Fat dissolving injections and weight loss injections are two treatments that often get mixed up. While both involve needles and target fat, that’s where the similarities end.
Across the UK, more people are asking about these treatments – especially when diet and exercise alone aren’t giving them the results they want. But the choice between them depends on whether you’re looking to lose weight or fat loss.
| Fat Dissolving Injections | Weight Loss Injections | |
| Purpose | Target and remove localised fat deposits | Promotes overall weight loss |
| Mechanism | Break down fat cells in specific areas | Regulate appetite, metabolism and energy levels |
| Target Area | Specific body parts (e.g. chin, abdomen, thighs) | Whole body |
| Active Ingredients | Deoxycholic acid | GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g. semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide) |
| Types | Aqualyx, Kybella, DESO, Lemon Bottle | Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Saxenda (liraglutide) |
| Effect on Appetite | No direct effect | Suppresses hunger |
| Treatment Duration | Multiple sessions, 3-4 weeks apart | Ongoing, often part of a long-term programme |
| Visible Results | After about 8 weeks | Varies, can be seen over several weeks or months |
| Best Suited For | People with stubborn fat pockets, near ideal weight | Those looking for overall weight loss |
Fat-dissolving injections are injectable treatments used to break down stubborn pockets of fat in specific areas of your body. Most people use them for areas like double chins, love handles, or thigh fat that won’t shift even with a healthy diet and regular exercise. These injections aren’t designed for weight loss – they’re meant to contour and shape specific areas where fat tends to stick around.
The treatment involves a series of tiny injections directly into your problem area. Each session usually takes about 30 minutes, and you might need between 2-4 sessions to see the results you want. Unlike liposuction, there’s no surgery involved, which means less downtime and fewer risks.
When people hear about fat dissolving treatments, they sometimes expect injections that melt fat, but the solution works by breaking down fat cell walls. Think of it like soap breaking down grease – the solution dissolves the fat cells, releasing the fat stored inside them. Your body then naturally flushes out these broken-down fat cells through your lymphatic system over several weeks. The treatment targets only the fat cells in the specific area where it’s injected, which means you can’t use it for overall weight loss.
Fat dissolving injections are generally safe when done by a qualified medical professional. The main ingredient – deoxycholic acid – is actually something your body naturally produces to break down dietary fat. However, like any cosmetic treatment, they do come with potential side effects.
Side effects include some swelling, redness and tenderness in the treated area. This is normal and usually settles within a few days to a week. Some people also notice small bumps under the skin immediately after treatment – these are temporary and part of the normal process.
You shouldn’t have fat dissolving injections if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions. They’re also not suitable if you have loose or excessive skin, as removing fat in these areas could make the skin looser.
Right after treatment, the injected area will feel swollen and tender – a bit like a bee sting. This swelling typically peaks after about 48 hours and can last anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks. You might notice that the area feels firm and lumpy – this is normal and means the treatment is working.
You’ll need to avoid exercise for a few days and stay away from alcohol. Some people find arnica cream helps with bruising, and many use ice packs to manage swelling. Most return to work the next day, though if you’ve had chin treatment, you might want to take a day or two off.
Results aren’t instant – you’ll start seeing changes after about 4-6 weeks as your body breaks down and removes the fat cells, and full results usually show up around 8 weeks after your last treatment. Most people need 2-4 sessions, spaced about 6-8 weeks apart, to get the results they want.
Weight loss injections are prescription medications that help control your appetite and regulate how your body processes food. The most common ones contain GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is similar to a hormone your body naturally makes after eating.
Unlike fat dissolving injections that target specific fat pockets, these work throughout your whole body. They’re prescribed as part of a weight management plan, usually alongside diet and exercise changes. You’ll typically inject them once a week, though some types need daily injections.
These aren’t quick-fix treatments – they’re medical treatments for people who need help managing their weight, particularly if they have health conditions related to their weight, like diabetes or high blood pressure. You’ll need a proper medical assessment to check if they’re right for you.
Weight loss injections work by copying what your body naturally does after a meal. They slow down how quickly food moves through your stomach, which helps you feel full for longer. They also tell your brain you’re not hungry, so you’re less likely to snack or overeat.
When you eat, the injection helps your body release insulin at the right time, controls your blood sugar better, and reduces cravings – especially for sugary or fatty foods. Most people find they can eat smaller portions without feeling hungry and don’t think about food as much during the day.
They also help your body burn stored fat more effectively, but they only work while you’re taking them – which is why they’re usually part of a longer-term weight management plan.
Weight loss injections are safe when prescribed by a healthcare professional and have been thoroughly tested and approved by the UK’s medicines regulator (MHRA) for weight management.
But they’re not right for everyone. During your consultation, you’ll explain your medical history and any medications you’re taking to make sure these injections are safe for you. You can’t take them if you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or have certain medical conditions like type 1 diabetes or severe liver or kidney problems.
Common side effects usually happen in the first few weeks as your body adjusts. Most people might feel a bit sick or get headaches when they start, but these typically improve. Your doctor or pharmacist will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to help minimise these effects.
Most people start noticing changes in their appetite within the first week. You’ll likely feel less hungry between meals and find it easier to stop eating when you’re full. Some people notice they’re less interested in sugary or fatty foods, too.
Weight loss usually starts within the first month. Most people lose around 5% of their body weight in the first 3 months, although everyone’s different. The injections work best when combined with healthy eating and regular exercise.
Side effects like nausea, headaches, or tiredness are common at first but usually settle after a few weeks. To help manage these, stay hydrated and start with smaller meals. If you’re feeling sick, try eating plain foods and avoiding anything too rich or spicy.
Fat dissolving usually needs 2-4 sessions spaced apart, with each session costing between £150-400. Weight loss injections are more of an ongoing treatment, usually around £80-£200 monthly. It’s important to choose what fits both your goals and your budget.
If you’ve been eating well and exercising but still have stubborn areas of fat that won’t shift, fat-dissolving injections might be right for you. These treatments work perfectly for annoying spots, like the stomach or chin, that stick around even when you’re happy with your weight everywhere else.
But if you’re finding it hard to manage your weight overall, medical weight loss injections could be more helpful. They work gradually throughout your body, helping you lose weight steadily while making it easier to stick to healthy eating habits.
If you’re looking to manage your weight in the long term, weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy are usually the better choice. They help you develop better eating habits by reducing cravings and making you feel fuller for longer, which makes it easier to stick to a healthy diet and maintain your weight loss.
Fat dissolving injections don’t help with weight management at all. While they can remove body fat from specific areas, they won’t stop you from gaining weight elsewhere. Think of them more as a body sculpting treatment than a weight management tool.
Remember though, neither treatment is a magic solution. The best results always come from combining them with regular exercise and healthy eating habits. With weight loss injections, many people find these lifestyle changes easier to stick to because they’re not fighting constant hunger or cravings.
Our online weight loss clinic makes it simple to get started with weight loss injections. Our online pharmacy service provides safe, regulated prescriptions after a straightforward online consultation.
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