Many weight loss injections are GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are medicines that mimic glucagon-like peptide-1. This is a hormone naturally present in the body that helps regulate appetite, insulin secretion and gastric motility.
Weight loss injections are medical treatments designed to support weight management. They usually contain medications that can help reduce appetite, improve metabolism, or support fat burning. Some well-known examples include GLP-1.
No. Injections are not a magic solution. They work best alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise and lifestyle changes. They can give your metabolism a boost or help manage appetite, but your habits still play the biggest role in weight loss.
Yes, there is a risk of nutrient deficiencies for a few reasons. The research concludes that those on weight loss injections are more at risk of nutrient deficiencies than those who are not1.
Due to an increased food intake, if the quality of the food consumed isn't incredibly nutritious, nutrient deficiencies may result.
One of the side effects is nausea and vomiting, and if these symptoms present themselves, it may result in reduced food intake and reduced digestion of food. Impaired digestion and reduced food intake can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Nutrients most likely to become deficient include vitamin B12, Iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, choline, vitamin A, fibre and protein.2 Learn more about the signs of a Vitamin B12 deficiency and how to know if you're low in Magnesium.
Weight loss injections can cause nutrient deficiencies, which can contribute to hormone imbalances. Nutrient deficiencies may also negatively affect the reproductive system and may have an impact on menstruation and reproductive ability.
Even weight loss itself can cause changes in hormones. A reduction in fat mass can cause changes in hormone balance.
Some people on weight loss injections have reported missed periods or changes in the menstrual cycle. If you are planning on getting pregnant in the near future, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare professional with regard to your weight loss injections.
Rapid weight loss can lead to excess skin which can sag. In the case of protein insufficiency, there may be some collagen loss, which further contributes to skin sagging. The risk of nutrient deficiencies may also cause the skin to become drier and dull.
When used appropriately, most are generally safe when prescribed and administered by a qualified healthcare professional. However, side effects can occur, such as nausea, digestive issues, or injection site reactions. There is some evidence that they can affect bone health, though the research is still emerging. People with osteoporosis, osteopenia, or menopause-related bone loss should monitor bone health when using GLP-1 injections.
Rebound weight gain: Some research points to weight gain after the cessation of weight loss injections. One study found that participants gained two-thirds of their lost weight.3
Nutrient depletion: Nutrient deficiencies can interfere with every aspect of health. Therefore, there is an unlimited amount of health complications that can arise from weight loss injections.
Weight-loss injections are a relatively recent medicine and therefore many side effects may not yet be documented.
There is some concern that those on weight-loss injections do not make diet and lifestyle changes that contribute to health in the long term. This is likely a contributing factor to post-medicine weight gain.
There are a few side effects which some users may experience.
| Gut issues | Some gut issues may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, gas, bloating and indigestion. |
| Headaches | These are a common side effect for weight loss injections. |
| Fatigue | Often associated with weight loss injections and may be associated with hypoglycaemia or nutrient deficiencies. |
| Hypoglycaemia | Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycaemia, can be a side effect of weight loss injections and can cause extreme fatigue and an excess of ketones. |
| Visual changes | May occur due to changes in blood sugar and nutrient deficiencies. |
| Kidney failure and pancreatitis | These are rare side effects, but it is something to bear in mind. |
Some injections are used short-term to kickstart weight loss, while others may be used longer-term for maintenance. However, if your diet, activity and lifestyle don't change, you may find the weight piling back on. Learn more about weight management.
Before weight loss injections are used, every effort should be made to lose weight without them. There are a few reasons that make weight loss difficult and this is where we are here to help.
Weight loss supplements are a natural way to support weight loss or maintenance or increase metabolism. They fit well within the context of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Once you have achieved your ideal weight, stopping the supplements, as long as you continue a healthy diet and lifestyle, is unlikely to result in rebound weight gain.
Weight loss injections are not a natural way to lose weight; they do not encourage a healthy diet and lifestyle and when they are stopped, they often lead to rebound weight gain.
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