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.” <\/p>\n
What is behind it?<\/strong><\/p>\n Preparations: Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide); both imitate satiety hormones. Safety and side effects<\/strong><\/p>\n Frequent: Temporary gastrointestinal complaints (feeling of fullness, nausea, diarrhea) – usually controllable by dosage. Long-term strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n Maintain your weight: Without continuation, there is often a risk of a yo-yo effect. Aim for the lowest effective maintenance dose. Costs and procedure<\/strong><\/p>\n Medication: approx. 276 \u20ac (Wegovy maximum dose) to 489 \u20ac (Mounjaro) per month; prescription only, costs not covered by health insurance companies by law.
\nEffect: Faster feeling of satiety, less cravings. In studies, alcohol and nicotine consumption was also reduced in some cases.
\nEffect: On average up to approx. 15% (Wegovy) or >20% (Mounjaro) weight reduction after 12 months; new active ingredients are being researched.
\nApplication: 1x weekly by pen; dosage is increased individually. <\/p>\n
\nRare: Inflammation of abdominal organs has been observed; causality not conclusively clarified.
\nVery rare: Slightly increased risk of NAION (optic nerve ischemia) with semaglutide; overall low baseline risk.
\nLong-term data: No proven general increase in cancer risk in large studies.<\/p>\n
\nMedical benefit: Evidence of lower risk of heart attack\/stroke and lower mortality in high-risk patients. <\/p>\n
\nDiagnostics: Recommended metabolic check (approx. 500 \u20ac).
\nMonitoring: Regular checks to adjust the dose (approx. 1,000 \u20ac in the first year).
\nTotal: First year approx. 3,500-5,000 \u20ac, subsequent years approx. 1,000-2,000 \u20ac.<\/p>\n