Lipo shots are becoming more popular as people seek alternatives to conventional liposuction to remove stubborn fat. These injections are minimally invasive and eliminate the risks associated with surgery.
Unfortunately, they remain misunderstood. Many people don’t know what they are, how they work, and the benefits they offer.
That’s why we’ve written this post to clear up the confusion. You’ll learn whether the promises of lipo shots are genuine and how they could improve your life.
Understanding lipo shots
Lipo shots are supplements injected into the body to assist with weight loss. Most contain various B vitamins (such as B12 and B6), alongside branched-chain amino acids, L-carnitine, and phentermine, believed to assist fat burning.
A specific lipo shot contains methionine, inositol, and choline, often abbreviated “MIC.” Methionine is an amino acid associated with growth, repair, and mTOR activation. It has various roles in breaking down fat and cholesterol in the body and may help some people lose weight.
Inositol, by contrast, is a carbocyclic sugar. Researchers believe the compound accelerates weight loss by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. By balancing hormones, inositol improves metabolism and attacks the root of weight gain issues.
Finally, choline helps with fat breakdown and can be a substitute energy source during rapid weight loss. It can be helpful for individuals wanting to improve their fat-burning capacity.
Common misconception: Lipo Shots (MIC) vs. Lipolysis Shots (Kybella)
Here’s an important distinction to make, lipo shots like MIC differ from lipolysis shots, like Kybella. The former are essentially injectable weight loss supplements, while the latter contains components that break down stubborn fat deposits directly.
If that sounds confusing, don’t worry. You can tell the difference between these products by understanding what they mean. The “lysis” in lipolysis is a medical term for “breakdown,” so if you see that term, you know you are dealing with a “fat melter.” Otherwise, it’s a supplement.
Benefits of Lipo Shots
Lipo shots don’t sound as dramatic as lipolysis products like Kybella. However, they still offer numerous benefits because of the way they work once inside the body.
Boosted Metabolism
For example, lipo shots can improve overall body metabolism. Ingredients like carnitine enhance the body’s capacity to burn fat for energy, potentially making caloric restriction and exercise more effective. Meanwhile, other factors, such as B vitamins, help to raise the amount of energy the body burns at rest, increasing basal output substantially. The combined effect can be substantial.
Bodywide Fat Reduction
Another benefit of lipo shots (compared to conventional lipolysis shots) is that they offer bodywide reductions in fat mass. Injected substances go to every tissue, providing benefits everywhere.
Furthermore, this benefit extends beyond the subcutaneous fat (the relatively harmless adipose tissue sits below the skin’s surface) to the visceral fat around the organs. Burning this tissue can reduce the risk of metabolic dysfunction that leads to weight gain and chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Appetite Suppression
Components in lipo shots, such as B vitamins, may also suppress appetite. Some research indicates that these components can reduce the number of calories consumed throughout the day.
Improved Liver Function
Lastly, lipo shots may improve liver function, an organ that plays a vital role in fat burning. For example, choline may assist in fat transport, helping to move fatty acids into liver cell mitochondria for burning. Likewise, methionine can help the liver with protein synthesis and detoxification, while betaine supports homocysteine metabolism (a dangerous metabolite that can impair proper metabolic function).
Risks and Considerations
Lipo shots are generally low-risk and well-tolerated by most people when administered in a clinic by a healthcare professional. However, there are some considerations worth bearing in mind before you go ahead with treatment:
Nutrient Imbalances
Though rare, lipo shots can result in nutrient imbalances. High doses of vitamin B12 or carnitine can lead to toxicity in some rare cases.
You can mitigate this risk by getting regular blood tests and starting from a low dosage. If bloodwork looks good, you can increase potency from there.
Interactions With Medications
Lipo shot ingredients can also sometimes interact with the medications you take. For example, high doses of B12 can sometimes interfere with the action of the diabetes drug metformin, while methionine can also interact with some depression and seizure medications.
Again, the risks are low, but they underscore the value of getting lipo shots under medical supervision. Healthcare professionals can monitor your response and any symptoms that might develop.
Injection Site Reactions
Finally, you might experience some injection site reactions. These are common but usually not serious.
Other Side Effects
You might experience other side effects from injections of branched-chain amino acids, inositol, or B vitamins, including:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Incontinence
- Anxiety
Administration and Procedure
Healthcare professionals perform lipo shots in medical facilities, like clinics or spas. These provide a safe and regulated environment for patients.
Most spas or clinics administer injections weekly. (However, they might recommend a higher frequency if you are low on vitamin B12).
The dose of lipo shots depends on the ingredients. For B12, healthcare professionals will usually administer 1,000 mg per week. For other components, dosages will vary.
Takeaways
Lipo shots are treatments you can use to enhance the effects of your diet and exercise plan. Injections work best when combined with a sound diet and exercise plan.
Critically, lipo shots don’t break down fat directly. Instead, they shift your body’s metabolism in the direction of fat burning, enabling bodywide reductions in adipose tissue. These injections won’t usually help with spot fat reduction like some other cosmetic weight reduction techniques, so beware.
Lipo shots offer numerous benefits, including being a minimally invasive fat reduction technique and improving liver function. However, there are risks, especially if you are currently on prescribed medications. Therefore, always go to professionals for treatment.
