What are Vitamin B12 Injections/Skinny Shots?
Vitamin B12 injections/skinny shots, also known as lipotropic injections, are a mixture of amino acids, B vitamins, and lipotropic agents that are administered in the form of injections to aid weight loss in individuals with obesity. The injections are known to boost energy and speed up metabolism, which in turn accelerates calorie burning and removal of excess fat from the body.
Composition of Vitamin B12 Injections/Skinny Shots
Skinny shots/vitamin B12 injections are a special formula of liver supporting nutrients that can assist with fat metabolism, hormone balance, and energy, which are all key functions of the liver. They contain a variety of nutrients, vitamins, and other ingredients supposedly utilized to assist in weight loss. Some of the most common ingredients in these injections include:
- Vitamin B-6
- Vitamin B-12
- Vitamin B complex
- MIC (a combination of methionine, inositol, and choline)
- Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
- Phentermine
- L-carnitine
Preparation for Vitamin B12 Injections/Skinny Shots
The injections do not involve any specific preparation instructions. In general, blood tests may be ordered and you may be advised to stop smoking and taking certain medications for a defined period. Your practitioner will go over all the risks and side effects of these shots and obtain informed consent.
Administration of Vitamin B12 Injections/Skinny Shots
Skinny shots may be administered in the arm or other regions with excess subcutaneous fatty tissues like the buttocks, thigh, or abdomen. The shots are usually administered by a medical doctor or a dietitian in weight loss clinics or medical spas. Your medical practitioner will likely recommend weekly shots for several weeks. This may be for a couple of months at a time or until you attain your desired weight loss goal. When taken in conjunction with a diet and exercise plan, you may achieve up to a 5- to 10-pound weight loss. The shots are basically pain-free apart from a stinging sensation or a little prick observed when they are administered.
Measures to Follow After Vitamin B12 Injections/Skinny Shots
You are normally recommended to implement the following measures post injection:
- Try for a steady weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds each week
- Get enough sleep (7 to 9 hours)
- Manage stress
- Exercise regularly
- Cut down sugars and processed foods
- Drink plenty of water
- Follow a balanced diet
- Follow a healthy lifestyle habit
- Follow up regularly with your physician/dietitian
Key Benefits of Vitamin B12 Injections/Skinny Shots
Some of the key benefits of skinny shots include:
- Provides high energy
- Boosts metabolism
- Prevents accumulation of fats in the liver
- Metabolize, transport, and get rid of fat from the body
- Help with overall weight loss
- Helps to treat or prevent anemia/vitamin B deficiency
Risks and Complications
Vitamin B12 injections/skinny shots are a very safe and effective weight loss alternative. The risks often depend upon the ingredients being used in the shots. For instance, different types of vitamin B such as B1, 12, B16, and amino acids, are not harmful in high doses as any excessive amounts simply get excreted through urine. However, other ingredients used, such as phentermine, may possibly cause side effects such as:
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Incontinence
- Insomnia
- Numbness in hands or feet
- Fluctuation in heart rate
Additionally, if these shots are administered in conjunction with an extremely low-calorie diet, you may experience:
- Lightheadedness
- Irritability
- Jitteriness
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Extreme fatigue
- Hunger pangs (hunger pains)