How Can B12 Help You?

Looking to give yourself an energy boost? Vitamin B12 might be the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. Here’s how it supports fat metabolism, energy, and overall wellness while you slim down.

When it comes to losing weight, most of us focus on the obvious: eating better, moving more, and maybe cutting back on late-night snacks. But what if you’re doing all the right things and still feel tired, sluggish, or stuck?

That’s where vitamin B12 comes in.

B12 isn’t (spoiler: those don’t exist), but it plays a big role in your body’s energy production, metabolism, and overall wellness. And when your body has what it needs to function properly, reaching your weight loss goals gets much easier.

Meridith Womick, MD, and our team of doctors and health coaches at the Metabolic Medical Center are here to explain how B12 works and how it might help your wellness journey.

What is vitamin B12, anyway?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble B vitamin your body needs to function well. It’s involved in:

Energy production
Nervous system support
Red blood cell formation
DNA synthesis
Fat and protein metabolism

Your body doesn’t make B12 on its own, so you need to get it from food (like meat, dairy, and eggs) or supplements. Some people, especially vegetarians, vegans, or those with certain digestive issues, don’t absorb enough B12 naturally, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and slower metabolism.

How does B12 help?

How exactly does vitamin B12 help you? While it won’t melt fat on its own, it can make a big difference in a few key ways:

More energy

Feeling too exhausted to exercise? You’re not alone. Low B12 levels can leave you feeling drained, even if you're getting enough sleep.

B12 helps your body convert food into usable energy. That means more stamina to get through workouts, move throughout the day, and stay active — all of which are crucial for burning calories and shedding pounds.

More efficient metabolism

Your metabolism is like your body’s engine, and B12 helps keep it running smoothly. Without enough of it, your body may have a harder time breaking down fats and proteins efficiently, which can slow weight loss efforts.

A healthy metabolism doesn’t just affect how many calories you burn at rest — it also influences how well your body handles the food you eat and how effectively you use stored fat for energy.

More lean muscle mass

When you’re trying to lose weight, your goal should be to lose fat, not muscle. B12 plays a role in supporting muscle repair and growth, especially when paired with strength training and a balanced diet.

More lean muscle means a faster metabolism, which helps you burn more calories even while resting.

Are you low in B12?

Vitamin B12 deficiencies are more common than you think. One study says that up to 20% of the population could be deficient.

Symptoms of B12 deficiency can include fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, and weakness. If any of that sounds familiar, it’s worth asking your healthcare provider to check your levels.

Virtually anyone can be deficient in vitamin B12, but you’re most at risk if you:

Follow a vegan or vegetarian diet
Have digestive conditions (like celiac or Crohn’s)
Are over age 50
Take certain medications (like metformin or acid reducers)
Have undergone weight loss surgery

If your B12 levels are low B12 injections or high-quality supplements may be just what you need.

How B12 injections work

Injections deliver B12 directly into your bloodstream for fast absorption, which is especially helpful if your body struggles to absorb it through food.

The Metabolic Medical Center offers B12 shots as part of a medical weight loss plan. When paired with healthy eating, regular physical activity, and professional support, they can help provide the energy and metabolic support you need to stay consistent.

Other health and weight loss services we provide include:

Vitamin B12 might not be the star of every weight loss conversation, but it definitely deserves a spot in the lineup. From improving energy and metabolism to supporting muscle health, this powerhouse vitamin can help you feel better and stay on track.

If you’re curious whether B12 could be part of your personalized plan, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our specialists.

We proudly serve patients in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Murrells Inlet, Columbia, and Bluffton, South Carolina.