Weight Loss Injections

Weight loss injections are injectable medications based on GLP-1 receptor agonists (and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists) that a doctor prescribes to reduce weight in obesity and overweight. The best known are Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Ozempic and Biopatid (semaglutide), and Retatrutide. The medication is injected under the skin once a week using a pre-filled pen. The active substance mimics the natural satiety hormone: it slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite and food cravings, so a person naturally eats less. In the SURMOUNT and STEP clinical trials, patients lost between 15% and 22.5% of body weight over 68–72 weeks. Semaglutide is approved by the FDA and EMA for treating obesity, and tirzepatide for weight management and type 2 diabetes. Weight loss injections are not a «magic shot»: they work together with dietary change and under the supervision of a specialist who selects the dose and tracks progress.

The cost of weight loss injections in Ukraine depends on the medication, dose, and length of the course. Roughly, a monthly course of Ozempic or Biopatid (semaglutide) costs from about 4,000–6,000 ₴, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) from 8,000 ₴ per month within the DOZA program, and a test dose for first acquaintance with the medication from 1,000 ₴. Retatrutide, a next-generation medication, is usually in a higher price range. The price consists of the medication itself, specialist supervision, and cold-chain delivery, because GLP-1 must be stored at 2–8 °C. At the start the dose is minimal (for example, 2.5 mg of tirzepatide), so the first months cost less than maintenance doses. The exact cost of a specific program is calculated individually after a free consultation — it depends on your weight goals, the chosen medication, and the dose-titration schedule. All prices are approximate and confirmed by a DOZA specialist.

Weight loss injections are given subcutaneously — into the fatty tissue of the abdomen (about 5 cm from the navel), the front of the thigh, or the outer upper arm. This is not an intramuscular or intravenous injection, so the procedure is almost painless and the needle is very thin and short. The medication is injected once a week, preferably on the same day; the time of day and meals do not matter. Modern medications (Mounjaro KwikPen, Ozempic FlexTouch) are pre-filled pens with a preset dose, so you do not need to draw up the medicine manually: just place the pen against the skin and press the button. The injection site is rotated weekly to avoid lumps. The pen should be stored in the refrigerator at 2–8 °C. A DOZA specialist helps with the first shot and explains the technique during the consultation; afterwards most clients inject themselves at home. The dose is increased gradually following a titration schedule to reduce side effects.