Whether you’re struggling to start to lose weight or just trying to promote fat burning after a major weight loss, lipotropic injections may be helpful.
The lipotropes—including choline, V-12, inositol and methionine—contain a variety of amino acids, vitamins and minerals that may help remove fat from the liver and decrease fat production. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of studies on lipotropic injections, so not all doctors are willing to try them for fat or weight loss.
Possible risks
Although the costs, frequency and ingredients in lipotropic injections can vary, all come with some form of risk.
First, there’s always a concern about pain at the injection site. There’s also a risk that one or more of the ingredients could do harm if combined with particular medications or if administered to someone with certain medical conditions. That’s why it’s vital to discuss your allergies, medications and medical history with your doctor. Likewise, if you’re already taking, for example, B vitamins, you could risk an overdose with a lipotropic injection that contains B-12.
Other ways to lose weight
For most people, the safest ways to lose fat and weight is through diet and exercise. This includes things like moderate walking and swimming, as well as eating more fiber, drinking plenty of water, avoiding processed foods and sugar, and increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables you consume.
Any exercise should be accompanied by complementary approaches to ensure the best chances of success. These approaches might include:
- Getting good quality and quantities of sleep
- Stress management (though meditation, therapy and modifications)
- Lifestyle counseling or behavioral treatment
- Goal-setting (e.g., entering a 5K or mud run)
- Journaling or other monitoring of dietary and fitness habits
Although there’s no research that lipotropic injections aid fat or weight loss, it might be worth talking to your physician about your options.
