More and more people are interested in so-called weight loss injections. Privatdozent Dr. Thorsten Siegmund, Head of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism at ISAR Klinikum, explains: “If you want to lose weight sustainably, you need careful medical supervision and smart dose adjustment. When used correctly, most patients benefit – even in the long term.”
What is behind it?
Preparations: Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide); both imitate satiety hormones.
Effect: Faster feeling of satiety, less cravings. In studies, alcohol and nicotine consumption was also reduced in some cases.
Effect: On average up to approx. 15% (Wegovy) or >20% (Mounjaro) weight reduction after 12 months; new active ingredients are being researched.
Application: 1x weekly by pen; dosage is increased individually.
Safety and side effects
Frequent: Temporary gastrointestinal complaints (feeling of fullness, nausea, diarrhea) – usually controllable by dosage.
Rare: Inflammation of abdominal organs has been observed; causality not conclusively clarified.
Very rare: Slightly increased risk of NAION (optic nerve ischemia) with semaglutide; overall low baseline risk.
Long-term data: No proven general increase in cancer risk in large studies.
Long-term strategy
Maintain your weight: Without continuation, there is often a risk of a yo-yo effect. Aim for the lowest effective maintenance dose.
Medical benefit: Evidence of lower risk of heart attack/stroke and lower mortality in high-risk patients.
Costs and procedure
Medication: approx. 276 € (Wegovy maximum dose) to 489 € (Mounjaro) per month; prescription only, costs not covered by health insurance companies by law.
Diagnostics: Recommended metabolic check (approx. 500 €).
Monitoring: Regular checks to adjust the dose (approx. 1,000 € in the first year).
Total: First year approx. 3,500-5,000 €, subsequent years approx. 1,000-2,000 €.
Important to know
Not all weight gain is “homemade”: genetics and metabolism often play a significant role.
Lifestyle remains the basis: diet, exercise and behavioral therapy are still crucial – medication can support, but cannot replace lifestyle measures.
Consultation at ISAR Klinikum
Would you like to know whether this therapy is suitable for you? Our team led by PD Dr. Thorsten Siegmund will advise you individually – including metabolic analysis, therapy planning and close monitoring.
ISAR Klinikum – Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism
Sonnenstraße 24-26, 80331 Munich
Priv. Doz. Dr. med. Thorsten Siegmund
Hormonzentrum München
Isarklinikum
Medical center, main building in the Bürkleinbau,
main entrance, 2nd floor
Sonnenstr. 26
80331 Munich
Phone: +49 89 149903-6620
Fax: +49 89 149903-6625
E-mail: [email protected]
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