B12 shots and phentermine for weight loss: Should you combine them?

October 1. 2022

Although weight management consciousness has increased over the last few decades, many people still struggle with initiating weight loss. Thankfully, we now have several efficient medical weight loss tools that can help you kick-start your journey, and two of the most popular include B12 shots and phentermine. Since they both serve different purposes, patients tend to wonder whether or not they can combine them in order to further boost their weight management efforts.

In today’s article, our weight loss clinic in Chicago breaks down the topic to help you understand how both these supplements can help you lose weight and whether or not you can use them simultaneously.

What are B12 shots?

Vitamin B12 is an important, water-soluble vitamin naturally found in many foods, including dairy products, meat, and fish. This vitamin is essential for several processes in your body, such as neurological function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. Additionally, sufficient Vitamin B12 amounts in your system can ensure increased energy and better metabolism function, which is why B12 shots have gained a lot of attention in recent years among those who are trying to lose weight. Other benefits this vitamin can provide you with include:

• improved sleep patterns
• improved mood
• increased concentration
• immune system boost

Although it is present in certain types of foods we consume regularly, Vitamin B12 deficiency may be more common than you think. That’s partially expected because the amount of it you need highly depends on your age; as we get older, our bodies’ ability to absorb this vitamin decreases. On the other hand, people who don’t consume animal and dairy products may also end up lacking this essential vitamin. In such cases, supplementation is necessary to ensure sufficient amounts of Vitamin B12 in your system and prevent deficiency symptoms that typically include a lack of energy or extreme tiredness, muscle weakness, memory issues, blood pressure irregularities, etc. That’s why experts often combine Vitamin B complex with specific amino acids when creating lipotropic injections (such as our lipo C injection).

Phentermine for weight loss: How it works

Phentermine is one of the most popular appetite suppressants, and it belongs to a group of drugs known as anorectics. It works by increasing certain neurotransmitter levels in your brain, which results in decreased hunger and cravings. However, not everyone is eligible to start taking this weight loss drug; it’s typically prescribed to patients whose BMI is equal to or higher than 27 and those who struggle with frequent cravings and overly increased hunger. Besides suppressing appetite, phentermine also gives you an energy boost to make up for the decreased amount of it you get from food. Still, it’s not advisable to take this weight loss drug to starve yourself or skip a meal.

Phentermine is often part of medical weight loss programs, and it’s highly advised to consult an experienced physician who will determine whether this drug is the right fit for you.

It’s also important to note that this weight loss drug is not a magic pill; it can’t do wonders by itself. Instead, it should be paired with a suitable diet and an exercise regimen to boost its effect on weight loss.

Can you combine B12 shots and phentermine for weight loss?

Considering the effectiveness of both B12 shots and phentermine for weight loss, many people wonder whether combining these medical weight loss tools is safe. And, the answer is – yes, it is. Moreover, Vitamin B12 shots are often prescribed as a supplement to accompany phentermine. When combined, these two medications can amplify each other’s effects and help you achieve weight loss in a more efficient manner. One of the main reasons behind this is that many people suffer from Vitamin B deficiency without even knowing it. This deficiency can prevent numerous processes in your body from functioning correctly; you may have a sluggish metabolism or suffer from fatigue despite the stimulating effects of taking phentermine.

Sufficient levels of Vitamin B12 in your system can boost your energy levels, aid the fat-burning process, and help your body convert food into energy. During your phentermine therapy, you’ll most likely be advised to stick to a specific diet – and such a diet can deprive you of sufficient amounts of this essential vitamin. That’s why vitamin injections, such as our lipo B injection, are often an integral part of any medical weight loss program. Moreover, the injectable form of this vitamin further increases its effectiveness by bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.

How to combine B12 shots and phentermine for weight loss?

Once your doctor determines the suitable phentermine dosage and the duration of your therapy, you can consult them about the recommended dosage of B12 shots to accompany your appetite suppressant therapy. There’s no unique answer to this question since each case is different. The doctor will likely do a thorough medical examination and run a few blood tests to see whether you have insufficient amounts of this vitamin in your body. Only then they’ll be able to determine the proper dosage to get your body back into balance.

When combined correctly, B12 shots and phentermine can lead to an overall and steady energy boost, lower appetite, increased fat burning, stronger hair and nails, and a number of other positive effects. To reap all their benefits, it’s important to take your therapy seriously and not reach out for over-the-counter options.

Phentermine and B12 shots side effects

Although phentermine and B12 can make losing weight a more manageable process, they are medical supplements, after all. With that in mind, you may witness a few side effects during your therapy. The most common side effects of B12 shots include constipation, diarrhea, or nausea. On the other hand, phentermine may cause dry mouth, constipation, headache, or insomnia.

Make sure to talk to your physician to get informed about possible side effects and learn how to minimize the chances of experiencing them. For instance, by taking phentermine earlier in the morning, you’re less likely to witness insomnia during the night. Proper hydration, a nutritionally balanced diet, and regular physical activity can all contribute to minimizing the risk of side effects.

Final thoughts

Phentermine and B12 shots are among the most popular and effective weight loss tools besides lipotropic injections. So, it’s understandable that people start to wonder whether they can combine them to further aid weight loss. And as you can see, these two weight loss tools can accompany each other and boost each other’s effects.

When a few changes and adjustments to your lifestyle don’t seem enough to help you lose weight, it’s best to stay away from popular fad diets and instead turn to professionals who will find the right medical weight loss solution for you. Although generally safe, this potent duo may not be the most suitable for everyone. If you’d like to learn more about safe and effective methods for losing weight, don’t hesitate to schedule your appointment at our clinic.

Author

Nurse Walton

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Chanay received her Practical Nurse licensure and went to work in clinical specialties such as Home Health, Assisted Living, Long-Term Care and Dialysis Centers. Through this work, she realized the importance of diet, nutrition and weight loss among her patients. This led her to open A Better Weigh, Inc. Medical Weight Loss Center in 2009.