Are Weight Loss Injections Safe?

What are Weight Loss Injections?

Semaglutide – a weight loss injection – first fell into the spotlight last year and ever since we’ve been inundated with news about it. It’s better-known by the brand names it’s sold under: Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus. But, as with most quick fixes, there’s a myriad of controversy around them.

Semaglutide has previously been used as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but its uses are becoming more widespread. Thanks to Hollywood, the drug is gradually becoming more popular, being used as a weight loss drug instead.

But what is it, what does it do, and should you use it? We’ve answered all these questions below.

What is it?

It’s a GLP-1 analogue (aka an incretin mimetic) which works by increasing incretins – gut-derived peptide hormones that are secreted postprandially. These hormones help increase insulin production and reduce the amount of glucose the liver produces when it is not required.

It’s normally administered as a once-weekly injection to manage blood glucose levels and HbA1c in type 2 diabetics.

What are the side effects?

Two of the primary side effects of semaglutide are:

• Reducing your appetite, so you eat less.
• Slowing down the movement and digestion of food in your gut, meaning you stay full for longer.

But additional side effects also include:

• Constipation (common).
• Diarrhoea (common).
• Nausea (common).
• Vomiting (common).
• Altered taste (less common).
• Acute pancreatitis (less common).

Are weight loss injections safe and a good option to use?

NICE states that semaglutide, when combined with diet and lifestyle changes, could lead to a weight reduction of >10%. However, sustainable weight loss is generally achieved through a balanced, calorie-controlled diet, regular physical activity, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits. It’s also important to know that a multidisciplinary team should be involved in the entire treatment process.

The efficacy and safety of weight loss injections can vary, and the scientific evidence supporting their use is limited. While some people may experience positive effects, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before considering weight loss injections. They can assess your individual needs, medical history, and provide guidance on the most appropriate weight loss strategies for you.

Additionally, although your weight may be reduced, this does not necessarily mean that your health will benefit. If your lifestyle remains the same, the weight will likely be regained, as no long-term, sustainable change has been made.

The intention behind its use is also important.

It is likely not the most reasonable avenue for healthy individuals looking to lose a small amount of weight.

However, it may be beneficial in kick-starting weight loss for those required to lose weight ahead of surgery, for example. This may be an effective way of reducing weight without the need for ultra-low-calorie diets leading up to the surgery. However, it should be combined with general education on nutrition and health overall. This could be a potentially more sustainable and longer-term tool to help educate compared to a short-term, very extreme fast.

It’s also key to note the less-desirable side effects that occur with using Ozempic. It can cause a lot of gastrointestinal upset – nausea and vomiting are particularly common during the early phase of taking the drug. On the other hand, others experience such intense feelings of fullness that it can lead to food repulsion, making eating a chore rather than something that’s pleasurable. This can result in a significant drop in energy levels, as your body may not be taking in enough calories to function optimally.

There’s also what’s known as ‘Ozempic Face’ – a colloquial term given to the gaunt face in those that have used the drug, typically making people appear older. 

Once off the drug, whenever the course is over (this may be months or years), one’s hunger will return rapidly – your body’s attempt to restore what has been lost over the treatment period. This, combined with other factors, such as a reduced metabolic rate, and reduced energy requirement, primes the body for regaining the weight lost.

Do we recommend them?

Ultimately, the drug is effective in losing weight in the first place, but keeping the weight off is the more challenging part, which is hardly novel. Its use should be combined with adjustments to one’s nutrition and lifestyle, to implement a strategy to help the individual keep the weight off once they have stopped using the drug.

While the injections may pose some benefits, the cost of food overall, and lack of education on nutrition and health in general, are much greater barriers that need to be overcome by the government (read our previous post covering this here), before enforcing an intermediate strategy that will impact a very small percentage of the population who are unlikely to be the demographic that needs help in the first place. 

We would always recommend a food-first approach where possible to achieve any health goals. If that proves challenging, speak with a professional, such as Nutritionist, Dietitian, or Doctor, before you make any changes to your lifestyle.

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