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Weight loss

Are weight loss injections like Ozempic, Saxenda, and Mounjaro effective?

Posted On: April 14, 2024

Are weight loss injections like Ozempic, Saxenda, and Mounjaro effective?

Weight loss injections have emerged as a new weapon in the battle against obesity. But are they a magic bullet or just another fad? Before taking the plunge, let's dive into the science behind these injections, their effectiveness, and the factors to consider.

1. How They Work

  • Liraglutide (Saxenda): This injectable medication mimics the effects of GLP-1, similar to Ozempic, and works by reducing appetite, slowing digestion, and improving insulin sensitivity.
  • Semaglutide (Ozempic): This injectable, like Saxenda, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, leading to feelings of fullness, slowed stomach emptying, and better blood sugar control.
  • Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): works to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes by targeting two key hormones in the digestive system: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Let's break down how it works.
  • Energy Production: When there's excess glucose beyond glycogen capacity, insulin signals fat cells to absorb and store it as triglycerides.

By mimicking GLP-1, these injections work in a few ways:

  • Reduced Appetite: They mimic GLP-1, a hormone that signals fullness to the brain, leading you to eat less.
  • Slowed Digestion: They slow down the emptying of your stomach, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
  • Increased Insulin Sensitivity: They improve your body's ability to use insulin, leading to better blood sugar control.

2. The Evidence

Studies have shown promising results for weight loss injections. Clinical trials reported that Ozempic, for example, showed participants losing an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks. Similarly, studies on Saxenda demonstrated an average weight loss of 9.2% over 56 weeks.

However, it's important to remember these figures are averages. Individual results can vary depending on factors like initial weight, diet, and exercise habits.

3. Not a Quick Fix

Here's a crucial point: weight loss injections are not a magic solution. They are most effective when used alongside a healthy diet and exercise program. These injections can help you feel fuller and eat less, but they won't magically change your eating habits or make you burn more calories.

Think of them as tools that can support your weight loss journey, not as a replacement for healthy lifestyle changes.


4. Sustainability and Side Effects:

A major concern with weight loss injections is their long-term sustainability. Studies on their effectiveness beyond one or two years are limited. There's also the risk of weight regain once you stop using them.

These injections also come with potential side effects. Common ones include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. In rare cases, they may cause more serious side effects like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and gallbladder problems.

5. Who is a Candidate?

Weight loss injections are not for everyone. Health Canada typically approves them for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more (obese) or a BMI of 27 or more (overweight) with a weight-related health condition like type 2 diabetes or heart disease.

Consulting a doctor is crucial to determine if weight loss injections are a safe and suitable option for you. They can assess your health, discuss potential side effects, and ensure you understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle alongside injections.

6. The Cost Factor

Weight loss injections can be expensive and often not covered by insurance. The cost can vary depending on the brand, dosage, and insurance coverage. This can be a significant barrier for many people considering this option.

7. Maintaining Blood Sugar Balance

Insulin works with another hormone, glucagon, to maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Glucagon, produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas, has the opposite effect of insulin. It raises blood sugar levels when they drop too low. This delicate interplay keeps your blood sugar within a healthy range.

The Bottom Line

Weight loss injections can be a valuable tool for some people struggling with obesity. They can promote weight loss, but they are not a standalone solution. Combining them with a healthy lifestyle is key to long-term success.

Before considering injections, discuss your options with a doctor or pharmacist to understand the potential benefits and risks and explore alternative weight management strategies.

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What Makes DooU Legit?

What Makes DooU Legit?

Let us take a guess - you've been looking for the best way to lose weight with weight loss medications and stumbled upon DooU. You've never heard of DooU, but you'd like to make sure we are a legitimate company before using DooU services.

Your skepticism is valid; Getting prescription medications online through a telehealth company is still a new way to access healthcare; In Canada, the telemedicine market was valued at $4.8 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow annually 18% from 2022 to 2030. Over the past several years, more Canadians have opted for virtual healthcare to seek help with non-emergency concerns. It is effective, affordable, and convenient, plus it offers a level of privacy that some people may prefer over going to a doctor's clinic.

Since it is a new way to access healthcare, it is understandable to be cautious; Your health is being put into someone else's hands! There are reports of many telehealth and online pharmacies being fake in Canada, making it difficult to know who to trust.

This is where DooU comes in. At DooU, our doctor-led team provides affordable and safe online healthcare across Canada. We offer online healthcare visits with licensed Canadian practitioners and fill all prescriptions through our accredited Canadian pharmacy partner, approved by National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).

You might be wondering, Is DooU legit? How do I know that DooU is properly certified to be providing healthcare? Our patient care and trust is our utmost priority, and we are proud to be certified by LegitScript to provide telemedicine services within Canada. The LegitScript Certification is provided to legitimate telemedicine providers, like DooU, that comply with all applicable laws and required standards for legality, safety, and transparency.


Posted On: October 11, 2024

Comprehensive Guide to Mounjaro Weight Loss Medication in Canada

Comprehensive Guide to Mounjaro Weight Loss Medication in Canada

Weight loss - a challenging and frustrating journey millions of Canadians embark on every year. Nationally, obesity rates are rising alarmingly with two in three adults and one in three children being overweight or living with obesity. There are multiple health problems related to excess body weight, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. While a healthy diet and exercise is highly recommended to lose and maintain weight, some individuals may need additional help to achieve their ideal goals to lose weight. This is where weight loss medications can come into the mix.


Weight loss medications are prescription medications provided by a physician that reduce or control excess body weight. Since they require a prescription from a doctor, patients will need regular and consistent monitoring to ensure progress and optimal health. Prescription weight loss medications are not intended to be used in place of a healthy diet and exercise, but alongside. This is also imperative for post-treatment care to prevent weight gain.


There are many prescription medications available, with Ozempic and Wegovy most well-known for their powerful effects on weight loss and weight management. However, these medications have the active ingredient semaglutide, which may not be appropriate for every individual. That's where Mounjaro comes in. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about Mounjaro in Canada, from its benefits and side effects to how you can access it, ensuring that you're fully informed before making any decisions regarding your weight loss journey.

Posted On: August 21, 2024