Weight loss injections have received significant interest from the media recently. Brands such as Wegovy and Mounjaro offer the promise of an ‘easy way’ to lose weight without the effort of exercise or healthy eating. It therefore poses the question, ‘have scientists found the magic bullet to weight loss?’

In this blog we look at the benefits of losing weight, plus, test the promises that weight loss medications offer, we will discuss the side effects of weight loss medication and finally, whether this medication is right for you.

The Benefits of Losing Weight

There is no question that a healthy body fat percentage is an important component of living a long and happy life. From helping thousands of people change their weight, I can categorically say from experience, there is no doubt that weight loss offers increased confidence, resilience and may increase the quality and length of the years you live on this planet.

A healthy weight lowers the risks associated with obesity related illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. When you are living in a body at its ideal weight, the challenges of life are easier, you feel better about yourself, plus you have more energy and often more confidence. Mobility is improved, joint pain can be reduced which can lead to a more active and proactive approach to life.

I have never in my career met anyone who has regretted losing excess pounds in a healthy and sustainable manner.

How do Weight Loss Injections Work?

Weight loss medications are nothing new, in fact they have been around since the 1960’s. Mainly developed for diabetics, weight loss injections were used daily to target gut hormone receptors. Weight loss injectables are now available to use on a weekly basis and need to be injected under the skin into the stomach, upper arms, thighs or buttocks.

Weight Loss injections are classified medically as GLP-1 agonists. They work by binding to GLP-1 receptors to mimic a hormone called GLP-1 that helps to slow down the rate at which the stomach empties. What is GLP-1 hormone? GLP-1 hormone is involved in regulating the appetite and helps the body feel fuller.

In summary these medications can act in a number of ways:

• increases the body’s metabolism which results in effective use of calories
• reduces the appetite mechanism so the desire to eat excess calories is diminished
• creates the feeling of being full so there is no compulsion to eat
• hinders the absorption of fat
• reduces blood sugar by increasing the release of insulin

Typically, patients who have been prescribed injectables for weight loss report a decrease of between 5% to 10% of body weight.

What are the negatives?

Currently there are three major drawbacks for weight loss injectables. One, the cost, two the availability and thirdly, the side effects. Monthly charges range from £150 to £300 and you need to be medically approved by a doctor in order get prescribed. If you are able to afford these fees, then intermittent shortages of supplies can also be an issue. The highest concern needs to be the health implications. If you are deemed suitable by a medical practitioner, then the side effects of these drugs can be pretty unpleasant to experience.

They include:

• nausea
• reflux
• vomiting
• bloating
• headaches
• constipation
• indigestion
• diarrhea

If you were of the constitution to be willing to persevere through these side effects, then also bear in mind that some people have had more adverse effects such as blood sugar issues, mental health problems and kidney complaints.

Are Weight Loss Injectables A Long Term Solution?

Beyond these immediate side effects that could affect your everyday life, there is the issue that when patients stop taking these drugs they tend to put the weight back on. If the patient is not undertaking regular exercise on a regular basis, then muscle mass is lost along with any fat loss. Weight loss injections won’t change your life long habits. You have to be willing and committed to doing this for yourself. If you do take this medication, at some point you are going to have to come off it. What happens then?

Would weight loss medication be right for you?

To qualify for weight loss medication on the NHS your BMI must exceed 35, (which indicates obesity), or have a BMI between 27-29 and suffer from a weight related health condition such as high cholesterol levels or high blood pressure.

All of the weight loss injectables require a prescription from your health care provider and need to have medical supervision as the side effects can be debilitating and in some cases dangerous. Certainly there are going to be individuals who would not be suitable for this type of treatment.

Drug interactions with other medications being taken could be a serious health risk, or a person with an eating disorder, pregnant ladies etc would not be suitable.

This medication would not be right for you if you have any type of inflammatory bowel condition, or you were struggling with any gastrointestinal health problem.