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The slimming pen is drawing market attention again, and many aesthetic clinics have recently launched promotions. This “lose weight with a shot” slimming pen has been tried firsthand by several influencers, who report that they felt a big difference! Influencer Tsai A-Ga even made a video about losing 6 kg in under a month, and a dramatic result in such a short time has made many fans curious about what the slimming pen really is. The active ingredient in the slimming pen is incretin, a hormone secreted by the human gut. It was long used to treat diabetes, and research found it is also effective at suppressing appetite, so it is now used in the aesthetic industry to help people who want to lose weight.
Slimming pen overview: how it works and what is in it
The slimming pen's formal name is Saxenda, and it was originally a diabetes medication. Its main ingredient is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and experiments found that it also has the advantages of suppressing appetite, increasing satiety, and reducing overall food intake, so in Taiwan it is approved as a medication for weight loss (a doctor's prescription is required).
The slimming pen's main ingredient is incretin, a hormone that the body secretes automatically when blood sugar rises to stimulate insulin secretion. So why can it be used for weight loss?
Incretin helps suppress appetite and slows the rate of gastric emptying, which results in a longer feeling of fullness and, of course, less frequent eating. The principle is the same as that used for diabetes patients, who need to control their blood sugar. Because its effect is clearly visible, it is popular and widely used in medical centers.
Read more:
Losing weight with a “slimming pen”? Beware of side effects, and who must never use it!
How the slimming pen is used
The slimming pen is a subcutaneous injection. It is injected into the subcutaneous fat and must be injected once a day, and the dose is increased gradually according to each person's plan. Injection sites are mainly large areas such as the abdomen, upper buttocks, and outer thighs.
Recommended use and precautions from the Saxenda package insert:
Week 1: 0.6 mg
Week 2: 1.2 mg
Week 3: 1.8 mg
If you forget an injection and more than 12 hours have passed, simply wait until the same time the next day and inject then (normal dose). If it has not been more than 12 hours, you can inject immediately to make it up!
Tsai A-Ga tried the slimming pen: is it really that effective?!
Tsai A-Ga once shared on YouTube how Tsai successfully lost 10 kg, openly revealing that the slimming pen was used for six months, and that during the treatment “eating habits,” “appetite,” and “food intake” all changed.
Eating habits: eat vegetables first, cut back on starches, and drink more soup to feel fuller
Appetite: food intake cut in half, meals became lighter, and fewer beverages
Food intake: smaller portions, eating until only 70-80% full
Regular exercise was also kept up, helping the body maintain good energy and spirits.
Most importantly, there is no need to over-restrict yourself or eat unhappily during treatment. You can still eat anything in your diet, but the portions must be reduced! Only by eating happily can you lose weight in a healthy way!
Can you buy the slimming pen yourself?
No! Incretin is a “prescription drug” that must be used according to the package insert and a doctor's instructions, and as mentioned above, this injection is not suitable for everyone. Buying it on your own may be risky (and is also illegal!!). Be sure to seek evaluation and administration from a professional doctor or clinic.
Side effects after injection vary from person to person. People with small appetites, a low BMI, drug sensitivity, or poor digestion are more likely to experience side effects, and as the dose is gradually increased during treatment, you may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue, and other symptoms. Ways to relieve side effects: lower the injection dose or reduce food intake.
In addition, some patients ask whether they will regain weight after stopping the slimming pen.
Weight and fat loss rely on “building good habits” and “pairing them with a good routine, diet, and exercise.” The treatment is only supplementary, so do not rely on it too much. Of course, for patients who plan to use the slimming pen, we also recommend injecting for at least 3-6 months, so the body can get used to and adapt to the new routine and eating pattern, and to avoid a rapid return of appetite after stopping the medication!
Can the slimming pen be combined with intragastric Botox?
Yes! According to doctors, obesity is never caused by a single factor. People become obese for a variety of reasons, so treatment can also combine different procedures to suppress appetite and reduce food intake.
P.S. Any combination of treatments must be evaluated and recommended by a doctor!!
After successful weight loss, how can you firm up the skin?
Slow down the pace of weight loss
When weight is lost too quickly, collagen and elastic fibers don't have time to regenerate, which leads to skin laxity. So when you hit a so-called “weight-loss plateau,” there is no need to be too discouraged. Just supplement calories in moderation so collagen and elastic fibers can regenerate, and you can avoid sagging!
Laser lipolysis
During treatment, it further reduces fat, and the laser energy stimulates the skin, which can also improve laxity. If the stimulation reaches the muscle beneath the skin, it can even cause the muscle to contract, achieving the effects of firmer skin, less fat, and firmer muscle, a triple win!
Renuvion
Through a tiny incision, nitrogen gas is delivered to the treatment area, heating instantly to 85°C in just 0.2 seconds, which makes the elastic fibers in the skin contract and tightens the epidermis and tissue. The results can last 1-2 years, and it is mostly done together with liposuction, so its tightening effect is clearly visible!
Read more:
Tips for maintaining your figure! What to eat after liposuction?
This article is for general information only. Results vary from person to person; please consult a doctor in person before deciding on any treatment.
