A simple guide to the different weight loss injections

Weight loss injections are an increasingly popular option for those looking to lose weight. They’re a prescription medication that lower appetite and support calorie control, helping people to eat less while still feeling full. This article introduces the different types of weight loss injections, how they work and the role of jabs as part of a comprehensive weight management plan.

What are the different types of weight loss injections?

While weight loss injections all typically work the same way by reducing hunger and increasing satiety, there are differences in the receptors targeted, dosage and how effective they are. These are all prescription-only and a healthcare professional must be consulted to assess suitability.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

Mounjaro is a medication that contains Tirzepatide and is taken once a week. This is a dual-action weight loss injection, meaning it targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, affecting appetite regulation as well as supporting better blood-sugar control. Research has shown significant weight loss outcomes for many users who have taken this jab. At LiveWell Dorset, we provide eligibility assessments and weight loss packages (if referred by your GP) for Mounjaro injections only.

Semaglutide (Wegovy)

Wegovy is an injection containing Semaglutide and is taken once weekly. Unlike the Mounjaro, Wegovy only acts on GLP-1 receptors that affects appetite and slows stomach emptying. Dosage starts off low and is increased over several weeks gradually to minimise potential side effects. The ingredient Semaglutide is also found in Ozempic, which has side effects of weight loss, but is mainly prescribed for type 2 diabetes.

Liraglutide (Saxenda)

Saxenda is a medication containing Liraglutide and is taken daily. It is an older injection type that targets the GLP-1 receptors and works very similarly to Semaglutide. This may be a less preferred option due to the daily dosage. The other options last longer in the body and tend to produce greater weight loss.

How weight loss drugs fit into a wider healthy lifestyle plan

Forming healthier habits and routines as part of a wider lifestyle plan is still important, even when taking injections to lose weight. While these medicines can help reduce appetite, they don’t encourage long-term habits that are important to maintain your desired weight, such as eating a balanced diet, regularly exercising and getting enough sleep. It’s important to consider many behavioural aspects in order to build sustainable routines:

Having regular meal patterns that focus on nutrient-rich foods.
Increasing daily or weekly movement in achievable, realistic ways.
Creating supportive environments to keep you feeling motivated and encouraged.
Addressed any emotional eating or stress-related patterns.
Setting gradual, meaningful goals rather than seeking rapid results.

Alongside a comprehensive lifestyle plan, weight loss injections can help you make the most of appetite changes triggered by the medication and motivate you to make those changes for overall improvements in wellbeing, not just weight.

How LiveWell Dorset can help

If you would like to learn more about healthy habits and losing weight, LiveWell Dorset are here for you. Our website features many helpful articles around weight management and healthy eating. You can also use our Habit Hacker tool as a first step to making real and lasting lifestyle changes.

Alongside our assessment of eligibility for weight loss jabs, our FREE offers also include:

Three months membership at your local Slimming World Group
Access to the Second Nature App for convenient online support
Six sessions of 1-2-1 coaching with a Behaviour Change Coach
Bespoke exercise ideas to help you become more active
Tools to help you self-manage your journey, including our LiveWell Finder service

Don’t forget to register with us to receive tips and personalised guidance from our expert coaches and advisors. The LiveWell team are passionate about helping you live happier, healthier lives! Contact us today for more information about our services.

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How does this work?

The tailored approach LiveWell Dorset uses to come up with solutions to the things that are stopping us achieving our goals, is based upon work done by University College London developing the COM-B model of behaviour change. In this model, all behaviour is influenced by understanding a person’s capability to change, their opportunity to change and their motivation to change. By understanding which of these is the biggest barrier to change, we can tailor support accordingly. This model of behaviour change is at the centre of the support we offer, online and in person.

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