I’m a physician treating overweight patients and have seen a number of different weight loss programs using Vit B12 as a part of their regimen.  I’m not sure if the programs are trying to supplement potential deficiencies in their particular diet or if they believe (or would like their participants to believe) that it aids in weight loss.  Your input is greatly appreciated.

I have never seen any research nor heard any weight loss doctors say that vitamin B12 has any effect on weight loss.

I also have alot of patients asking me about getting a b-12 injection to help them with weight loss.  Is it just me and my particular population of patients or have others experienced the same?

I will send an email to a group of weight loss doctors who I correspond with and ask if they have patients asking for B12 injections as well.

I have not heard any of them ever mention it in the last 13 years.

I imagine that some web site or newsletter has suggested the idea, and people desperate to lose weight are willing to try anything.

Regarding whether or not B12 injections help with weight loss…

Dr. Kent Sharian emailed and said:

“If you get a patient to come to the office three times a week to be weighted, checked and have to be accountable for his weight, chance are that he or she will make an extra effort to show a weight loss.

“That has nothing to do with the injections that act primarily as a placebo to get the patient into the office.

“The injection in the mind of the patient is the magic and that’s exactly what it is: a make belief.

“An added benefit of the injections is to provide energy for the dieting patients.”

Regarding whether or not B12 injections help with weight loss…

Dr. Garry Kim of California emailed and said:

“I?ve had several people ask me about getting B12 injections. In fact, the Lindora program in our neighborhood includes B12 injections in their regimen.”

Regarding whether or not B12 injections help with weight loss?

Dr. Gary Page of Arizona emailed and said:

“Lots of people advertise B6 / B12 [injections] here in [Arizona].”

Regarding whether or not B12 injections help with weight loss?

Dr. Monte Meldman of Illinois emailed and said:

“One patient asks [for B12 injections]. She says the shots make her peppy.”

Regarding whether or not B12 injections help with weight loss?

Dr. Alan Terlinsky of Virginia emailed and said:

“We get calls all the time. It’s outdated, and it has been discredited many times. In fact the [American Society of Bariatric Physicians] usually asks a board question on B12 and the answer is ‘No’, no help with weight loss, no evidence it works.”

Regarding whether or not B12 injections help with weight loss?

Dr. Robert Skversky of Newport Beach, California emailed me and said:

“Larry, When patients ask about B12/B6 injections or tell me that they received them at another center I tell them that I could make a lot of money giving injections and if they worked for weight loss why wouldn’t I use them.

“Several patients have told me that [the weight loss clinic] Lindora actually has a sign in their offices informing patients which days which injections are given and whether R or L buttock.

“I’m not denying placebo effect and often mention that if I was receiving injections several times/week and paying for them I might believe I have more energy; but for weight loss they serve to slim your wallet, not your waist.”

wow, great responses. Thanks Larry.  Overwhelmingly it appears that B12 injections are purely income generators and have nothing to do with weight loss.

You’re welcome.

I agree. It’s a way of getting patients in the office, which is not a bad thing because it keeps them accountable, but it has nothing to do with weight loss.

I just wanted to add that anyone can give themselves their own B12 shots. I have a B12 deficiency and I was going to the doctor’s office for shots and finally asked if there was any reason I couldn’t give myself the injection. No problems, the B12 is very inexpensive and it takes about 30 seconds.

Juliana,

No, vitamin B12 does not cause weight loss.

Yes, you can give yourself B12 injections.

Larry Hobbs - 03 November 2007 01:19 PM

Juliana,

No, vitamin B12 does not cause weight loss.

Yes, you can give yourself B12 injections.

Larry,

I didn’t think or say B12 would cause weight loss and I posted that you can, and I do give myself injections. I’m not sure if you responded to the wrong post?

I found some interesting information about B12 over at wikipedia. The reason people think that B12 is helping them lose weight is because it can increase energy in people, which in turn would allow them to move about more causing weight loss. Therefore vitamin B12 would indirectly work at reducing someone’s weight as they would have more energy and could exercise more. The vitamin alone would not cause someone to lose weight but the extra energy would aide in weight loss. Also potassium supplements can reduce (in some people) how much B12 the body can absorb. Nicotine can also reduce the serum vitamin B12 levels.