When it comes to weight loss, finding the right path can be a challenging experience. With countless exercise and weight loss programs available, it’s difficult to know what will and won’t work for you. That’s why, at Valley Urgent Care and Wellness Center, under the guidance of Dr. Braga, we offer a personalized approach to weight management that blends compassionate care with custom, evidence-based treatments like weight loss injections. Today, we’ll be diving into what these injections are, how they work, and what the top 10 best injections for weight loss are. If you’ve been exploring strategies for achieving your weight loss goals, read on and see how these injections can benefit you.

What Are Weight Loss Injections & How Do They Work?

A weight loss injection is a prescription medication administered via subcutaneous injection to assist with weight loss management, primarily by regulating appetite and metabolism. They mimic hormones like GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) to enhance feelings of fullness, slow digestion, and improve blood sugar control.

  • Appetite Reduction. GLP-1 agonists activate brain receptors to enhance satiety signals, slow gastric emptying, and reduce food cravings, creating a natural calorie deficit.
  • Insulin Sensitivity Improvement. These injections regulate blood sugar by enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion and reducing glucagon release. This dual GLP-1/GIP action stabilizes energy levels and reduces fat storage.
  • Metabolic Support. These injections help support your metabolism and promote fat loss by enhancing energy expenditure, contributing to a calorie burn.

Where and How Are These Medications Administered?

Weight loss injections are administered in-office or at home into the layer of fatty tissue beneath the skin, where the medication can be absorbed slowly into the bloodstream. When you begin your home treatment with weight loss injections, Dr. Braga will provide a comprehensive walkthrough on how to properly administer the medication safely at home, including instruction on injecting into common areas like the upper arms, stomach, thighs, or buttocks.When combined with a healthy lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition and regular physical activity, it can be a powerful weight loss tool under Dr. Braga’s guidance.

Exploring 10 of the Best Weight Loss Injections Available Through Valley Urgent Care

Getting familiar with the various weight loss injections can help you and Dr. Braga identify the ideal path forward for your unique situation, whether you’re just addressing weight loss, handling diabetes, or managing other metabolic health concerns. Let’s explore some notable examples that Dr. Braga may discuss with you.

Injection Name

Prescribed For

Mode of Action

Frequency

Start Seeing Results

Typical Dosage

Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Weight Loss

A GLP-1 receptor agonist that targets appetite regulation and gastric emptying.

Weekly

4-8 weeks

0.25 mg with a gradual increase up to 2.4 mg over 16-20 weeks. 

Ozempic (Semaglutide)

Type 2 Diabetes

GLP-1 receptor agonist for blood sugar control with secondary weight loss effects.

Weekly

4-8 weeks

0.25 mg for 4 weeks, then 0.5 mg for 4 weeks. Can be increased to 1-2 mg (max).

Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Weight Loss

A GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces hunger through prolonged satiety signals. 

Daily

2 weeks to 6 months.

0.6 mg with an increase each week by 0.6 til a max dosage of 3 mg.

Survodutide (BI 456906)

Weight Loss/MASH

Dual agonist of GLP-1 receptors and glucagon to target multiple pathways. 

Weekly

16 weeks.

Under Investigation

Mounjaro (Tirezepatide)

Type 2 Diabetes

Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist that improves insulin sensitivity and appetite.

Weekly

4-8 weeks

5-15 mg increased gradually over 20 weeks.

Zepbound (Tirezepatide)

Weight Loss and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in those with Obesity.

A dual GLP-1/GIP agonist that’s been approved for weight loss.

Weekly

4-12 weeks

2.5 mg increases by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks, to a max of 15 mg after 20 weeks.

Retatrutide (LY3437943)

Type 2 Diabetes

Triple agonist (GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon) in Phase 3 Trials.

Weekly

Under Investigation

Ecnoglutide (XW003)

Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity

cAMP-biased agonist that stimulates the cAMP signaling pathway for blood sugar control and weight loss.

Weekly

6 weeks

Under Investigation

Bimagrumab (INN)

Therapy for Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis, Primary Sarcopenia, and Muscle Wasting from COPD.

Blocks activin type 2 receptors to target muscle mass and fat loss. 

Monthly

Under Investigation

CagriSema (Cagrilintide/ Semaglutide)

Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity.

Combines two active ingredients to target weight loss through appetite suppression and metabolic improvement.

Weekly

In clinical trials, there were significant results after 68 weeks.

Under Investigation (Combines Cagrilintide and Semaglutide dosages under study)

Note: As of April 22nd 2025, the FDA has banned all state-pharmacies from producing and distributing all compounded versions of Semaglutide products as there’s no longer a shortage in effect.

How Effective Are Weight Loss Injections?

Under the expert guidance of Dr. Braga, weight loss injections are not only carefully selected to match your unique needs but also deliver remarkable results when combined with her comprehensive weight management programs and lifestyle changes like healthy eating and regular physical activity. These results are further supported by consistent dosing, and regular follow-up visits as overseen by Dr. Braga, ensuring you’re on the right medication to achieve your weight loss goals.

How Much Weight Can I Lose Using These Injections?

The amount of weight loss you’ll have with these injections depends on how well they’re combined with your lifestyle factors. For instance, studies for Semaglutide weight loss injections, Wegovy, and Ozempic have shown an average of 5-15% loss in 68 and 30-52 weeks respectively, while Saxenda is also 5-10% at 56 weeks, and Zepbound is 21% by the 72-week mark. Dr. Braga can provide more specific details based on the injection you might be considering and help set realistic expectations for your unique situation.

Which Injection is Right For Me?

Choosing the best injection for weight loss is not only a personal decision, but it depends on your health history, existing medical conditions (like diabetes or MASH), your weight loss goals, adherence to the injection schedule, and medication tolerance. This is where the expertise of a healthcare professional like Dr. Braga is invaluable for narrowing down your options. During your consultation, Dr. Braga will review your individual profile and discuss the potential benefits and considerations of different injections, helping you to make an informed choice that’s best for you.

What’s the Cost & Can I Use Insurance For It?

Knowing the cost of your preferred weight loss injection is a natural next step. While prices can range from $200 to $1500 monthly out-of-pocket, the specific cost you pay depends on: geographical region, insurance coverage, and what your insurance’s copays and deductibles are. At Valley Integrated Urgent Care and Wellness Center, we aim to make effective weight management treatments accessible, which is why Dr. Braga always accepts insurance that offers coverage for weight loss injections. We also use Eli Lilly Direct, a trusted pharmacy, to streamline the ordering and delivery process for you.

Are There Side Effects I Should Know About?

While generally well-tolerated, weight loss injections can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, often resolving as your body adjusts.

Digestive Symptoms

Less Common Side Effects

Nausea, 

Vomiting, 

Diarrhea, 

Constipation,

Abdominal pain,

Indigestion, 

Bloating, 

Belching, 

Flatulence.

Cold-like symptoms

Stomach flu

Urinary tract infections

Insomnia

Dry mouth

Anxiety

Headaches

Dizziness

Hair Loss

Redness/swelling at the injection site

Dr. Braga will discuss potential side effects with you in detail, explain how to manage them, and ensure your treatment plan prioritizes your comfort and safety.

Ready to Explore Your Weight Loss Journey with Dr. Braga?

If you’re ready to explore how weight loss injections might fit in with one of our personalized weight loss programs, schedule a consultation with Dr. Braga and start your journey toward a healthier you!