Obesity and B12 levels?

[Silverfox2]

I'm very overweight, 'morbidly obese' really. I lost a few stones (not enough sadly) and put most of it back on during lockdown. I was wondering has anyone got any idea If weight effects how much injectable B12 somebody needs? Would a higher BMI need more then someone who's normal to underweight?

[Nackapan]

I think you just have to make sure the needle length is correct .

There are diagrams on Google.

I don't think any different dose is needed.

If there is ive never heard of it .

I often think drugs or treatments shoujd be tiered by bodyweight. As it is with babies abd children so I get your point

[Silverfox2 in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks, I just wondering with a higher BMI would somebody need more B12 injections then somebody who's thin? Would the effects wear off quicker, or doesn't it make any difference?

[JanD236 in reply to Silverfox2]

I’m guessing we don’t have an answer to your question any more than we have the answer to why some people need more or less injections than others.

Perhaps the best guide is an injection frequency that relieves your symptoms. For me, that’s twice a week. For what it’s worth my BMI is 20.

[Silverfox2 in reply to JanD236]

Sadly my GP is refusing to allow me anymore injections. So I've got to sort out doing my own which I'm dreading. My BMI is well over 40 sadly.

[Nackapan in reply to Silverfox2]

I do sc inbetween IM ones at the surgery.You.

may find thoses less daunting ?

As injecting into the fat layer no problems with a longer needle needed to reach your muscle

[Silverfox2 in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks for you reply. I wanted to do IM ones, but as my legs are so bloated with water (don't ask) I'm worried I'm going to injure myself?

[Nackapan in reply to Silverfox2]

Sc ones csn be done in other areas of your body. have both and sc are just as effective

I only have IM ones st the surgery on the hope they last longer and for the contact.

Thevr not lasted any longer yet.

[JanD236 in reply to Silverfox2]

Silverfox I hope you are able to overcome your dread and take matters into your own hands. So many of us are in the same position as a result of inadequate treatment from our GP.

Although I si twice a week I can’t say I like doing it. However, it’s two or 3 minutes of unpleasantness (with only a little and sometimes no pain) twice a week in exchange for health, well-being and the energy to enjoy the symptom free life I want to lead.

Please give yourself the best chance you can of the life you deserve.

[Silverfox2 in reply to JanD236]

The funny thing is I don't mind having injections done to me, but as I found out after my hysterectomy I just muck it up when I have to do it to myself. lol I just wish more GP's could move away from the 'doctrine' in regards to PA treatment and listen to those who actually have it.

[Ghound]

Hi Silverfox, Unfortunately I really don't know. Further to Nackapans comment though, I have read that the medical profession is beginning to query the policy of everyone, ie. males, females , people with vastly different build, BMI etc, being prescribed the same dose of medication.

Personally, I too am the heaviest I've ever been from ' comfort eating ' through the pandemic. I have self injected weekly for a few years now, but I can't say I've felt the need to increase this.

The thing about PA is everyone is different, but please don't beat yourself up about your weight !

We 're all intelligent people, we know what we SHOULD be doing as regards nutrition, but sometimes life and health struggles get in the way !

Just try to keep as well as you can, and if you need to self inject, you'll find its not as bad as you fear.

Best wishes to you x

[Silverfox2]

Thanks for the reply. Sadly I'm miles heavier then you! lol at a BMI of over 40! I'm about to start self injections as I feel I need them. My levels were very low before I had the allowed 6 via the NHS and apparently my latest bloods say it's now at the lowest end of normal at 220. How much of that is being used by my body though is anybody guess as I still feel awful. I do have heart/ circulation problems too so It's difficult to work out whats what.