Are B12 injections good for weight loss?
Uncategorized • October 6, 2020
Are B12 injections good for weight loss?
Many doctors and weight loss clinics recommend monthly B12 injections to their patients to assist with weight loss. But does monthly B12 really help to promote weight loss?
These injections do not help with weight loss and are only indicated for patients who truly have B12 deficiency.
So why do doctors promote there B12 injections? Good question. B12 initially was used to treat people with true B12- deficiency which causes low energy among other symptoms. When these patients had reversed their B12 deficiency, energy went up, and sometimes so did mood and activity level, leading to very modest weight loss. At some point, B12 was given out by doctors more liberally just to “increase energy” and to make patients “feel good”.
Long-term weight loss doesn’t come from vitamin injections. Long-term weight loss requires a much more comprehensive medical approach and support from Obesity Medicine Physician.
The concept of losing weight and keeping that weight is terrifying to most people, as the tendency regain weight is so high. Fortunately, there has been much research and advancement to in the field of Obesity Medicine, and medical and behavioral approaches allow people to lose weight and keep it off.
B12 is a very important vitamin which helps to keep nerve cells and blood cells healthy. It also helps support the DNA (genetic material) of every cell.
People who are at risk of B12 deficiency are those eating a vegan diet, people with a history of weight loss surgery, and people with certain types of stomach inflammation.
The symptoms of B12 deficiency are as follows:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Tingling of the hands and feet
- Poor balance
- Confusion
- Depression
If you have some of these symptoms, it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor, as he or she can test your B12 level and many other labs with a simple blood test.
The incredible thing is that if you do have true B12 deficient, taking B12 under the tongue is just as effective as injections, so it is incredibly easy to treat!
If you have been struggling with excess weight for years and are at the end of your rope, look for an Obesity Medicine Physician near you. It will change your life and health with evidence-based treatment that makes weight loss less overwhelming and sustainable
Elyse Dishler, M.D. Board Certified Family Medicine/Obesity Medicine
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