Over the past couple of years, weight loss injections have taken the world by storm. Celebrities, influencers, and now everyday people are turning to these so-called miracle jabs to drop the pounds. But what are they really, and how do they work? More importantly, are they a quick fix, or do they come with long-term considerations? Read on to find out.
What Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Jabs?
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. These drugs help regulate blood sugar, but they also have a significant impact on appetite and weight loss.
The most well-known GLP-1 medications for weight loss include:
Ozempic (semaglutide) – Originally for diabetes, now commonly used off-label for weight loss.
Wegovy (semaglutide) – The same active ingredient as Ozempic, but at a higher dose and officially approved for weight loss.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) – A dual-action medication targeting GLP-1 and GIP receptors, showing even greater weight loss results.
These medications slow down digestion, reduce hunger, and help regulate insulin, making it easier for people to eat less and, ultimately, lose weight. For people that experience food noise (constant thinking about food) these drugs switch this off which can be really helpful to combat this.
Who Are These Medications For?
GLP-1 medications are not for everyone. They are designed for:
People with obesity (BMI ≥35)
Overweight individuals (typically BMI ≥35) with weight-related health conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure) but can be lower for certain individuals.
Those who have struggled with weight loss despite diet and exercise
Risk vs Benefit - The biggest point here is that the people that should be taking these are those that already have health issues and risk factors affecting many aspects of their current health. They are not intended for someone who just wants to lose a few KG for a holiday or special event, however, with their growing popularity, many people are misusing these injections as a quick fix, without understanding the long-term commitment required, and possible health implications. In fact in the wrong hands these could actually cause you health issues you do not have at the moment.
The Reality: These Weight Loss Jabs Are Meant For The Long Term
One of the biggest misconceptions about weight loss jabs is that you can take them for a few months, lose weight, and stop, when you have lost the weight. But research shows that when people stop taking GLP-1 medications, they often regain the weight—sometimes all of it or more.
Why? Because these drugs don’t cure obesity, they simply manage it, by temporarily curbing your appetite and therefore reducing your calorie intake. If you do not eat properly whilst taking them and exercising appropriately alongside, then you will also lose lean tissue (muscle) as well as body fat - this is not a good thing and will result in a worse body composition than before starting the drug.
Much like medication for high blood pressure or diabetes, GLP-1s are meant to be taken long-term. Obesity is now recognised as a chronic disease, and just like other chronic conditions, stopping treatment often leads to a return of symptoms (in this case, weight gain). So if you start taking these drugs be prepared for the costs long term.
They’re Not a Free Pass – Lifestyle Changes Are Still Key
While GLP-1s can help with weight loss, they are not a replacement for healthy habits. These medications are designed to be taken alongside lifestyle changes, in fact these changes are even more important alongside these drugs.
Including: regular exercise, strength training and cardio help maintain muscle and overall health. Proper nutrition, eating enough protein, fibre, and whole foods ensures sustainable weight loss, and healthy habits such as managing stress and getting enough sleep also play a crucial role.
If these habits aren’t in place, weight regain is even more likely if you plan to stop taking the medication.
The Side Effects: Not Always Pleasant
Although these medications can be effective, for the right people, they do come with side effects, and some can be quite unpleasant. Common ones include: Nausea vomiting diarrhoea or constipation fatigue loss of appetite (sometimes to an unhealthy level) There is also many reports of dangerous side effects such as thyroid and pancreatic complications & in some cases even death (drugs bought over the internet are not regulated)
For some, the side effects improve over time, but for others, they can be difficult to tolerate. This is why proper medical supervision is essential when using these injections.
The Big Problem is not the medication itself : But the fact GLP-1 weight loss jabs Are Being Misused
With the current hype in the media over these jabs, especially the celeb culture surrounding them, it is normalising what isn't normal for the majority. Many people are using them to drop weight fast without addressing diet or lifestyle, buying them off-label or from unregulated sources, stopping the medication after hitting their goal weight—only to regain it later.
While these injections can be life-changing for people who truly need them, they are not a magic bullet. The best results come when they are combined with a healthy diet, exercise, and long-term lifestyle changes. If you have been prescribed them properly under clinical supervision and wish to have support with your nutrition and exercise alongside then I am happy to help.
Final Thoughts: A great step towards helping obesity for those that qualify - Not a Shortcut Quick Fix Diet
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro offer real solutions for those struggling with obesity, but they are not a short-term fix. The weight loss world may be buzzing about these jabs, but the truth is: if you stop taking them, the weight is likely to return.
If you’re considering these medications, talk to a doctor and think long-term. Weight loss is a journey, not a race, and no injection can replace a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.
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