Injections for slimming is the common name for drugs in the GLP-1 analogue class, which are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Drugs have become very popular since it was discovered that they could significantly reduce body weight.

Semaglutide (Ozempic), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), and dulaglutide are the three main ingredients in the so-called slimming injections (Trulicity). Despite the fact that all of them can help people lose weight, only Saxenda is approved for the treatment of obesity in Poland. Although they may be prescribed by a doctor “off-label” (beyond the indications in the leaflet) for the treatment of overweight and obesity, other medications are designed for diabetic patients. These medicines are on prescription. Unfortunately, due to the enormous demand for slimming injections, pharmacies are struggling to stock diabetes medications.
Injections for slimming: when does the doctor prescribe them?
Drugs that mimic the incretin hormones that are released in the digestive system after a meal, or “GLP-1 analogues,” stimulate the release of the hormone insulin and aid in blood sugar regulation. Therefore, they are typically suggested to type 2 diabetes patients. Furthermore, products in this category protect the circulatory system and can aid in weight loss (learn more: which slimming injection is the best?).
Indications for the use of individual “slimming injections” according to the leaflet are:
- Ozempic – in adults with type 2 diabetes that is not adequately controlled together with an appropriate diet and exercise,
- Saxenda – in adults for weight management , along with diet and exercise if present
– BMI of 30 kg/m² or more (obese) or
– BMI of at least 27 kg/m² but less than 30 kg/m² (overweight) and health problems related to body weight (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea, diabetes, previous heart attack, stroke). - Victoza – in adults and children from 10 years of age with type 2 diabetes , in combination with diet and physical activity,
- Trulicity – in adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes , together with appropriate diet and exercise.
The doctor may prescribe drugs based on the directions in the leaflet (mostly for diabetic patients) or for other health problems that are not on the label.
- obesity,
- insulin resistance,
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) .
Injections for slimming: how to get them?
Diabetics and people who want to lose weight should go to their family doctor or specialist to get a prescription for a slimming injection, as doctors often prescribe off-label to people who do not have diabetes.