Weight-loss injection cuts cleaner’s weight by 40 kilos

Building cleaner Manfred Plinninger has lost almost 40 kilograms with a weekly weight-loss injection, but says he has also lost much of his enjoyment of food, BR reported.

The self-employed cleaner from Bad Endorf weighed 110 kilograms more than six months ago. He now feels fitter and says he has more energy for his physically demanding work.

Almost 40 kilos lost but less enjoyment of food

Plinninger injects himself every Saturday morning. After initially experiencing stomach pain, the 43-year-old says the side effects have eased. His appetite, however, has also declined.

He said he used to enjoy eating large meals at Italian restaurants, including two pizzas or a rich carbonara. Now, he says, he is full after two forkfuls.

Pill could help people who avoid needles

Doctors at the Technical University of Munich are familiar with side effects such as loss of appetite and stomach pain. Anja Rossmeissl, a nutritional medicine specialist who supports people during weight loss, will also work with the new weight-loss pill in future.

She said the pill could be suitable for people who are reluctant to use needles. Its mechanism signals to the brain that the person is full and tells the stomach to empty more slowly. Patients often report that they visit the refrigerator less frequently and think less about food, she said.

According to Rossmeissl, the prescription-only pill is intended for people with a body mass index above 30. BMI measures the relationship between body weight and height, and a value above 30 is considered obesity.

Daily pill requires more discipline

The pill is available only on prescription and is not free. Rossmeissl said it costs between 170 and 300 euros per month, roughly the same as the injection.

However, the pill requires more discipline. Unlike the injection, which is administered once a week, it must be taken daily, consistently at the same time and on an empty stomach, Rossmeissl said.

Long-term weight loss is possible only in combination with more exercise and a healthy diet, she added. Otherwise, people risk regaining the weight they have lost.

Plinninger wants to avoid that outcome. He plans to gradually reduce the injections while keeping a close eye on his weight. He said a large, rich carbonara at an Italian restaurant could then become a special reward.