
Weight loss treatments in Islamabad now centre on once-weekly prescription injections such as Mounjaro, Tirzee and Zeptide (tirzepatide) and Ozempic-type semaglutide. These GLP-1 based medicines reduce appetite and slow digestion, helping adults with obesity lose about 15–20% of body weight over 12–18 months alongside diet and activity. They are injected under the skin once a week, require a doctor’s prescription and monthly follow-up, and start from about PKR 3,999 per month.
At Dermalase, A-103 Main Sumbal Road, F-10/1 Islamabad, every weight loss injection plan is assessed, prescribed and monitored by Dr. Shumaila Khan’s clinical team. Patients receive a medical screening, a personalised dose plan, hands-on injection training and monthly reviews, so treatment is safe, effective and sustainable.
Table of Contents
- Weight Loss Injections: Quick Facts
- What Are Weight Loss Injections?
- Are Weight Loss Injections a Medical Treatment?
- How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?
- Weight Loss Injections Available in Islamabad
- Mounjaro vs Tirzee vs Ozempic
- Who Is Eligible for Weight Loss Injections?
- Who Should Not Use Weight Loss Injections?
- How Weight Loss Injections Are Given
- Step-by-Step: Using a Pre-Filled Pen (e.g. Mounjaro, Tirzee, Ozempic)
- Your Treatment Journey at Dr. Shumaila Khan’s Clinic Dermalase
- How Is the Dose Increased?
- Weight Loss Results Timeline
- Side Effects of Weight Loss Injections
- Protecting Muscle While Losing Weight
- What Happens When You Stop?
- “Ozempic Face” and Loose Skin After Weight Loss
- Weight Loss Injections vs Other “Slimming” Injections
- Weight Loss Injection Price in Islamabad
- Book Your Weight Loss Assessment in Islamabad
- Frequently Asked Questions
- About the Medical Reviewer
Weight Loss Injections: Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
| Treatment type | Prescription injectable medicine |
| Medicines in Pakistan | Mounjaro, Tirzee, Zeptide (tirzepatide); Ozempic and local semaglutide brands |
| Mechanism | Mimic gut hormones GLP-1 (plus GIP for tirzepatide) to reduce appetite |
| How it is given | Subcutaneous injection (under the skin), once weekly |
| Injection sites | Abdomen, front of thigh, back of upper arm |
| Device | Pre-filled pen or pre-filled syringe |
| Injection time | Under 1 minute |
| Pain | Minimal; very fine, short needle |
| Dose plan | Starts low, increased every 4 weeks |
| Average weight loss | About 15% (semaglutide) to 20% (tirzepatide) in clinical trials |
| First visible loss | 4–8 weeks |
| Follow-up | Every 4 weeks |
| Starting cost | From about PKR 3,999 |
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss injections are prescription medicines that copy natural gut hormones controlling hunger, fullness and blood sugar. They belong to a class called incretin-based therapies and were first developed for type 2 diabetes. Because they produced significant weight loss, several are now approved internationally for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with a related health condition.
Are Weight Loss Injections a Medical Treatment?
Yes. Weight loss injections are prescription-only medicines, not slimming supplements or cosmetic jabs. They change appetite, digestion and blood sugar regulation, so they must be prescribed after a medical assessment and monitored by a doctor throughout treatment.
How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?
After a meal, the gut releases GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). Weight loss injections activate the receptors for these hormones to:
- Reduce appetite: signal fullness to the hypothalamus, the brain’s appetite centre.
- Slow gastric emptying: food stays in the stomach longer, so fullness lasts.
- Reduce cravings: lower persistent thoughts about food, often called “food noise”.
- Improve glucose control: increase insulin release when blood sugar is high and lower excess glucagon.
The outcome is a sustained reduction in calorie intake, which leads to gradual fat loss.
Weight Loss Injections Available in Islamabad
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) — Eli Lilly
Mounjaro is the original tirzepatide brand, developed by Eli Lilly and imported into Pakistan. Tirzepatide is the first dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial (New England Journal of Medicine, 2022), adults on the 15 mg dose lost about 20% of body weight on average over 72 weeks.
Tirzee (Tirzepatide) — Getz Pharma
Tirzee is tirzepatide manufactured in Pakistan by Getz Pharma. It contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro in a once-weekly pre-filled pen, at a lower cost due to local manufacturing. See Tirzee injection in Islamabad.
Zeptide (Tirzepatide) — BF Biosciences
Zeptide is tirzepatide in a pre-filled syringe, launched by BF Biosciences, a subsidiary of Ferozsons Laboratories, and produced at its facility in Pakistan.
Ozempic and Local Semaglutide Brands
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk, sold as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management. Ozempic has been available in Pakistan since 2021, and several local companies now market semaglutide. In the STEP-1 trial (NEJM, 2021), semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly produced about 15% average weight loss over 68 weeks. See Ozempic injection in Islamabad.
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Liraglutide is an older, once-daily GLP-1 injection with smaller average weight loss (about 8% in trials). Weekly tirzepatide and semaglutide have largely replaced it.
Mounjaro vs Tirzee vs Ozempic
| Feature | Mounjaro | Tirzee / Zeptide | Ozempic / semaglutide |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Hormones targeted | GIP + GLP-1 | GIP + GLP-1 | GLP-1 |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly (imported) | Getz Pharma / BF Biosciences (local) | Novo Nordisk + local brands |
| Device | Pen | Pre-filled pen / syringe | Pen |
| Dosing | Once weekly | Once weekly | Once weekly |
| Average trial weight loss | About 20% | Same molecule as Mounjaro | About 15% |
| Relative cost | Highest | Lower | Lowest to moderate |
In the head-to-head SURMOUNT-5 trial (NEJM, 2025), tirzepatide produced greater weight loss than semaglutide (about 20% vs 14% over 72 weeks). The right medicine still depends on your health, tolerance and budget.
Who Is Eligible for Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss injections are generally prescribed for adults with:
- BMI of 30 or above, or
- BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver, sleep apnoea or PCOS
BMI Thresholds for Pakistani Patients
People of South Asian origin develop diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels. NICE (UK) guidance recommends lower BMI thresholds, about 2.5 points lower, for South Asian populations. At Dermalase, eligibility is based on BMI, waist circumference, blood tests and family history together.
Who Should Not Use Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss injections are not prescribed, or require specialist review, for people who:
- Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
- Have a history of pancreatitis
- Are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Have type 1 diabetes
- Have severe gastroparesis or serious inflammatory bowel disease
- Have a history of an eating disorder
- Are under 18
How Weight Loss Injections Are Given
Weight loss injections are subcutaneous injections, meaning they go into the fatty layer just under the skin, not into a muscle or vein. The needle is very short and fine, so most patients describe it as a small pinch. Your first injection is given in clinic by our team, and you are trained to inject at home with confidence.
Where to Inject
| Site | Exact location |
| Abdomen | Anywhere on the stomach, keeping at least 5 cm (2 inches) away from the navel |
| Front of thigh | Middle to upper front of either thigh |
| Back of upper arm | Outer back area of the upper arm (easier if someone else injects) |
Rotate your injection site every week. You can use the same area, such as the abdomen, but choose a different spot each time to prevent lumps, bruising or skin thickening (lipohypertrophy). Avoid skin that is bruised, scarred, tender, red or has stretch marks.
When to Inject
- Inject once a week on the same day, at any time of day
- It can be taken with or without food
- Set a weekly phone reminder so you do not miss a dose
Step-by-Step: Using a Pre-Filled Pen (e.g. Mounjaro, Tirzee, Ozempic)
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Check the pen: correct medicine name, correct dose, expiry date, and that the liquid is clear and colourless with no particles. Do not use it if it is cloudy, frozen or damaged.
- Attach a new needle if your pen uses separate needles, and remove both needle caps.
- Do a flow check (priming) if your pen requires it, as shown in your training, to make sure the medicine flows.
- Select the prescribed dose if your pen has a dose dial. Never change the dose yourself.
- Clean the skin with an alcohol swab and let it dry completely.
- Insert the needle straight into the skin at 90 degrees, or place the pen flat against the skin if it is an auto-injector.
- Press and hold the button fully, and keep the needle in the skin for the time stated for your pen (usually 6–10 seconds) so the full dose is delivered.
- Remove the pen and apply light pressure with cotton. Do not rub the area.
- Dispose of the needle safely and replace the pen cap.
Step-by-Step: Using a Pre-Filled Syringe (e.g. Zeptide)
- Wash your hands and check the medicine name, dose, expiry and clarity.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
- Remove the needle cap without touching the needle.
- Gently pinch a fold of skin at the injection site.
- Insert the needle at 45–90 degrees in one quick motion.
- Push the plunger slowly until the syringe is empty.
- Remove the needle, release the skin fold and press lightly with cotton.
- Place the used syringe directly into a sharps container.
If You Miss a Dose
| Medicine | What to do |
| Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Tirzee, Zeptide) | Take it as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours). If more than 4 days have passed, skip it and take the next dose on your usual day. |
| Semaglutide (Ozempic and others) | Take it as soon as possible within 5 days. If more than 5 days have passed, skip it and continue on your usual day. |
Never take two doses to make up for a missed one. If you miss two or more weeks, contact the clinic before restarting, as your dose may need to be lowered.
How to Store Weight Loss Injections
- Keep unused pens in the refrigerator at 2–8°C, in the original box to protect from light.
- Never freeze the pen; do not use it if it has been frozen.
- Some pens can be kept unrefrigerated for a limited time below 30°C; check your pen’s leaflet. Because Islamabad summers often exceed 30°C, keep pens in the fridge whenever possible.
- When travelling, carry pens in an insulated cool bag with a cool pack, not directly on ice, and never leave them in a parked car.
Safe Disposal of Needles
- Place used needles and syringes in a sharps container or a hard, puncture-proof plastic bottle with a tight lid.
- Never throw loose needles in household waste.
- Bring full containers to the clinic for safe disposal.
- Never share pens or needles, even with a new needle, because of infection risk.
Your Treatment Journey at Dr. Shumaila Khan’s Clinic Dermalase
Step 1: Medical Assessment
Weight, height, BMI, waist circumference and blood pressure are measured. Medical history, current medicines, previous weight loss attempts, family history and goals are reviewed.
Step 2: Blood Tests
Baseline tests may include HbA1c, fasting glucose, lipid profile, thyroid function, liver and kidney function. These confirm eligibility and identify conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism that influence weight.
Step 3: Medicine Selection
Tirzepatide or semaglutide is recommended based on your BMI, health conditions, target weight and budget, with a written dose plan.
Step 4: First Injection and Training
Your first dose is given in clinic. You practise the injection technique, learn storage and disposal, and receive written instructions.
Step 5: Monthly Reviews
Every 4 weeks, weight, waist, blood pressure and side effects are reviewed, and the dose is increased only if you tolerate it well.
Step 6: Maintenance
Once you reach your target, your dose and lifestyle plan are adjusted to maintain results. Patients with complex diabetes or hormonal conditions are coordinated with an endocrinologist when needed.
How Is the Dose Increased?
| Medicine | Standard escalation (set by your doctor) |
| Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Tirzee, Zeptide) | Starts at 2.5 mg weekly for 4 weeks; increased in 2.5 mg steps at least every 4 weeks as needed, to a maximum of 15 mg |
| Semaglutide (weight management) | Starts at 0.25 mg weekly; increased every 4 weeks through 0.5, 1 and 1.7 mg to 2.4 mg |
The starting dose is designed to help your body adjust, not to cause weight loss on its own. Many patients reach their goal without the highest dose.
Weight Loss Results Timeline
| Time | What to expect |
| Weeks 1–4 | Reduced appetite and smaller portions; 1–3 kg loss common |
| Months 2–3 | Steady loss as the dose increases |
| Months 4–6 | About 8–12% body weight loss for many patients |
| Months 12–18 | About 15–20% average loss with continued treatment |
| Maintenance | Dose adjusted to hold results |
Results vary with dose, diet, physical activity, sleep, hormones and genetics.
Side Effects of Weight Loss Injections
Common, usually in the first weeks or after a dose increase:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Bloating, burping, indigestion
- Mild fatigue
- Redness or itching at the injection site
Uncommon but important:
- Gallstones, especially with rapid weight loss
- Pancreatitis
- Dehydration and kidney strain from vomiting or diarrhoea
- Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas
- Temporary hair shedding during rapid weight loss
Seek urgent medical care for severe or persistent abdominal pain spreading to the back, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or signs of allergic reaction such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing.
How to Reduce Side Effects
- Eat small, slow meals and stop when full
- Limit fried, oily and very spicy food in the first weeks
- Drink 2–3 litres of water daily
- Avoid lying down straight after eating
- Increase the dose only as advised by doctor
Important Safety Notes
- Oral contraceptives: tirzepatide can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a barrier method for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose increase.
- Surgery and anaesthesia: inform your surgeon and anaesthetist, as these medicines slow stomach emptying.
- Ramadan: fasting increases the risk of dehydration and low blood sugar. Your dose and timing should be reviewed before Ramadan.
Protecting Muscle While Losing Weight
A significant share of weight lost on these injections can come from lean muscle if nutrition and exercise are ignored. To protect muscle:
- Include protein at every meal (eggs, chicken, fish, daal, yoghurt)
- Do resistance or strength training 2–3 times a week
- Walk daily
- Track waist and body measurements, not only scale weight
What Happens When You Stop?
Obesity is a long-term condition. In the SURMOUNT-4 trial (JAMA, 2024), people who switched from tirzepatide to placebo regained a substantial part of the weight they had lost within a year. Every Dermalase plan therefore includes a gradual dose reduction, lifestyle support and a maintenance strategy rather than stopping suddenly.
“Ozempic Face” and Loose Skin After Weight Loss
Rapid weight loss reduces facial fat, which can make the face look hollow, tired or older, a change commonly called “Ozempic face”. Loose skin can also develop on the jawline, neck, arms and abdomen. As an aesthetic clinic, Dermalase supports patients during and after weight loss with:
- Profhilo and skin boosters: restore hydration and firmness to thinning skin
- Dermal fillers: replace lost cheek and temple volume
- HIFU: tighten loose skin on the face and neck
- Body contouring: address remaining fat pockets and skin laxity
Weight Loss Injections vs Other “Slimming” Injections
| Injection | What it actually does |
| Tirzepatide / semaglutide | Reduce appetite and total body weight; backed by large clinical trials |
| Fat-dissolving injections (lipolysis) | Reduce small fat pockets such as a double chin; do not reduce body weight |
| B12, lipotropic or “fat-burner” shots | No reliable evidence of weight loss in people without deficiency |
| Glutathione injections | Antioxidant; not a weight loss treatment |
For a small stubborn area, see double chin treatment.
Weight Loss Injection Price in Islamabad
Weight loss injections in Islamabad start from about PKR 3,999 per month for local semaglutide. Your exact cost depends on the medicine and dose, and is confirmed after your free assessment.
Why Choose Dermalase for Weight Loss Injections in Islamabad?
- Doctor-led care: every plan is assessed and supervised by Dr. Shumaila Khan’s clinical team
- Full screening: BMI, waist, blood tests and contraindications checked before the first dose
- All major options: tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Tirzee, Zeptide) and semaglutide
- Injection training: first dose in clinic with hands-on home-injection training
- Genuine medicine: sealed, cold-chain stored pens only
- Monthly reviews: safe dose increases and early side-effect management
- Muscle and maintenance focus: plans designed to keep weight off
- Aesthetic aftercare: treatment for “Ozempic face” and loose skin under one roof
- Trusted clinic: 600+ verified Google reviews, in practice since 2011
- Location: F-10/1 Islamabad, easy access from Rawalpindi, DHA, Bahria Town and G-sectors
Book Your Weight Loss Assessment in Islamabad
Start your weight loss journey with a proper medical plan, not guesswork or online pens. Book your free weight loss assessment at Dermalase. Your eligibility will be checked, the right injection chosen for your health and budget, your first dose given with full injection training, and you will receive a clear month-by-month plan with costs explained upfront.
📍 Dermalase by Dr. Shumaila Khan
A-103, Main Sumbal Road, F-10/1, Islamabad
🕐 Monday – Saturday
💬 WhatsApp: (+92) 303 555 8444
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tirzee the same as Mounjaro?
Both contain tirzepatide. Mounjaro is made by Eli Lilly and imported; Tirzee is made locally by Getz Pharma at a lower cost.
Where should I inject Mounjaro or Ozempic?
Under the skin of the abdomen (at least 5 cm from the navel), the front of the thigh, or the back of the upper arm, rotating the spot each week.
Does the injection hurt?
Most people feel only a small pinch, because the needle is very short and fine.
Can I inject at any time of day?
Yes. Inject once a week on the same day, at any time, with or without food.
What if I miss my weekly injection?
For tirzepatide, take it within 4 days; for semaglutide, within 5 days. Otherwise skip it and continue on your usual day.
How should I store the pen in summer?
Keep it in the fridge at 2–8°C, never frozen, and carry it in a cool bag when travelling.
How much weight can I lose with Mounjaro?
In clinical trials, adults lost about 20% of body weight on average at the highest dose over 72 weeks. Individual results vary.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes. These are prescription medicines and should be used only after a medical assessment.
Will I regain weight after stopping?
Many people regain weight after stopping suddenly. A gradual taper and maintenance plan reduce this risk.
Can women with PCOS use weight loss injections?
Yes. Weight loss often improves PCOS symptoms, but contraception must be discussed, as tirzepatide can reduce pill effectiveness.
Can I fast in Ramadan on these injections?
Discuss it with your doctor before Ramadan, as dose or timing may need adjusting.
What is “Ozempic face”?
Facial hollowing and sagging from rapid fat loss. It can be treated with skin boosters, fillers and HIFU.
About the Medical Reviewer
Dr. Shumaila Khan is an aesthetic physician and the founder of Dermalase, Islamabad. She holds a Diploma in Dermatology from Cardiff, Wales (UK) and board certification from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM). Since 2011, she and her clinical team have treated patients across skin, laser, aesthetic and medical weight management, with 600+ verified Google reviews. Read full profile.
References
- Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-1). New England Journal of Medicine, 2022.
- Wilding JPH, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP-1). New England Journal of Medicine, 2021.
- Aronne LJ, et al. Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-5). New England Journal of Medicine, 2025.
- Aronne LJ, et al. Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction (SURMOUNT-4). JAMA, 2024.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Obesity: identification, assessment and management, BMI thresholds for South Asian populations.
- World Health Organization. Medical product alert on falsified semaglutide products.
- Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Prescribing information and patient instructions for use for tirzepatide and semaglutide pens.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for general information and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Weight loss injections are prescription medicines. Always follow the instructions of your doctor and the leaflet supplied with your medicine.