by Kimball Lundahl, D.C., Healthy Habits Medical . . .
Lipotropic Injections are a great tool for patients looking to lose weight when diet and exercise are not enough. These injections can increase energy and enhance metabolism, giving the extra boost needed to drop the pounds.
The liver is key when it comes to processing and storing fat, so if the liver is slow to process fats, it will affect the level of weight loss a patient is able to achieve. Lipotropic substances work enhancing the function of the liver by decreasing fat deposits and speeding up the metabolism.
Lipotropic injections include a combination of three amino acids, methionine, inositol and choline bitartrate, which help the liver process fats at peak efficiency. These amino acids increase the production of lecithin in the liver, which emulsifies fat into smaller molecules.
The body tends to store large fat molecules in fat cells for later use, and it prefers to use these smaller fatty acid molecules immediately as instant energy. Unlike invasive forms of weight loss treatments, such as liposuction that remove fat from the body, lipotropic injections help the body burn fat on its own.
Lipotropic injections are a unique combination of amino acids and B vitamins.
- Vitamin B12: Maximizes energy and enhances digestion as well as metabolizes carbohydrates, proteins and fats. B12 is involved in the production of new cells and is a key nutrient that helps keep the nerves and blood cells healthy. B12 can also provide an energy boost, helping to increase activity levels, which also aids in weight loss. B12 deficiency is common due to poor diet and stress.
- B-complex vitamins: Helps alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, including the maintenance of balanced muscle tone and healthy nerve function.
- Vitamin B6: Maintains the balance of sodium and potassium and boost the immune system.
- MIC (Methionine, Inositol, Choline Bitartrate): These three amino acids help metabolize fat by removing fats from the liver and preventing cholesterol from sticking to artery walls. Methionine acts as a lipotropic agent to prevent excess fat buildup in the liver. Inositol aids in the metabolism of fat and the reduction of cholesterol. Choline supports the processing and excretion of waste, as well as the transport and metabolism of fats and cholesterol.
- L-Carnitine: This is a combination of the natural amino acids lysine and methionine. L-Carnitine allows fat to be transported to the mitochondria for energy and promotes weight loss by improving metabolism. It helps the body produce energy, enhancing muscle movement, brain function, and heart function.
Patients should receive 1-3 injections per week with at least one day in between injections.
By keeping the body at the optimum levels of each of the vitamins and amino acids, patients will maximize benefits and effectiveness. Combining the injections with a healthy diet, exercise program and weekly weigh-ins is the best way to ensure success.
by Kimball Lundahl, D.C., Healthy Habits Medical
At Healthy Habits, our expertise in medical weight loss and age management will help your patients return to a vibrant, healthy lifestyle.