’re never bored!

Losing weight can be a real drag. (Image Source: Shutterstock)

Hang in there, and please try not to be too hard on yourself. Remember that the number you see on the scale isn’t the only measure of your weight loss progress. Pay attention to what you see in the mirror, how your clothing fits, and how your body feels. Try taking a full-length photo of yourself (or ask someone to take one of you) every two weeks to visualize the changes you’re making. And, if you slip up and overeat or forget to work out, practice forgiving yourself. You’re only human, after all. You can hop back on the bandwagon tomorrow.

Additionally, keep in mind that shedding pounds is only part of the goal. Even after you’ve attained your goal weight, taking good care of yourself will continue to be an important part of your daily living. Eating well and moving your body every day allows you to live a long and happy life and be the best version of you.