Everything You Need to Know About Qualifying for a Weight Loss Shot

When it comes to weight loss shots — also known as the “Skinny Shot” and by their brand names — there’s a lot of information out there. With so much noise, it can be hard to find answers to the most simple — and, in our opinion, important — questions about these types of injections. Questions about what they are, how they work and who qualifies.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about qualifying for a weight loss shot. That includes all the information required to determine whether or not they’re the choice for you. 

What is a weight loss shot?

Weight loss shots are injectable medications designed to aid in weight loss. These shots typically contain compounds that help regulate appetite, improve metabolism and support weight management. 

• Sometimes these compounds are a blend of vitamins, minerals and amino acids meant to support weight loss and metabolism while curbing your appetite.The injections are best used in conjunction with  diet and exercise regimens instead of being used as stand-alone treatments.
• These compounds supplement the body’s  natural hormones that slow digestion to make people full for longer. Two prominent examples of these compounds are semaglutide and tirzepatide —  known by different brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound. 

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that mimics the action of a natural hormone called GLP-1, which is known to help regulate appetite. Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist that targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors to further reduce appetite and support healthy weight loss. 

Knowing what these weight loss (or “skinny”) shots are called is only the beginning — next, let’s take a look at what makes someone a good candidate.

When trying something new, it can be easier to have the expert guidance. If you’d like to talk through your eligibility with one of the experts at Renew, you’re welcome to schedule a consultation with us.

What makes a good candidate for weight loss shots

While weight loss shots are highly effective for many, that doesn’t mean they’re the right choice for everyone. Why? Because everyone is different. We all have our own story, our own history, our own goals and our own completely unique body.

When determining whether or not you’re a good candidate for weight loss shots, consider the following.

Your Medical History 

When determining if someone is a good fit for weight loss shots, medical professionals consider several key factors: 

• Overall health and the presence of contraindicating conditions
• Current medications and potential interactions
• The patient’s BMI — typically 30+ or 27+ with obesity-related conditions
• Previous weight loss attempts, including what worked and what didn’t
• Mental health stability and readiness to commit to lifestyle changes and follow-up care

By starting the process with a comprehensive evaluation — even if it can leave you feeling a bit vulnerable — you’re able to make sure that this choice is right for you not only now, but into the future.

Any Potential Contraindications

A contraindication is any specific condition that, if present, means that a particular treatment, medication, or procedure should not be used because it could be harmful to the patient. When it comes to weight loss or “skinny” shots like semaglutide and tirzepatide, keep these common contraindications in mind:

Do NOT get these injections if:

• If you or anyone in your family has ever had the unique type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• If you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Be cautious and discuss risks with your healthcare provider first if:

• You have or ever have had problems with your pancreas or kidneys
• You are taking any medications — prescription, over-the-counter or otherwise
• Have allergies relating to vitamin B12, methionine, inositol, choline or semaglutide
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed in the near future. There is no known data about whether these injections can harm unborn children or pass into breast milk, but some semaglutide brands do recommend stopping use 2 months before you plan to become pregnant.

Your Goals and Expectations

Weight loss injections aren’t a magic cure-all. They can’t make you instantly lose a hundred pounds, but they can help you lose that weight safely by making it easier to sustain healthy habits. Keep these expectations in mind:

• You’ll most likely be losing 1-2 pounds per week
• Your energy levels will increase as fatigue is reduced, which will make it easier to introduce regular exercise into your routine
• Your metabolism and liver function will improve over time and that will help you keep the weight off

Mental Readiness

Before starting weight loss shots, it’s crucial to ensure you’re mentally ready by assessing your motivation and commitment to long-term lifestyle changes. Reflect on your reasons for wanting to lose weight and set realistic goals so that you’ll be able to stick to them without shame or stress. 

Also: be prepared for the emotional challenges that may arise and seek support from healthcare professionals, friends or support groups as you need them. At Renew, our Renew You practitioners offer everyone in our physician-led weight loss program this type of support both in-clinic and out. 

There’s no shame in pursuing weight loss and, equally, there’s no shame in needing support as you experience these changes. Taking the time to be mentally prepared for the process will help you stay focused, resilient and positive throughout.

Long-Term Commitment

Any big change in habit comes with a big question: can I keep it up? To ensure long-term success with your weight loss shot journey, we recommend keeping each of these success-supporting things in mind:

• Diet. Maintain a balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats and as many fruits and vegetables as you can stomach.
• Cardiovascular Exercise. Incorporating regular cardio activities like walking, running or cycling helps you stay energized and active as you adjust to your weight loss.
• Strength Training. Engage in strength training exercises to build muscle mass and boost your metabolism so that your body can continue to support you in new, exciting ways.
• Flexibility and Balance. Include flexibility and balance exercises — such as yoga or stretching  — to improve mobility and prevent injury as you take advantage of your renewed vigor.
  Consistency and Progression. They’re the name of the game with any long-lasting positive change,  including this one.
• Rest and Recovery. Prioritize rest and recovery to allow your body to heal and prevent burnout. It can be easy to try to do it all as soon as you start seeing results, but making time for rest means making time for long-term success.

The Weight Loss Shot Offers Support That Lasts

Weight loss — or “skinny” — shots support lasting weight loss by reducing appetite and providing what is needed for people to adopt healthier eating habits. By offering sustainable appetite support, people who have struggled with weight loss in the past are offered the support they need. 

Rather than being a quick fix, these shots are tools that facilitate the development of lasting, healthy habits.

Even if you’re a good candidate for weight loss shots, that doesn’t mean the process is effortless. Getting a prescription for semaglutide or tirzepatide to self-inject comfortably is one thing — but how do you track your progress to make sure everything’s working the way you want it to?

That’s why we developed the Renew You program. It’s a physician-led weight loss program that helps people safely and effectively reach their weight loss goals through personalized medication titration, in-person clinical support, monthly progress reviews and more.

Interested in learning more about this program and how it can help? Schedule a consultation with one of our Renew You providers to get things started.