Behandlung von Übergewicht: Abnehmen mit Spritze oder Pille: So geht man es richtig an

For individuals who have tried numerous diets without success, the prospect of using an abstinence injection or pill might seem appealing. In Germany, since September 1st, the drug Wegovy has been available in tablet form in pharmacies. The principle behind these weight loss medications is that their active ingredients, semaglutide or tirzepatide, mimic a specific hormone found in the intestines.

They suppress appetite and help food stay in the stomach for longer periods. After consuming small portions, a person may feel a sense of reduced appetite. However, abstinence injections or pills in Germany are only available by prescription. Doctors can prescribe them for obesity (body mass index above 30) or for people aged 27 and above who have weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure.

The cost of the therapy with Wegovy or Mounjaro as injections ranges between €43 and €122 per week, depending on the preparation and dose. According to the Warentest foundation's research in early 2026, these costs are significant.

Heike Niemeier, a nutrition expert, advises people who are considering using abstinence injections or pills for weight loss. She emphasizes that taking the injection or pill alone will not lead to long-term success. To maintain weight loss, one must also change their lifestyle. The "lose weight and improve health" motto does not always apply.

It is essential to ensure that not too much muscle mass is lost during weight loss. Some people may lose a significant amount of muscle mass when using an abstinence injection, which can negatively impact their quality of life and may even require assistive devices. In general, when losing weight, some muscle mass is inevitably lost - about a quarter of the weight loss is attributed to muscle loss.

However, this loss is disadvantageous for long-term health. Muscle mass is considered "golden," as it protects joints and supports the immune system. To prevent excessive loss of muscle mass, regular strength training is crucial. The key is to provide the muscles with stimuli and work them. It's worth noting that resistance training can be effective even in cases of severe obesity, unlike endurance training, which may become challenging due to limited load capacity after just five to ten minutes of exercise.

To maintain muscle mass during weight loss, adequate protein intake is necessary. Protein is the primary building material for muscles. Additionally, paying attention to adequate rest is important. When using abstinence injections or pills to control meal portions, it's possible to eat less. However, this can lead to a problem if the body still requires essential minerals, vitamins, and microelements.

The motto should be: "What I eat should be as high-quality as possible to provide me with all the necessary nutrients." In certain cases, dietary supplements can be helpful. Niemeier notes that when following an abstinence injection or pill regimen, people may experience reduced food cravings. This newfound mental freedom can be used to establish new habits.

When making lifestyle changes, it's essential to consider various aspects, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and social environment. Lastly, Niemeier advises patients facing challenges in losing weight as quickly as anticipated: Comparing oneself only to oneself can help maintain motivation. Comparing personal progress to others can lead to frustration, as studies often show average results and not individual outcomes. The recommendation is to focus on self-improvement rather than comparing oneself to others.