fbpx

Introducing Telemedicine! Get Your Medication Mailed Directly To You. Prefer In-Person? Start Virtually and Continue On-site.

Lipotropic Injections: An Overview

Home » Blog » Lipotropic Injections: An Overview

Lipotropic Injections: An Overview

Lipotropic injections are supplement injections used for weight loss. In fact, a lipotropic nutrient is any substance that affects fat metabolism in the body [1]. Lipotropic injections include a cocktail of weight-loss promoting agents, such as vitamin B12. Lipotropic injections are not meant to be a substitute for dieting and exercise, but they can be a complimentary approach to facilitate weight loss. In this article we will explore what lipotropic injections are, how they work, and what weight loss is like with lipotropic injections. Keep reading to find out more!

What are lipotropic injections?

Lipotropic injections are made up of a combination of several weight-loss supporting nutrients. Vitamin B12 is the most common of these nutrients, but other essential nutrients are used as well. For example, other B vitamins, carnitine, choline, and inositol are also used in lipotropic injections. These injections are usually given in the arm or another area containing more subcutaneous fat, such as the thigh, abdomen, or buttocks.

Do lipotropic injections work?

They key to lipotropic injections is that they contain ingredients known to promote energy metabolism. The major active ingredients found in lipotropic injections are vitamin B complexes, vitamin B12, carnitine, choline, methionine, and inositol.

  • Vitamin B Complexes: B1, B2, and B6 vitamins can all be found in lipotropic injections. These water-soluble vitamins enter the body easily and are best known for their metabolism-enhancing effects [2].

  • Vitamin B12: another water-soluble vitamin that is easily absorbed by the body and plays a role in metabolism processes [3]. Research shows that low vitamin B12 levels are associated with obesity [4].
  • Carnitine: this nutrient acts as a shuttle that moves long-chain fatty acids into a cellular organ called mitochondria; the mitochondria then produce energy by oxidizing (“burning”) the fat [5]. Carnitine has also been scientifically shown to speed up the weight loss process in obese housecats [6].
  • Choline: this is an essential nutrient for brain development [7]. Research has also linked choline deficiencies to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [8]. In another study, choline was shown to speed up weight loss in female athletes [9].
  • Inositol: this vitamin-like substance plays a critical role in insulin and glucose metabolism pathways [10]. One analysis of multiple research studies (called a meta-analysis) found that inositol supplementation resulted in lower triglycerides, total- and LDL-cholesterol levels [11].

While the ingredients in lipotropic injections are important for energy metabolism and can support weight loss, to get the best results from them, you must keep up with your exercise and diet plan. Remember, lipotropic injections aren’t meant to work alone.

How long does it take for lipotropic injections to work?

On a biological level, the vitamins and nutrients found in lipotropic injections are absorbed quickly. However, it may take a while to notice their weight-loss effects. Whether you are following a diet and exercising will affect how long it takes for your lipotropic injections to work. Your body mass index (BMI) at the start of treatment will also affect how quickly you see results from lipotropic injections.

How much weight can you lose with lipotropic injections?

There have not been many studies done regarding how much weight you can lose with lipotropic injections. There are many factors that influence how much weight you can lose when taking lipotropic injections including your diet and what your activity level and exercise habits are. The efficiency of lipotropic injections, diet, and exercise are all linked. If you stick to all three, you may begin seeing the effects within 30 days.

How long does lipotropic injections stay in your system?

How long lipotropic injections stay in your system depends on several factors, such as your own personal metabolism and how often the injections are administered. In general, though, these injections last about a week or two.

Do lipotropic injections suppress appetite?

Lipotropic injections don’t necessarily work to suppress appetite. Rather, they enhance the energy metabolism processes that are needed when you are dieting and exercising. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you are exercising and dieting while on lipotropic injections.

What are the side effects of lipotropic injections?

Like any new supplement, there may be side effects that occur with lipotropic injections. Because everyone’s medical history is different, you should talk to your physician before beginning any new weight loss supplements or injections. Although side effects to the injections are rare, and they are generally well tolerated, it is possible that some people can experience mild adverse effects. Lipotropic injection side effects that can occur may include redness, swelling, and infection at the injection site. These symptoms should resolve quickly though.

Other lipotropic injection side effects include:

  • Headaches and light headedness
  • Stomach upsets such as mild nausea and mild diarrhea

Allergic reactions (itching, hives, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of the tongue, throat, or mouth) although rare, can also occur. Certain supplements may also have potential drug interactions.

How often should you get lipotropic injections?

How often you should get a lipotropic injection depends on the ingredients in the injection. Some ingredients shouldn’t be taken too frequently. That is why each weight loss clinic may follow a different protocol for the scheduling of lipotropic injections.

In some clinics, people receive lipotropic injections once a week, while other clinics suggest more frequent injections. This is something that you are your doctor will decide before you begin receiving treatments.

What is the difference between B12 injections and lipotropic injections?

The primary difference between B12 injections and lipotropic injections is that lipotropic injections contain several ingredients that work together to enhance energy metabolism processes, facilitate fat burning, and promote weight loss.

References

  1. Best, C. H., M. Elinor Huntsman, and Jessie H. Ridout. “The lipotropic effect of protein.” Nature 135.3420 (1935): 821-822.
  2. “Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin B6.” NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/.
  3. “Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin B12.” NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/.
  4. Baltaci, Davut, et al. “Association of vitamin B12 with obesity, overweight, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, and body fat composition; primary care-based study.” Med Glas (Zenica) 10.2 (2013): 203-210.
  5. “Office of Dietary Supplements – Carnitine.” NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Carnitine-HealthProfessional/.
  6. Center, S. A., et al. “The clinical and metabolic effects of rapid weight loss in obese pet cats and the influence of supplemental oral L‐carnitine.” Journal of veterinary internal medicine 14.6 (2000): 598-608.
  7. Blusztajn, Jan Krzysztof. “Choline, a vital amine.” Science5378 (1998): 794-795.
  8. Yu, Danxia et al. “Higher dietary choline intake is associated with lower risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver in normal-weight Chinese women.” The Journal of nutrition vol. 144,12 (2014): 2034-40. doi:10.3945/jn.114.197533
  9. Elsawy, Gehan, Osama Abdelrahman, and Amr Hamza. “Effect of choline supplementation on rapid weight loss and biochemical variables among female taekwondo and judo athletes.” Journal of human kinetics 40 (2014): 77.
  10. Bevilacqua, Arturo, and Mariano Bizzarri. “Inositols in Insulin Signaling and Glucose Metabolism.” International journal of endocrinology vol. 2018 1968450. 25 Nov. 2018, doi:10.1155/2018/1968450
  11. Tabrizi R, Ostadmohammadi V, Lankarani KB, et al. The effects of inositol supplementation on lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Lipids Health Dis. 2018;17(1):123. Published 2018 May 24. doi:10.1186/s12944-018-0779-4

Book a risk-free consultation now

Book an appointment
2022-04-06T15:23:47+00:00

About the Author:

Ben Flores
Ben Flores
1700144384
Tanya Colonette
Tanya Colonette
1700095384
Dynamic Balboa
Dynamic Balboa
1699882637
Dr. Mahrukh at Rivas is the best! I've lost 17lbs so far. She's informative and professional. I've been coming for 2 months and my results are amazing.
Kendall
Kendall
1699651957
Thanks to Rivas, I have successfully lost 50 lbs! Maybe I could’ve done this with the other locations, but this particular location has the friendliest staff. They are professional, non-judgmental, and get their patients in and out so quickly! Definitely recommend!
Lorraine Mendez
Lorraine Mendez
1699635125
Janine Sasser
Janine Sasser
1699388371
Rivas is a wonderful place! I enjoy the staff there, all of them are very nice & very helpful. I'm glad I chose to go there for Weight Loss. Sophia is my PA I see, she's great 👍🏼
Luis Herrera
Luis Herrera
1699370282
Since I was referred to Rivas Medical Weight Loss by my Manager who is a patient as well, my life has been changing a lot.All staff is so friendly and make me feel so welcome every time I come here.*Rockville Office:I always feel comfortable with Kristin because she is friendly and professional, she always is direct and sure of herself what she is going to say. Thank you 🙏 for all the advises I get every visit and thank you all the clinic staff.Thank you Rivas Medical Weight Loss- Luis Herrera-
Duane Pickett
Duane Pickett
1699360192
David Mitchell
David Mitchell
1698975121
Competent, connecting, & caring.
Roseann Brooks
Roseann Brooks
1698935263
Super super friendly staff. Doctors car about the patients not the money. 100% a place to go.
Tracey T.
Tracey T.
1698872045
Very professional. Nice having medical staff to guide you through the process
Anna Gruber
Anna Gruber
1698842682
The staff are all very kind and inviting, and willing to support you in any situation.
Lady Prada
Lady Prada
1698323348
4 Month Update:The staff continues to be amazing, knowledgeable and caring. They have been very supportive my entire journey. Highly recommend.Update: The entire staff is amazing. I added a vitamin shot today and boy the energy is amazing!!! Highly recommend! 10 stars!!!I highly recommend Rivas Weight Loss Center in Rockville. The staff is super helpful, knowledgeable and kind. I have never felt judged or uncomfortable there. The staff goes out of their way to make sure everything is great and answer any questions or concerns. I am so thrilled that I have found them and I have referred family and friends to them as well!