Is the organizer bag/slimming needle a magic tool for weight loss? See types, prices, applicable groups and side effects at once

In recent years, "slimming injections" have become a hot topic for weight loss. Many people are attracted by the advertisements, while others are worried about the side effects and safety. What are the ingredients of Slimming Injection? Can it really make people lose weight? What are the risks of use? Who is suitable to use slimming needles? Who is not suitable?

What is slimming needle?

"Slimming Injection" (also known as Slimming Pen, Weight Loss Injection) is an injectable drug based on Incretin, which was originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This type of drug can simulate GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide) naturally secreted by the human body. By acting on the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, it can suppress appetite, delay gastric emptying, improve blood sugar control, etc., thereby helping to lose weight.

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Three common clinical The main ingredients include: Liraglutide, trade name Saxenda, which is a daily injection drug; Semaglutide, trade name Ozempic and Wegovy, which are weekly injections; both are prescription drugs approved by the US FDA and approved by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare for the treatment of specific diseases. In addition, Mounjaro, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in June this year (2025), contains Tirzepatide, which is also a weekly injection. It has dual mechanisms of GLP-1 and GIP and acts on these two enterocrine receptors at the same time. By combining the respective mechanisms of GLP-1 and GIP, it produces stronger blood sugar control and weight loss effects. It has been approved for diabetes control and weight management in Taiwan.

Among them, special attention should be paid to the fact that slimming injections are prescription drugs and are not general beauty injections or health care products. Before use, a physician should conduct a complete evaluation based on personal health status. During treatment, weight, blood sugar, and liver and kidney function must also be tracked regularly to ensure safety and efficacy. Do not purchase it through non-medical channels or inject it yourself to avoid serious side effects caused by wrong dosage or unknown source of the drug.

How does slimming injection help weight loss?

The main mechanism of action of Slimming Injection is to simulate the intestinal hormone GLP-1 (some drugs also act on GIP), which affects energy metabolism and appetite control at multiple levels, such as inhibiting the appetite center, reducing brain hunger signals, and reducing food intake. Delay gastric emptying, maintain satiety for longer, and naturally reduce eating frequency. Stabilize blood sugar, improve metabolism, promote insulin secretion and lower glucagon, reducing energy hoarding.

According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM, 2021), after using Semaglutide for weekly injections for 68 weeks, the average weight of the subjects decreased by 14.9%, and most of them were accompanied by significant improvements in blood sugar and blood lipids.

Common Types and Differences of Slimming Injections

Currently, the commonly used Slimming Injections in clinical practice can be mainly divided into three components, each with different injection frequencies and pharmacological properties.

Liraglutide: The earliest incretin drug approved for weight loss. The trade name is Saxenda. It is a short-acting drug that is injected daily. It is characterized by its ability to quickly suppress appetite and delay gastric emptying, so it has obvious effects on initial weight control. However, since it requires daily injections, it has higher requirements on the user's lifestyle.

Semaglutide: The most widely used long-acting ingredient in clinical practice at present, with trade names including Ozempic and Wegovy. The drug can be injected once a week to maintain a stable concentration, and studies indicate that its average weight loss effect is the most significant in multiple clinical trials. In addition to reducing appetite, it can also improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.

Tirzepatide: a new generation of dual incretin drugs, trade name Mounjaro, which has both GLP-1 and GIP receptor mechanisms. This dual-effect design can more effectively promote metabolism and improve insulin secretion, and has shown better weight loss results than traditional GLP-1 single-effect drugs in clinical studies.

In general, different drugs differ in dosage design, injection frequency, duration of action, and side effect tolerance. The appropriate type of drug must be determined by a physician after evaluation based on personal health status, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

Who is suitable for slimming injections?

Not everyone who wants to lose weight can use the "Slimming Injection". According to studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and Diabetes Care, doctors usually recommend that the following groups consider using GLP-1 weight-loss injections (such as Semaglutide, Tirzepatide):

1. Obese patients with a BMI% 26ge;30

2. BMI% 26ge;27 People with metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or hyperlipidemia

3. People who have tried to control diet and exercise for more than 6 months and have limited weight loss results

Studies have shown that these groups can lose an average of 10% to 20% of weight by using slimming injections under the supervision of doctors, and at the same time improve metabolic indicators such as blood sugar and cholesterol. In addition, blood tests will be conducted before treatment to evaluate blood sugar, liver and kidney function and thyroid index to ensure the safety of medication..

However, research also points out that the following conditions need to be avoided or used only after strict evaluation, such as pregnant (breastfeeding) women, those with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), those who have suffered from pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal diseases, minors under 18 years old, and finally those who are allergic to drug ingredients, all of which need to be strictly evaluated before being administered.

Common side effects and coping methods of Slimming Injection

According to clinical trial data in the New England Journal of Medicine, the most common adverse reactions are gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and constipation. About 70% to 80% of users experience mild to moderate discomfort in the initial stage, which usually resolves within 1 to 2 weeks. Other occasional reactions include dizziness, tiredness, slight redness and swelling at the injection site, and possible low blood sugar in people with diabetes.

Doctors recommend adopting a "low-dose, gradually increasing" approach in the early stages, eating small and frequent meals, and avoiding diets high in oil, sugar, and caffeine. If you have persistent severe abdominal pain, jaundice or obvious symptoms of dehydration, you should seek medical attention immediately to check your pancreatic function.

Will I gain weight again after stopping the medication?

According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, after stopping semaglutide, if you do not continue to adjust your diet and lifestyle habits and maintain your lifestyle, about two-thirds of people will regain their weight within a year. Experts say that slimming injections can be used as a "starting aid" for weight loss, but long-term maintenance still relies on lifestyle management. Therefore, after treatment, maintain a balanced diet and consume a low-oil, low-sugar, and high-fiber diet. Next, exercise regularly, for at least 150 minutes a week, and establish a regular schedule. Finally, follow up regularly every 3 to 6 months to track data and observe changes in blood sugar and weight.

The price and treatment course of Slimming Acupuncture

Currently in Taiwan, Slimming Acupuncture is still a self-paid treatment item. According to market statistics in 2025, the prices of various brands are slightly different. Each box of Saxenda (including 5 doses) is about NT$15,000 to NT$20,000; while weekly injectable drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are about NT$7,000 to NT$10,000 each.

Generally, a complete course of treatment is recommended to last for 3 to 6 months. The total cost is approximately NT$60,000 to NT$100,000. The actual cost will vary depending on the individual dosage and clinic plan. Physicians will also gradually adjust the dose and length of treatment based on weight changes, metabolic data, and side effects during treatment, and when a stable stage is reached, they will evaluate whether the drug can be discontinued or the lifestyle can be changed to maintain weight.

Doctor's reminder: Slimming needles are not magic needles

"Slimming needles" can indeed help regulate appetite and improve metabolism, but the effect is based on medical supervision and healthy habits. The American Obesity Society also points out that obesity is a chronic disease, and GLP-1 drugs should be combined with lifestyle adjustments to achieve long-term effects. If you blindly rely on injections and ignore diet and exercise, you will not only have a high chance of regaining weight, but may also bring gastrointestinal and metabolic risks.

Therefore, before using slimming injections, you should first evaluate your physical condition, understand the characteristics of the drug, and discuss a complete weight loss plan with your doctor to "get thinner" and be healthier at the same time.

The content of this article is for health information only and cannot replace professional diagnosis and treatment. If you need to lose weight or take medication, please be sure to consult a qualified physician or nutritionist to evaluate the most suitable treatment method based on your personal situation.