Popular diets include B12 shots and vitamin cocktails of B vitamins and amino acids. Do they really help shed pounds?

Vitamin Shots Claim to Augment Weight Loss

The theory is Vitamin B shots speed up the metabolism while fighting stress and depression. Popular diets include, sometimes in a single combined injection the following:

• shots for energy (B12)
• shots for craving or fat removal (MIC)
• shots for mood (B6)
• shots for fat burning (chromium)

Programs are priced weekly from $45 to $65 after an initial fee around $200 to $300 for EKG and lab work and evaluation. Competitive pricing is seen in areas with many weight loss clinics. The frequency of injections, whether daily or weekly or monthly, is usually more one of convenience than of necessity. It is often a part of the visit when medication is dispensed.

B12 by Injection, Tablet, Sublingual Pill, Drink

Injection seems to be the most effective way (aside from diet) to provide B12 but there are oral and sublingual forms too as well as health drinks with added vitamins. The vitamin gives an energy boost to those who lack it, for example, those with chronic fatigue syndrome. According to the nutrition department at the Mayo Clinic, there is no research proving B12 aids weight loss. Why then is it so popular in diet programs?

Vitamin B12, cobalamine, is necessary for the health of the nervous system and the red blood cells. It is naturally absorbed from food (e.g.fish and fortified cereal) within the digestive tract. Those with impaired absorption whether through aging, stomach stapling or lap band surgery, diets (vegetarians), or genetics, are required to take some supplemental form of the vitamin.

Typical Diet Pills

• Phendimetrazine (Bontril, Preludin)
• Phentermine (Fastin, Adipex,Ionamin)
• Xenical (a lower dose equivalent is now found OTC)
• Ephedra (banned OTC but may be prescribed if followed by a physician)
• Phen Phen (withdrawn due to pulmonary hypertension risks)

The pills are designed to be used short term. Tolerance increases with duration of use; the pills become ineffective and the weight rebounds if the pills are the sole support of the weight loss program.

Appetite Suppressant Pills

Many injection diet programs are actually based on supplemental diet pills. This becomes the basis of the program. The prescription drug, an anorectic, is dispensed during the visit along with the shots. Although the shot seemingly is the basis of the diet, the pills depress the appetite thus resulting in decreased food intake.. Eating less by following a strict caloric program is the foundation of the weight loss with or without the shots.

Long Term Weight Loss Program

When going the route of a vitamin injection weight loss program based on diet pills, select a program with a good nutritional background including a balanced diet and calorie intake. Exercise must be a part of any sustained weight loss plan.

Although the vitamin shots do not appear to cause any physical distress the pills must be curtailed within a few weeks to a few months. Losing 10 pounds a week isn't realistic despite the claims of advertising.

Motivated dieters following a healthy program who also receive a vitamin injection may have an augmented or even placebo effect that enhances their weight loss but in reality, are losing weight on their own.