Ever since the medication GLP-1 was given the green light by the FDA in 2021 to treat obesity in certain people, it’s exploded in popularity. Gallup reports that 15.5 million Americans currently use an injectable form of the med to lose weight.
Considering that the World Health Organization has called obesity a complex chronic disease that has reached crisis proportions, GLP-1 and other new medications are game-changers for many who have struggled with the disease.
But for some people who are considering GLP-1, it’s the word “injectable” that gives them the heebie-jeebies. Maybe it’s the memories of ouch vaccines as kids in the pediatrician’s office or our grown-up annual flu or Covid shots. And for some, it’s just the thought of….needles.
If this describes you, and your doctor agrees GLP-1 is a good option, you can relax: GLP-1 is easy to inject safely, once you know the right steps to follow. Here’s what you need to know.
How does injectable GLP-1 help you lose weight?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies GLP-1 as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. The medication mimics the GLP-1 hormone that is naturally produced in the gastrointestinal tract during eating. This triggers the body to increase insulin production, which helps lower blood sugar levels.
In addition, GLP-1 acts on the brain to create a feeling of fullness, thereby reducing appetite. Rese
arch has shown that these combined effects contribute to its effectiveness for weight loss.
There’s not a lot of science yet on how long you can stay on the medication. “GLP-1 hasn’t been studied over decades yet, regarding its effect on weight loss,” says Shirley Jiang, MD, MPH, a board-certified internal medicine physician in San Diego and Chief Medical Officer of ReflexMD. “Because of this, we don’t know everything about its long-term safety for weight loss.”
That’s why it’s important to work with your doctor to figure out the duration you can safely take it. Your physician may also suggest regular testing to make sure your body is tolerating GLP-1 well, as MedlinePlus points out.
Consult with a ReflexMD prescriber to determine whether a GLP-1 could be right for your needs.
Ready to take your shot? Here’s how to inject GLP-1 safely
Here’s some expert guidance. First step: If you store GLP-1 in your fridge, take it out 30 minutes ahead of time so it can warm up a bit. Then choose a spot to inject. The medication works best if you inject your stomach, thigh, or the back of your upper arm, says Mayo Clinic, and it’s a smart idea to rotate spots to sidestep irritation.
Your stomach is an especially good choice because it’s easy to access. Aim for a spot about two inches from your belly button. To create a firm surface on your stomach, “pinch an inch of skin,” says Dr. Jiang. “Make sure that there are no visible blood vessels in the area you’re going to inject. This can help you avoid bruising.”
Before injecting GLP-1, take these steps:
- Wash your hands, and make sure the medication looks clear and colorless. Don’t use it if it doesn’t.
- Clean your skin thoroughly. “A lot of patients don’t think to use an alcohol wipe before they inject GLP-1, but you should always use one,” says Dr. Jiang. “Pick a mole or marking on your stomach, and wipe around it so you can easily see the spot you’re injecting.”
Then, get ready for your GLP-1 shot:
- Hold your single-use syringe at a 90-degree angle.
- Insert the needle and slowly push down the syringe until all the medication is injected into the skin.
- Discard the used needle in a hard, closed container, keeping it away from kids and pets. Don’t re-use any needles. Store your GLP-1 in the refrigerator.
That’s all there is to it! If you think a weight loss medication like GLP-1 might be right for you, chat with a ReflexMD Wellness Advisor now or take our short quiz to see if you qualify.
