VEI Body · GLP-1
GLP-1 weight loss injections are prescription medications that act like gut hormones involved in appetite and fullness to help reduce food intake. You inject them under the skin of your abdomen or thigh once a week. They are prescribed when defined body mass index (BMI) criteria are met. At VEI Clinic, an internal medicine specialist combines testing with a diet and exercise plan and reviews your progress regularly.
Weight loss injections are prescribed for adults who meet the criteria below, alongside dietary changes and exercise. If you do not meet these criteria, we first guide you on diet, exercise and other approaches.
GLP-1 is a hormone released by the gut after a meal. It signals fullness to the brain and slows the movement of food out of the stomach. These weight loss medications are designed to prolong that action. Some also act on another hormone called GIP.
To reduce nausea, treatment starts at a low dose and increases at intervals of several weeks. When the medication is stopped, appetite can return and weight can increase again. Changing eating and exercise habits during treatment is therefore important.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn are common. They are usually worse when the dose increases and gradually ease. Pancreatitis, gallstones and low blood sugar can occur rarely. Contact us right away if severe abdominal pain persists.
These medications are not used in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, or in people who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you take diabetes medication, it may need adjustment because of the risk of low blood sugar. Please tell us in advance if you are scheduled for surgery or endoscopy.
Before prescribing, we use body composition testing and blood tests to check blood glucose, liver function, kidney function and cholesterol. We plan protein intake and strength training to help prevent loss of muscle, and review your eating and exercise habits to build a plan together. For an overview of obesity care, see our Medical Weight Consultation information.
Medication is an aid to weight management. We plan diet, exercise and sleep habits alongside it. These prescriptions are not covered by National Health Insurance, so we explain the cost and duration during your consultation before starting.
FAQ
They are prescribed for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes. We do not prescribe them if the criteria are not met.
Appetite can return after stopping, and weight may increase again. It is important to change eating and exercise habits during treatment. We decide when and how to stop during your consultation.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals and reducing greasy foods can help. If symptoms are severe, we may slow the dose increases or adjust the dose, so please tell us during your visit.
We teach you the injection technique at the start. After that, you inject yourself at home once a week. We review your progress at regular visits.
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