Losing weight is not easy; it takes a lifelong commitment to eating healthy and getting regular exercise. While making healthy lifestyle changes, you might be tempted to try one of the various weight loss programs or products that claim to speed the ability to lose weight, such as getting B12 shots. While B12 shots may be safe when used under a doctor's care, they may not help you achieve your weight loss goals.
B12
B12 is a water soluble vitamin that plays a role in red blood cell formation, it supports the activity of the nervous system and is involved in DNA synthesis. Most adults need about 2.4 mcg of B12 each day and good sources include fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, milk products, fortified foods and some types of nutritional yeast. With careful planning even strict vegetarians can get enough B12 through the diet. If the body does not get enough vitamin B12 anemia can occur as well as symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory and soreness of the mouth or tongue. Taking more B12 then is recommended does not appear to be toxic, however B12 supplements or injections can interfere with other medications being taken, says the Office of Dietary Supplements.
B12 Deficiency
A deficiency of B12 does not appear to be linked to an increased risk of obesity, but proponents of B12 injections claim that it improves energy levels and boosts metabolism. However, B12 injections are usually only helpful for those with an actual deficiency and suffering from anemia; a condition that interferes with the body's ability to absorb B12; or taking a medication that limits how much B12 the body absorbs notes MedlinePlus. In all other cases, eating a well balanced diet is the preferred method of meeting vitamin B12 needs. While rare B12 injections can cause diarrhea, swelling, muscle pain, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, trouble breathing and many other symptoms. If side effects occur, a health care provider can make recommendations on lowering the injection dose or changing your diet.
Weight Loss
Unless you have a deficiency of B12, taking B12 injections is not likely to help you feel more energetic, boost your metabolism or speed weight loss efforts, reports MayoClinic.com. While B12 injections may be safe for some, for most they are ineffective. Before taking B12 injections have your physician run tests to see what your B12 level is and if you truly need to supplement.
Exercise and Diet
The bottom line in losing weight is that there are no magic foods, pills, vitamins or herbs that magically speed up metabolism and make you loose weight fast. Losing weight means taking in less calories then you burn off by limiting calorie intake while exercising to burn calories off. While B12 injections may not boost your metabolism; eating a healthy well balanced diet, getting regular moderate to intense aerobic activity and strength training to improve muscle mass are all sure fire ways, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.
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