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| {{Short description|Weight loss injections, GLP-1 medications, incretin therapies, and emerging anti-obesity injections}}
| | #REDIRECT [[Weight loss injections]] |
| {{obesity top}}
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| {{Infobox medical intervention
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| | name = Weight loss injections
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| | image = W8md weight loss sleep and medspa team.jpeg
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| | caption = Injectable [[anti-obesity medication]]s include [[GLP-1 receptor agonist]]s, dual incretin agonists, and emerging peptide therapies
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| | specialty = [[Obesity medicine]], [[bariatric medicine]], [[endocrinology]], [[internal medicine]], [[family medicine]], [[sleep medicine]]
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| | uses = [[Obesity]], [[overweight]], [[chronic weight management]], [[type 2 diabetes]], [[prediabetes]], [[insulin resistance]], [[obstructive sleep apnea]], [[fatty liver disease]], [[metabolic syndrome]]
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| | types = [[Semaglutide]], [[tirzepatide]], [[liraglutide]], [[retatrutide]], [[CagriSema]], [[cagrilintide]], [[amycretin]], [[exenatide]]
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| | related = [[GLP-1 receptor agonist]], [[GIP receptor agonist]], [[amylin analog]], [[medical weight loss]], [[W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa]]
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| }}
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| [[File:Weight-loss-success-stories.jpeg|thumb|right|350px|[[Weight loss injection]]s such as [[GLP-1 receptor agonist]]s can help selected patients achieve significant [[weight loss]] when combined with [[nutrition counseling]], [[physical activity]], and medical supervision.]]
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| [[File:W8md weight loss sleep and medspa team.jpeg|thumb|right|350px|[[W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa]] Centers provide physician-supervised [[medical weight loss]], [[GLP-1 weight loss]], [[sleep apnea]] care, and long-term [[weight maintenance]].]]
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| [[File:W8md-meal-replacementnts.png|thumb|right|350px|[[Meal replacements]], [[protein]] planning, and structured [[low-carbohydrate diet]] support can improve results during injectable weight-loss treatment.]]
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| [[File:Lose weight now.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Modern [[anti-obesity medication]]s target appetite, satiety, metabolism, and obesity-related disease rather than relying only on willpower.]]
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| '''Weight loss injections''' are injectable prescription or investigational medications used to help selected patients with [[obesity]], [[overweight]], [[type 2 diabetes]], [[prediabetes]], [[insulin resistance]], [[sleep apnea]], [[fatty liver disease]], and other weight-related conditions. The most important modern category of weight loss injections includes [[GLP-1 receptor agonist]]s and related [[incretin therapy|incretin-based therapies]], such as [[semaglutide]], [[liraglutide]], and [[tirzepatide]]. Newer investigational agents, including [[retatrutide]], [[CagriSema]], [[cagrilintide]], and [[amycretin]], are being studied because they may produce even greater weight loss or target additional appetite and metabolic pathways.
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| The term "weight loss injection" may refer to FDA-approved obesity medications such as [[Wegovy]], [[Zepbound]], and [[Saxenda]], diabetes medications that may also cause weight loss such as [[Ozempic]], [[Mounjaro]], [[Victoza]], [[Trulicity]], [[Byetta]], and [[Bydureon]], or investigational drugs that are not yet FDA-approved for public use, such as [[retatrutide]]. Patients should avoid unapproved, counterfeit, "research-use," or do-it-yourself peptide injections.
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| '''[[W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa]] Centers''' can help patients choose the right weight loss injection by evaluating [[body mass index]], [[waist circumference]], medical history, [[type 2 diabetes]] status, [[sleep apnea]] symptoms, medication risks, insurance coverage, prior weight-loss attempts, nutrition needs, and long-term [[weight maintenance]] goals.
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| ==Overview==
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| Modern injectable weight-loss medications have transformed [[obesity medicine]]. Older approaches often relied on short-term appetite suppressants or strict dieting alone. Newer incretin-based injections target the biology of [[appetite]], [[satiety]], [[gastric emptying]], [[insulin secretion]], [[glucagon]], and [[blood glucose]] regulation. Many patients experience reduced hunger, earlier fullness, improved portion control, and substantial weight loss when these medications are used with a [[reduced-calorie diet]], [[physical activity]], and medical monitoring.
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| Injectable weight-loss medications may help patients with:
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * [[Obesity]]
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| * [[Overweight]]
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| * [[Abdominal obesity]]
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| * [[Insulin resistance]]
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| * [[Prediabetes]]
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| * [[Type 2 diabetes]]
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| * [[Metabolic syndrome]]
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| * [[Fatty liver disease]]
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| * [[Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease]]
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| * [[Obstructive sleep apnea]]
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| * [[Sleep apnea]]
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| * [[Hypertension]]
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| * [[Dyslipidemia]]
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| * [[Cardiovascular disease]]
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| * [[Polycystic ovary syndrome]]
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| * [[Weight regain]]
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| * [[Binge eating]] or cravings in selected patients
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==GLP-1 and incretin biology==
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| [[Glucagon-like peptide-1]], or [[GLP-1]], is a hormone released from the gut after eating. GLP-1 helps regulate appetite and glucose metabolism. Drugs that mimic GLP-1 can increase fullness, reduce appetite, slow stomach emptying, improve insulin secretion, and reduce glucagon release.
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| Modern injectable therapies may target one or more of the following pathways:
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * [[GLP-1 receptor]]
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| * [[GIP receptor]]
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| * [[Glucagon receptor]]
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| * [[Amylin receptor]]
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| * [[Insulin secretion]]
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| * [[Glucagon suppression]]
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| * [[Gastric emptying]]
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| * [[Satiety]]
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| * [[Appetite regulation]]
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| * [[Energy intake]]
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==Major types of weight loss injections==
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| {| class="wikitable"
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| ! Medication or class
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| ! Brand examples
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| ! Status
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| ! Main role
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| |-
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| | [[Semaglutide]]
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| | [[Wegovy]], [[Ozempic]]
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| | Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management; Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
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| | Weight loss, glucose control, cardiovascular risk reduction in selected patients
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| |-
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| | [[Tirzepatide]]
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| | [[Zepbound]], [[Mounjaro]]
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| | Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity; Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
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| | Weight loss, glucose control, sleep apnea indication under Zepbound
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| |-
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| | [[Liraglutide]]
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| | [[Saxenda]], [[Victoza]]
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| | Saxenda is FDA-approved for chronic weight management; Victoza is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
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| | Daily GLP-1 injection for weight management or diabetes
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| |-
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| | [[Exenatide]]
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| | [[Byetta]], [[Bydureon]]
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| | FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
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| | Diabetes treatment; may cause modest weight loss
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| |-
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| | [[Dulaglutide]]
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| | [[Trulicity]]
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| | FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
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| | Diabetes treatment; may cause weight loss in some patients
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| |-
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| | [[Retatrutide]]
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| | Investigational
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| | Not FDA-approved as of 2026
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| | Triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist under study for obesity
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| |-
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| | [[CagriSema]]
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| | Investigational combination
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| | Not FDA-approved as of 2026
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| | Combination of [[cagrilintide]] and [[semaglutide]]
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| |-
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| | [[Amycretin]]
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| | Investigational
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| | Not FDA-approved as of 2026
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| | GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist under study
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| |}
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| ==FDA-approved weight loss injections==
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| ===Semaglutide===
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| '''[[Semaglutide]]''' is a once-weekly [[GLP-1 receptor agonist]]. It is marketed as [[Wegovy]] for chronic weight management and as [[Ozempic]] for [[type 2 diabetes]]. In the STEP 1 trial, semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly plus lifestyle intervention produced a mean body weight reduction of 14.9% at 68 weeks, compared with 2.4% with placebo.{{cite journal|last1=Wilding|first1=J. P. H.|last2=Batterham|first2=R. L.|last3=Calanna|first3=S.|last4=Davies|first4=M.|last5=Van Gaal|first5=L. F.|last6=Lingvay|first6=I.|last7=McGowan|first7=B. M.|last8=Rosenstock|first8=J.|last9=Tran|first9=M. T. D.|last10=Wadden|first10=T. A.|last11=Wharton|first11=S.|last12=Yokote|first12=K.|last13=Zeuthen|first13=N.|last14=Kushner|first14=R. F.|title=Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|year=2021|volume=384|issue=11|pages=989-1002|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa2032183|pmid=33567185}}
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| In 2024, the FDA approved [[Wegovy]] to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with established [[cardiovascular disease]] and either [[obesity]] or [[overweight]].{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or|title=FDA Approves First Treatment to Reduce Risk of Serious Heart Problems Specifically in Adults with Obesity or Overweight|publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
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| ===Tirzepatide===
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| '''[[Tirzepatide]]''' is a once-weekly dual [[GIP receptor]] and [[GLP-1 receptor]] agonist. It is marketed as [[Zepbound]] for chronic weight management and moderate-to-severe [[obstructive sleep apnea]] in adults with obesity, and as [[Mounjaro]] for [[type 2 diabetes]].
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| The FDA approved [[Zepbound]] for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition in 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-medication-chronic-weight-management|title=FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management|publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|accessdate=June 25, 2026}} In 2024, the FDA approved Zepbound as the first medication for moderate-to-severe [[obstructive sleep apnea]] in adults with obesity, to be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-medication-obstructive-sleep-apnea|title=FDA Approves First Medication for Obstructive Sleep Apnea|publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
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| In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults with obesity or overweight treated with tirzepatide had average weight reductions of 19.5% and 20.9% with the 10 mg and 15 mg doses at 72 weeks.{{cite journal|last1=Jastreboff|first1=A. M.|last2=Aronne|first2=L. J.|last3=Ahmad|first3=N. N.|last4=Wharton|first4=S.|last5=Connery|first5=L.|last6=Alves|first6=B.|last7=Kiyosue|first7=A.|last8=Zhang|first8=S.|last9=Liu|first9=B.|last10=Bunck|first10=M. C.|last11=Stefanski|first11=A.|title=Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|year=2022|volume=387|issue=3|pages=205-216|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa2206038|pmid=35658024}}
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| ===Liraglutide===
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| '''[[Liraglutide]]''' is a once-daily [[GLP-1 receptor agonist]]. It is marketed as [[Saxenda]] for chronic weight management and as [[Victoza]] for type 2 diabetes. Liraglutide was one of the earlier GLP-1-based obesity injections and helped establish incretin therapy as a major tool in obesity medicine.
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| In a randomized trial of liraglutide 3.0 mg for weight management, adults receiving liraglutide lost more weight than those receiving placebo.{{cite journal|last1=Pi-Sunyer|first1=X.|last2=Astrup|first2=A.|last3=Fujioka|first3=K.|last4=Greenway|first4=F.|last5=Halpern|first5=A.|last6=Krempf|first6=M.|last7=Lau|first7=D. C.|last8=le Roux|first8=C. W.|last9=Violante Ortiz|first9=R.|last10=Jensen|first10=C. B.|last11=Wilding|first11=J. P.|title=A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|year=2015|volume=373|issue=1|pages=11-22|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa1411892|pmid=26132939}}
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| ==Diabetes injections that may also affect weight==
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| Some injectable diabetes medications are not FDA-approved specifically for weight management but may help some patients lose weight as part of diabetes treatment.
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| Examples include:
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * [[Ozempic]]
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| * [[Mounjaro]]
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| * [[Victoza]]
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| * [[Trulicity]]
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| * [[Byetta]]
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| * [[Bydureon]]
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| {{div col end}}
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| These medications should be used according to their approved indications unless a qualified clinician determines that off-label use is medically appropriate.
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| ==Emerging weight loss injections==
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| ===Retatrutide===
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| '''[[Retatrutide]]''' is an investigational once-weekly triple hormone receptor agonist that activates the [[GIP receptor]], [[GLP-1 receptor]], and [[glucagon receptor]]. It is sometimes misspelled as '''Ritatrutide''' in online searches, but the correct drug name is '''Retatrutide'''.
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| Retatrutide is not FDA-approved as of 2026 and should not be purchased online, from peptide vendors, or from sources marketing it as "research use" for human injection. Eli Lilly describes retatrutide as investigational and notes that it is taken as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection in clinical trials.{{cite web|url=https://www.lilly.com/news/stories/what-to-know-about-retatrutide|title=What to know about retatrutide|publisher=Eli Lilly and Company|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
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| In a phase 2 trial published in the ''New England Journal of Medicine'', once-weekly retatrutide produced substantial, dose-dependent weight reduction at 24 and 48 weeks, supporting further phase 3 investigation.{{cite journal|last1=Jastreboff|first1=A. M.|title=Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|year=2023|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa2301972}}
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| ===CagriSema===
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| '''[[CagriSema]]''' is an investigational combination of [[cagrilintide]], an [[amylin analog]], and [[semaglutide]], a GLP-1 receptor agonist. The idea is to combine complementary pathways for appetite and body-weight regulation.
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| In 2025, a ''New England Journal of Medicine'' study reported that coadministered cagrilintide and semaglutide produced significant and clinically relevant body-weight reductions in adults with overweight or obesity compared with placebo.{{cite journal|title=Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|year=2025|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa2502081}}
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| ===Cagrilintide===
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| '''[[Cagrilintide]]''' is an investigational long-acting [[amylin analog]]. Amylin is a hormone involved in satiety and post-meal glucose regulation. Cagrilintide is being studied alone and in combination with semaglutide.
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| ===Amycretin===
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| '''[[Amycretin]]''' is an investigational therapy designed to activate [[GLP-1 receptor]] and [[amylin receptor]] pathways. Subcutaneous amycretin and oral amycretin are being studied in obesity and overweight. A 2025 ''Lancet'' publication investigated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and effects on body weight of subcutaneous amycretin.{{cite journal|last1=Dahl|first1=K.|title=Amycretin, a novel, unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist, for adults with overweight or obesity|journal=Lancet|year=2025|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01185-7}}
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| ===Other injectable or peptide-based therapies under study===
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| Other emerging or investigational therapies may include:
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * [[Survodutide]]
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| * [[Mazdutide]]
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| * [[Pemvidutide]]
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| * [[VK2735]]
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| * [[MariTide]]
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| * [[AMG 133]]
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| * [[Ecnoglutide]]
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| * [[Efinopegdutide]]
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| * [[Amylin analog]]s
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| * [[GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist]]s
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| * [[GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist]]s
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| {{div col end}}
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| These agents should be described as investigational unless they receive regulatory approval.
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| ==How weight loss injections work==
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| Weight loss injections may work by:
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * Reducing hunger
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| * Increasing fullness
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| * Slowing [[gastric emptying]]
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| * Reducing calorie intake
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| * Improving [[insulin secretion]]
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| * Reducing excess [[glucagon]]
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| * Improving [[blood glucose]]
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| * Improving [[insulin resistance]]
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| * Reducing [[waist circumference]]
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| * Supporting [[fat loss]]
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| * Improving obesity-related risk factors
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==Potential benefits beyond weight loss==
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| Modern injectable obesity medications may provide benefits beyond weight reduction, depending on the medication and patient.
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| Potential benefits include:
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * Improved [[blood glucose]]
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| * Lower [[Hemoglobin A1c]]
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| * Improved [[insulin resistance]]
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| * Reduced [[waist circumference]]
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| * Reduced [[blood pressure]] in some patients
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| * Improved [[triglyceride]]s in some patients
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| * Reduced [[cardiovascular disease]] risk in selected patients
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| * Improved [[obstructive sleep apnea]] in selected patients
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| * Reduced [[fatty liver disease]] risk factors
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| * Reduced inflammatory markers in some trials
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| * Improved mobility
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| * Improved quality of life
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==Cardiovascular disease benefits==
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| Weight loss injections may reduce cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, blood pressure, glucose, and lipids. Additionally, [[Wegovy]] has an FDA-approved indication to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight.{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or|title=FDA Approves First Treatment to Reduce Risk of Serious Heart Problems Specifically in Adults with Obesity or Overweight|publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
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| ==Sleep apnea benefits==
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| [[Zepbound]] has an FDA-approved indication for moderate-to-severe [[obstructive sleep apnea]] in adults with obesity. This is a major development because it is the first medication approved for this indication.{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-medication-obstructive-sleep-apnea|title=FDA Approves First Medication for Obstructive Sleep Apnea|publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
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| Patients with sleep apnea may still need [[CPAP]], [[BiPAP]], [[PAP therapy]], dental appliances, or other sleep treatments. Weight loss injections should be integrated with sleep care rather than replacing sleep evaluation.
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| ==Fatty liver disease and inflammation==
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| Obesity, [[insulin resistance]], and [[type 2 diabetes]] are major risk factors for [[fatty liver disease]] and [[metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease]]. Weight loss can reduce liver fat and improve metabolic risk. Some GLP-1 and incretin-based therapies are being studied for liver and inflammatory benefits, but patients with liver disease should receive medical monitoring.
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| ==Common side effects==
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| The most common side effects of GLP-1 and incretin-based injections are gastrointestinal.
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| Common side effects may include:
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * [[Nausea]]
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| * [[Vomiting]]
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| * [[Diarrhea]]
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| * [[Constipation]]
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| * Abdominal pain
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| * Indigestion
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| * Heartburn
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| * Burping
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| * Reduced appetite
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| * Fatigue
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| * Injection-site reaction
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| * Headache
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| {{div col end}}
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| Many side effects occur during dose escalation and may improve with time, smaller meals, hydration, and avoidance of greasy foods.
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| ==Serious risks and warnings==
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| Potential serious risks may include:
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * [[Pancreatitis]]
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| * [[Gallbladder disease]]
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| * Severe dehydration
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| * Kidney injury
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| * Severe gastrointestinal disease
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| * Low blood sugar when combined with [[insulin]] or [[sulfonylurea]]s
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| * Diabetic retinopathy complications in selected patients with diabetes
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| * Serious allergic reaction
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| * Thyroid C-cell tumor warning for some medications
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| * Mood changes or suicidal thoughts in selected labeling
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| {{div col end}}
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| Patients should seek urgent medical care for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, severe rash, fainting, or symptoms of very low blood sugar.
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| ==Who may qualify for weight loss injections?==
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| Eligibility depends on the medication, indication, body mass index, medical history, insurance rules, and clinician judgment.
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| Common criteria may include:
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * [[Body mass index]] of 30 kg/m² or greater
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| * BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater with weight-related conditions
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| * [[Hypertension]]
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| * [[Type 2 diabetes]]
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| * [[Prediabetes]]
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| * [[Dyslipidemia]]
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| * [[Sleep apnea]]
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| * [[Fatty liver disease]]
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| * [[Metabolic syndrome]]
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| * [[PCOS]]
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| * Prior unsuccessful weight-loss attempts
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==Who should avoid or use caution with weight loss injections?==
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| Medical screening is essential. Some patients should avoid these medications or use them only with special monitoring.
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| Caution may be needed with:
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * Personal or family history of [[medullary thyroid carcinoma]]
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| * [[Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2]]
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| * History of [[pancreatitis]]
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| * Severe [[gastroparesis]]
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| * [[Gallbladder disease]]
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| * Advanced [[kidney disease]]
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| * Advanced [[liver disease]]
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| * Pregnancy
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| * Breastfeeding
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| * Eating disorder history
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| * Use of [[insulin]]
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| * Use of [[sulfonylurea]]s
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| * History of severe allergic reaction
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| * Complex medication regimens
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==Compounded and unapproved GLP-1 injections==
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| Patients should be cautious with compounded or unapproved GLP-1 injections. The FDA has warned about fraudulent compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide products and broader concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss|title=FDA's Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss|publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
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| Patients should avoid:
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * "Research use only" peptides for human injection
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| * Online retatrutide products
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| * Fake semaglutide or tirzepatide
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| * Unlicensed sellers
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| * Products without pharmacy verification
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| * DIY peptide mixing
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| * Products claiming FDA approval when none exists
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| * Medications without clinician oversight
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==Choosing the right weight loss injection==
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| Choosing the right injection requires individualized medical judgment.
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| Important factors include:
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * [[Body mass index]]
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| * Weight-loss goal
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| * [[Type 2 diabetes]] status
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| * [[Prediabetes]] status
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| * [[Sleep apnea]] status
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| * Cardiovascular disease history
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| * Fatty liver risk
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| * Prior medication response
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| * Side effect tolerance
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| * Pregnancy plans
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| * Insurance coverage
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| * Medication availability
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| * Cost
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| * Need for prior authorization
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| * Preference for daily or weekly dosing
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| * Need for long-term maintenance
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==How W8MD can help choose the right option==
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| [[W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa]] Centers can help patients choose among weight loss injections and related therapies by providing physician-supervised evaluation and follow-up.
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| W8MD may help with:
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * [[Medical weight loss]] consultation
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| * [[Body mass index]] assessment
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| * [[Waist circumference]] tracking
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| * Review of weight history
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| * Review of prior diet attempts
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| * Review of medication history
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| * Screening for [[insulin resistance]]
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| * Screening for [[prediabetes]]
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| * Screening for [[type 2 diabetes]]
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| * Screening for [[sleep apnea]]
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| * [[Home sleep test]]ing when appropriate
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| * [[CPAP]] and [[PAP therapy]] support
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| * [[Semaglutide]] evaluation
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| * [[Tirzepatide]] evaluation
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| * [[Liraglutide]] evaluation
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| * Discussion of emerging therapies
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| * Insurance and [[prior authorization]] support when appropriate
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| * Side effect monitoring
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| * Nutrition counseling
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| * [[Meal replacements]]
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| * [[Protein for weight loss]] planning
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| * [[Low-carbohydrate diet]] guidance
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| * [[Resistance training]] guidance
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| * Long-term [[weight maintenance]]
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==Why W8MD may be a good choice==
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| W8MD is not simply an injection clinic. W8MD integrates obesity medicine, sleep medicine, nutrition, medication management, and long-term follow-up.
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| Reasons patients may choose W8MD include:
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| * Physician-supervised care
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| * Experience with medical weight loss since 2011
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| * Knowledge of GLP-1 and incretin medications
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| * Multiple medication options
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| * Meal replacement support
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| * Low-carbohydrate diet support
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| * Sleep apnea evaluation
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| * Home sleep testing
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| * CPAP support
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| * Brooklyn and Philadelphia locations
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| * Service to greater New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, and nearby areas
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| * Telemedicine when appropriate
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| * Focus on long-term maintenance
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==W8MD and sleep apnea-focused weight loss injections==
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| Because [[Zepbound]] is approved for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, W8MD’s combined [[weight loss]] and [[sleep medicine]] model is especially relevant. Patients may benefit from both medication-based weight reduction and direct sleep apnea treatment such as [[CPAP]] or [[PAP therapy]].
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| ==Nutrition during weight loss injections==
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| Weight loss injections reduce appetite, so nutrition quality becomes more important. Patients should avoid undereating protein or becoming dehydrated.
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| A good nutrition plan should include:
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * Adequate [[protein]]
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| * [[Protein shake]]s if needed
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| * [[Meal replacements]] when appropriate
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| * Non-starchy vegetables
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| * Fiber
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| * Fluids
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| * Electrolyte awareness
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| * Reduced added sugar
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| * Reduced refined carbohydrates
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| * Smaller meals
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| * Constipation prevention
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==Muscle preservation==
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| Rapid or significant weight loss may include some loss of lean mass. To protect muscle, patients should focus on:
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| * [[Resistance training]]
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| * [[Strength training]]
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| * Adequate protein
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| * Adequate calories
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| * Medical follow-up
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| * Body composition awareness
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| * Avoiding crash dieting
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==Frequently asked questions==
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| ===What are weight loss injections?===
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| [[Weight loss injection]]s are injectable medications used to help selected patients lose weight by affecting appetite, satiety, glucose metabolism, or other hormone pathways.
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| ===Are GLP-1 injections the same as weight loss injections?===
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| Many modern weight loss injections are GLP-1-based, but not all injectable weight-loss therapies are pure GLP-1 receptor agonists. [[Tirzepatide]] is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, and [[retatrutide]] is an investigational triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist.
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| ===Which weight loss injections are FDA-approved?===
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| FDA-approved chronic weight management injections include [[Wegovy]], [[Zepbound]], and [[Saxenda]]. Some diabetes injections such as [[Ozempic]] and [[Mounjaro]] may cause weight loss but are FDA-approved for diabetes indications.
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| ===Is Retatrutide FDA-approved?===
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| No. [[Retatrutide]] is investigational and not FDA-approved as of 2026. Patients should not buy retatrutide online or inject products marketed as retatrutide.
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| ===Is Ritatrutide the same as Retatrutide?===
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| "Ritatrutide" is a common misspelling. The correct name is [[Retatrutide]].
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| ===Which is better, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?===
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| Both can be effective. Some studies show greater average weight loss with tirzepatide, but the best choice depends on medical history, goals, insurance, side effects, sleep apnea, diabetes status, and availability.
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| ===Can weight loss injections help sleep apnea?===
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| Yes, in selected patients. [[Zepbound]] is FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, used with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
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| ===Can weight loss injections reduce heart disease risk?===
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| [[Wegovy]] is FDA-approved to reduce major cardiovascular event risk in adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight. Other weight loss injections may improve risk factors, but indications differ by medication.
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| ===Can W8MD help me choose between Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda, and other options?===
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| Yes. W8MD clinicians can review medical history, weight goals, diabetes status, sleep apnea risk, insurance coverage, side effects, and preferences to help choose an appropriate option.
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| ===Do weight loss injections replace diet and exercise?===
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| No. They work best with nutrition counseling, physical activity, protein planning, hydration, sleep care, and long-term maintenance.
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| ==When to call a doctor==
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| Patients using weight loss injections should call a healthcare provider for:
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| * Severe abdominal pain
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| * Persistent vomiting
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| * Severe constipation
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| * Signs of dehydration
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| * Symptoms of pancreatitis
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| * Symptoms of gallbladder disease
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| * Severe low blood sugar
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| * New vision changes
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| * Severe allergic reaction
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| * Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
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| * Difficulty breathing
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| * Mood changes
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| * Pregnancy
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| * Worsening sleep apnea symptoms
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==Summary==
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| [[Weight loss injection]]s, especially [[GLP-1 receptor agonist]]s and related incretin therapies, have transformed [[medical weight loss]]. FDA-approved options include [[Wegovy]], [[Zepbound]], and [[Saxenda]], while diabetes injections such as [[Ozempic]] and [[Mounjaro]] may also produce weight loss. Emerging medications such as [[retatrutide]], [[CagriSema]], [[cagrilintide]], and [[amycretin]] may further change the field, but investigational products should not be used outside properly supervised clinical trials. [[W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa]] Centers can help patients select a safe, effective, individualized option while integrating nutrition, meal replacements, sleep apnea care, and long-term maintenance.
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| ==See also==
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| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
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| * [[Weight loss injection]]
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| * [[GLP-1 receptor agonist]]
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| * [[GLP-1 weight loss]]
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| * [[Semaglutide]]
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| * [[Wegovy]]
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| * [[Ozempic]]
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| * [[Tirzepatide]]
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| * [[Zepbound]]
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| * [[Mounjaro]]
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| * [[Liraglutide]]
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| * [[Saxenda]]
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| * [[Victoza]]
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| * [[Retatrutide]]
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| * [[Ritatrutide]]
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| * [[CagriSema]]
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| * [[Cagrilintide]]
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| * [[Amycretin]]
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| * [[Medical weight loss]]
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| * [[Anti-obesity medication]]
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| * [[Obesity]]
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| * [[Overweight]]
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| * [[Sleep apnea]]
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| * [[Obstructive sleep apnea]]
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| * [[Type 2 diabetes]]
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| * [[Prediabetes]]
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| * [[Insulin resistance]]
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| * [[Fatty liver disease]]
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| * [[Meal replacements]]
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| * [[Protein for weight loss]]
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| * [[W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa]]
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==Further reading==
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| * {{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-medication-chronic-weight-management|title=FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management|publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
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| * {{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-medication-obstructive-sleep-apnea|title=FDA Approves First Medication for Obstructive Sleep Apnea|publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
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| * {{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or|title=FDA Approves First Treatment to Reduce Risk of Serious Heart Problems Specifically in Adults with Obesity or Overweight|publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
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| * {{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss|title=FDA's Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss|publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
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| * {{cite web|url=https://www.lilly.com/news/stories/what-to-know-about-retatrutide|title=What to know about retatrutide|publisher=Eli Lilly and Company|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
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| * {{cite journal|last1=Wilding|first1=J. P. H.|last2=Batterham|first2=R. L.|last3=Calanna|first3=S.|last4=Davies|first4=M.|last5=Van Gaal|first5=L. F.|last6=Lingvay|first6=I.|last7=McGowan|first7=B. M.|last8=Rosenstock|first8=J.|last9=Tran|first9=M. T. D.|last10=Wadden|first10=T. A.|last11=Wharton|first11=S.|last12=Yokote|first12=K.|last13=Zeuthen|first13=N.|last14=Kushner|first14=R. F.|title=Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|year=2021|volume=384|issue=11|pages=989-1002|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa2032183|pmid=33567185}}
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| * {{cite journal|last1=Jastreboff|first1=A. M.|last2=Aronne|first2=L. J.|last3=Ahmad|first3=N. N.|last4=Wharton|first4=S.|last5=Connery|first5=L.|last6=Alves|first6=B.|last7=Kiyosue|first7=A.|last8=Zhang|first8=S.|last9=Liu|first9=B.|last10=Bunck|first10=M. C.|last11=Stefanski|first11=A.|title=Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|year=2022|volume=387|issue=3|pages=205-216|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa2206038|pmid=35658024}}
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| * {{cite journal|last1=Pi-Sunyer|first1=X.|last2=Astrup|first2=A.|last3=Fujioka|first3=K.|last4=Greenway|first4=F.|last5=Halpern|first5=A.|last6=Krempf|first6=M.|last7=Lau|first7=D. C.|last8=le Roux|first8=C. W.|last9=Violante Ortiz|first9=R.|last10=Jensen|first10=C. B.|last11=Wilding|first11=J. P.|title=A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|year=2015|volume=373|issue=1|pages=11-22|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa1411892|pmid=26132939}}
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| * {{cite journal|last1=Jastreboff|first1=A. M.|title=Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|year=2023|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa2301972}}
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| * {{cite journal|title=Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|year=2025|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa2502081}}
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| * {{cite journal|last1=Dahl|first1=K.|title=Amycretin, a novel, unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist, for adults with overweight or obesity|journal=Lancet|year=2025|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01185-7}}
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| ==External links==
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| * [https://www.w8md.com W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa]
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| * [https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-medication-chronic-weight-management FDA - Zepbound chronic weight management approval]
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| * [https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-medication-obstructive-sleep-apnea FDA - Zepbound obstructive sleep apnea approval]
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| * [https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or FDA - Wegovy cardiovascular risk reduction approval]
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| * [https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss FDA - Concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs]
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| * [https://www.lilly.com/news/stories/what-to-know-about-retatrutide Eli Lilly - What to know about retatrutide]
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| {{W8MD}}
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| {{GLP-1}}
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| {{DEFAULTSORT:Weight Loss Injections}}
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| [[Category:Weight loss injections]]
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| [[Category:GLP-1 receptor agonists]]
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| [[Category:Medical weight loss]]
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| [[Category:Anti-obesity medications]]
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| [[Category:W8MD]]
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| [[Category:Obesity]]
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| [[Category:Overweight]]
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| [[Category:Weight loss]]
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| [[Category:Weight maintenance]]
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| [[Category:Semaglutide]]
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| [[Category:Wegovy]]
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| [[Category:Ozempic]]
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| [[Category:Tirzepatide]]
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| [[Category:Zepbound]]
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| [[Category:Mounjaro]]
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| [[Category:Liraglutide]]
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| [[Category:Saxenda]]
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| [[Category:Retatrutide]]
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| [[Category:CagriSema]]
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| [[Category:Cagrilintide]]
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| [[Category:Amycretin]]
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| [[Category:Sleep apnea]]
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| [[Category:Obstructive sleep apnea]]
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| [[Category:Type 2 diabetes]]
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| [[Category:Prediabetes]]
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| [[Category:Insulin resistance]]
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| [[Category:Fatty liver disease]]
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| [[Category:Metabolic syndrome]]
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| [[Category:Patient education]]
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| __NOTOC__
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