Fat-dissolving injections: How they work and weight loss alternatives

Weight gain and fluctuations can be a completely normal fact of life. But sometimes, those excess fat cells can get in the way of you feeling your best. That's why so many people turn to medications and procedures to help with reducing excess fat.

One popular method for tackling fat cells is through fat-dissolving treatments. These are non-invasive injections that target specific areas to help reduce the amount of fat cells.

Let's take a look at everything you need to know about how fat-dissolving injection treatments work, as well as alternative weight loss methods. Ready? Let's dive in.

What are fat-dissolving injections?

Fat-dissolving injections offer a highly effective non-surgical weight loss method of reducing fat cells in targeted areas. They have become a popular alternative to more invasive surgical procedures, particularly for those who don't want to undergo or are advised against surgery.

There are many different types of fat-dissolving injections and the brand used will differ depending on where you seek treatment. Typically, they contain a synthetic form of bile acid, a substance naturally found in the body.

Here's how it works: the injection is administered into the subcutaneous layer of fat, and it goes to work dissolving the fat cells in that targeted area. Once the fat cell is broken down, it's gone for good.

The body then naturally processes and eliminates these destroyed fat cells, sending them on their way through the lymphatic system. It's a good idea to stay well-hydrated during this time to aid the process.

One of the reasons that this fat-dissolving procedure has gained so much popularity is because, once the dead fat cells have been excreted, those particular cells can never return to the body.

Do fat-dissolving injections really work?

The effectiveness of fat-dissolving injections can vary from person to person. Typically, most patients start noticing a reduction in fat cells in the treated area around the 8-week mark once those excess fat cells have been completely drained from the body [1].

In general, it's recommended to have fat-dissolving injections in the treatment area once every 3-4 weeks until you're happy with the results.

It's important to keep in mind that fat-dissolving injections are targeted treatments. They reduce the number of fat cells in the specific area they're applied to rather than eliminating all fat cells throughout the body. So, while they're excellent for improving the appearance of areas like a double chin, jowls, love handles, or a belly pouch, they won't lead to an overall reduction in body weight.

This is why the ideal patient for fat-dissolving injections is one that has small to medium fat deposits that can't be lost through a healthy lifestyle, such as diet and exercise [2].

That being said, the efficacy rate for fat-dissolving injections is quite high, with a treatment success rate of 93.5% [3]. This means that if you do choose to undergo this procedure, it's likely you will see the outcome you were hoping for.

What to expect after fat-dissolving injections

The good thing about fat-dissolving injections is that they typically involve minimal downtime since they are non-surgical. After the procedure, your healthcare team will likely provide you with guidance to help you achieve the best possible results. These guidelines generally include:

• Staying well-hydrated to facilitate the swift elimination of excess fat cells
• Consider limiting alcohol and caffeine intake for the first day
• Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive heat exposure on the day of the procedure
• Refrain from using hair removal or skin treatments in the treated area for a few weeks
• Minimise or quit smoking where possible
• Reduce consumption of certain foods, especially those high in sugar, salt, and spices
• Elevate your head using an extra pillow while sleeping to help reduce swelling

You might also be advised to apply topical antibiotics to the treated areas [4].

Post-treatment care is key to achieving optimal results. Ensure you follow the provided instructions diligently to make the most of your fat-dissolving injections and enjoy the body contouring you desire.

It's important to remember that everyone's body responds differently to these procedures. For personalised advice and more information, it's best to have a conversation with a trusted healthcare professional.

Are fat-dissolving injections safe?

Safety is a common concern when considering fat-dissolving treatments. While they are generally considered safe, it's essential to recognise that individual factors and medical conditions can play a role. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to determine any potential side effects or complications specific to your situation.

Most side effects are temporary and shouldn't disrupt your daily life. More severe side effects, such as nerve damage, skin ulceration, or scarring, could be permanent but are relatively rare.

It's also important to note that some people may not be eligible for fat-dissolving injections. Plus, they should not be administered to pregnant or lactating women and individuals with certain health conditions, including diabetes, liver or kidney disease, skin issues, Crohn's disease, severe autoimmune disorders, or those who are immunosuppressed.

If you have loose skin or uneven tone, you may not be eligible for fat-dissolving injections, but speak to a trusted healthcare professional to find out more [5]. It's important to openly discuss your medical history during the initial consultation to assess whether fat-dissolving injections are a safe option for you.

Do fat-dissolving injections work on your stomach?

Absolutely. Fat-dissolving injections are specifically designed to tackle those stubborn pockets of fat on your body, and they can be particularly effective in helping shed fat around your belly.

But it's not just the stomach; these injections are versatile and can target excess fat in various areas of the body. They're commonly used to reduce double chin fat, arm fat, and even fat on the inner thighs.

These injections contain natural substances that assist in breaking down and absorbing dietary fat, resulting in a more streamlined and contoured body shape.

How long do fat-dissolving injections last?

Fat-dissolving injections offer long-lasting results because they permanently eliminate fat cells in the targeted areas. Once these fat cells are excreted from the body, they no longer affect the appearance of those areas.

In essence, the effects of fat-dissolving injections can be considered as lasting indefinitely. However, maintaining these results relies on adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced, low-calorie, high-nutrient diet and engaging in regular exercise.

This is why fat-dissolving injections are often best suited for individuals with specific areas of stubborn fat rather than those seeking an overall weight loss solution. By incorporating these injections into a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy their benefits for the long term.

What are the side effects of fat-dissolving injections?

Most people can resume their usual activities soon after fat-dissolving injections, which means you can get back to doing the things you enjoy without much delay. However, in the week following your injection, you may experience some common side effects, including:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain or numbness
• Bruising [6]

You may also feel some lumpiness in the targeted area. While less common, this is still a normal potential side effect of fat-dissolving injections, and it usually subsides within about a week. You can often find relief by applying a cold compress to the area.

Holistic alternatives for weight loss

A fat-dissolving treatment may be beneficial for reducing the appearance of excess fat in targeted areas of the body. Still, it's important to remember that this is mainly cosmetic and won't help you to manage your overall body weight.

Plus, it's essential to weigh how much fat-dissolving injections cost with overall health benefits, remembering that these injections are most useful in changing the appearance of the body rather than promoting inner well-being.

For those seeking a holistic, non-surgical alternative to weight loss, Juniper’s Weight Reset Programme arms you with science-backed medication, plus access to a team of professionals including dietitians and nutritionists who provide tailored weight loss advice. It also provides a supportive community of like-minded women to ensure your weight loss journey promotes both internal and external health and well-being.

Kickstart your weight loss journey with Wegovy or Mounjaro, two groundbreaking weight loss injections that mimic the GLP-1 and GIP hormone respectively to help control cravings, delay stomach emptying, and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Plus, we have a team of expert dietitians and health coaches you can consult with, to help you work through any challenges you're experiencing during your weight management journey.

We help you make lifestyle and habit changes to help increase your fitness levels and promote eating a balanced diet by providing you with one-on-one health tracking and weekly check-ins with your clinician to track your biometric, mental and physical health, continuously making adjustments to your programme to suit your individual needs.

We’re in it with you for the long run; having helped thousands of women achieve 15-20% weight loss over one year. Once in the programme, you’ll have regular access to a team of health professionals who are here to listen, guide and help unlock a healthier you.