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Weight Loss Injections: How They Work and Who Can Use Them

The injectable treatments for weight loss have become increasingly popular, especially among those who find it difficult to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. These slimming injections act on appetite control and metabolism, offering a more effective and controlled approach to weight loss.

But are these injections safe? Who can use them? And which ones are available in Portugal? In this guide we explain everything you need to know about the injectable slimming treatments.

How Weight Loss Injections Work

Most injectable weight-loss drugs belong to the class of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists. These drugs mimic the action of an intestinal hormone that regulates satiety and glucose metabolism.

They act on the body in various ways:

  • Reduced appetiteincrease the feeling of satiety, leading to lower calorie intake.

  • Slower gastric emptyingThe best way to control hunger: they prolong digestion time, helping to control hunger.

  • Improved glucose metabolismThe best way to help regulate blood sugar levels: they are especially useful in cases of insulin resistance.

Slimming injections

Who Can Use Injectable Weight Loss Treatments?

Weight loss injections are indicated for:

  • People with BMI over 30 (obesity).

  • People with BMI over 27 and associated health problems (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol).

  • Individuals who have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, without lasting success.

Contraindications

The use of slimming injections is not recommended in cases of:

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding.

  • History of pancreatitis.

  • Severe gastrointestinal diseases.

  • Family history of certain types of thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome.

Side Effects of Weight Loss Injections

Although effective, these drugs can cause some adverse effects, such as:

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Diarrhoea or constipation

  • Dizziness and fatigue

  • Dry mouth or change in taste

  • Pancreatitis (in rare cases)

Generally, the effects are mild and tend to diminish over time. However, any persistent symptoms should be reported to your doctor.

How to Get Injectable Weight Loss Treatment in Portugal

Slimming injections are only available through medical prescriptionProfessional monitoring is necessary to ensure safety and efficacy.

To get treatment:

  1. Medical consultation - A professional will assess whether the treatment is right for you.

  2. Prescription medicine - If approved, the doctor issues the prescription.

  3. Buying in pharmacies - Some injections may be in high demand and temporarily unavailable.

Online consultation with Médico na Net

No Doctor on the Net you can book yours first online weight loss consultationIt's simple and safe. A doctor will assess your case, advise you on the best treatment and, if indicated, make the necessary medical prescription.

✅ Consultation carried out completely online
✅ Personalised and secure assessment
Referral for appropriate injectable treatment

Are Injections a Definitive Solution?

Despite their effectiveness, injectable treatments are not a miracle solution. For long-lasting results, it's essential:

  • Adopt a balanced diet

  • Maintain regular physical exercise

  • Bet on a dietary re-education and lifestyle change

Without these changes, there is a significant risk of regaining weight after stopping treatment.

Conclusion

The slimming injections are an effective alternative for those struggling with obesity or excess weight. However, medical supervision is essential to guarantee safety and results that meet each patient's needs.

If you are looking for a safe and accompanied weight loss solution, book your appointment now. online assessment consultation at Médico na Net and find out which route is best for you.

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Dr Alexandra Azevedo

Training: University of Barcelona
No. of doctors: 71409

Biography

Dr Alexandra Azevedo graduated in Medicine from the University of Barcelona in 2015, where she subsequently specialised in General Practice. During her training, she developed a strong interest in the approach to chronic pain, having completed an integrated master's degree in Medicine and Surgery with clinical research into pain management. Her professional experience includes several years of clinical practice in Spain, particularly in Catalonia, where she has had contact with a wide variety of pathologies and challenges, both in the emergency department and in primary healthcare.

She currently works as a family doctor at the ULS Braga. She has been a member of the medical-surgical emergency team at Vila Nova de Famalicão Hospital and has worked as a guest lecturer at the Nursing School of the University of Minho, teaching anatomy and physiology of the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems.

Her main clinical interests include emergency medicine, chronic pain, depression and anxiety, as well as preventive medicine and the control of vascular risk factors. She is also dedicated to anti-smoking counselling and weight loss counselling, helping her patients to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. Her approach to care is based on a holistic vision, considering health as a balance between physical and psychological well-being.

Dr Alexandra stands out for her humanism and her ability to offer quick and effective solutions to minor problems, ensuring that her patients feel well looked after. At Médico na Net, she sees an opportunity to bring healthcare to more people in an accessible and convenient way.

Passionate about music and travelling, she loves getting to know different cultures and lifestyles, which enriches her view of the world and her medical practice. For her, medicine is not just a profession, but a real commitment to the well-being of the people she cares for. As she likes to say: "Health is the balance between physical and psychological well-being.