A table full of natural food sources of vitamin b12 and a blackboard in between it that writes "VITAMIN B12".

Are Vitamin B12 Shots Effective for Weight Loss?

With the New Year, many people are making resolutions and setting new goals. If you are working on yourself this year and looking for a way to lose weight, we are going to discuss Vitamin B12 and lipotropic injections for weight loss and the connection between Vitamin B12 and weight loss.

What are Vitamin B12 and Lipotropic Injections?

Vitamin B12, also called Cobalamin,1 is a water-soluble vitamin that occurs naturally in many foods. Vitamin B12 may help the body in many aspects, including weight loss. Vitamin B12 injections are a high dose of vitamin B12 typically administered to the patient’s arm.

Lipotropic injections or lipo-B injections, usually contain high amounts of vitamin B12, B6, BCAA’s, L-Carnitine, and a weight loss drug called phentermine. Some blends can have other substances as well.

Three pairs of Vitamin B12 shots and vials for weight loss.Vitamin B12 injections and lipotropic injections may help speed up metabolism, boost energy levels, and help the body lose weight. Although the actual evidence to support this is mixed, low levels of B12 have been found to be linked to obesity. According to a few studies,2 people with higher levels of B12 were at lower risk for obesity.

However, just because these studies have been comparing B12 with obesity does not mean the injections will help you lose weight. Vitamin B12 injections can help people who are anemic or have a B12 vitamin deficiency, but there is no scientific evidence of whether vitamin B12 injections work for weight loss.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of B12 Injections

If you are trying to lose weight, you should first consult a medical professional. A doctor will help guide you to the best weight loss option.

Vitamin B12 injections can have risks and side effects. For example, a large amount of B12 can affect how well any other prescriptions you may take work. Injections can also cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, or skin reactions.

Prescription Weight Loss Injections

A fit woman holding a Wegovy self-injection pen that is used as a long-term weight loss treatment.The FDA recently approved Wegovy injections to help eligible individuals with long-term weight management. This medication works by helping manage appetite and regulate metabolism. During one 68-week trial, patients who received the Wegovy treatment lost an average of 6.2% of their body weight as compared to those who took the placebo.

This medication must be prescribed by a doctor and is most effective when used in addition to physical activity and a healthy diet. Common side effects of Wegovy include vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and redness or swelling at the injection site.

Summary

Even though Vitamin B12 has many proven health benefits, it is not yet proven whether it can help you lose weight. If you want to lose weight safely and effectively, your doctor can help you find the best weight-loss regimen for your needs.

Reach Your Weight Loss Goals With Semaglutide

Semaglutide (the same ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) is recognized for its success in helping people achieve sustainable weight loss. Medical weight loss medications can help you on your journey toward your ideal weight.

Book a convenient online consultation and health check followed by a lab test. Eligible individuals will receive a medical weight loss prescription with medications delivered directly to your home.

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References

[1] Al Amin ASM, Gupta V. - Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin). Updated 2022 Jun 21. In: StatPearls (Internet). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559132/;

[2] Sun Y, Sun M, Liu B, et al. - Inverse Association Between Serum Vitamin B12 Concentration and Obesity Among Adults in the United States. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019 Jun 27;10:414. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00414;