Weight Loss Injections Side Effects

If you get pregnant while using them, speak to a healthcare professional and stop them as soon as possible. For more advice, check the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA) guidance for accessing Wegovy and other weight-loss drugs. This, however, requires daily rather than weekly injections. Ozempic isn't registered for, and shouldn't be used for, weight loss. It's available on private prescription and via the NHS for weight loss in the UK (if you meet certain criteria). In clinical trials, it has demonstrated the potential to help individuals lose over 20% of their body weight. Retatrutide is being developed to target multiple metabolic conditions, with its primary uses in obesity management, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease. This will help you to get the most out of taking this medication and to help you to avoid gaining weight when you stop taking this medicine. If somebody calls the office that has a BMI over 30 with a comorbidity, or over 35 without a comorbidity, we will offer them both medical and surgical management depending on what they're interested in. We’re going to start offering primary medical treatment within the bariatric program. I think we're looking at a future where you may be taking multiple drugs or combination drugs, either injection or pill, that hit up on these multiple hormones. It doesn't make sense to me because we just don't know enough about these drugs and the benefits versus the potential risks long-term. Some patients will get bad or lifelong pancreatitis from having taken the medication.

Unveiling the risks: Weight loss injections under scrutiny

Currently, the longest semaglutide trial followed people receiving Wegovy for up to 5 years. The FDA also continues to review side effects that are reported with these medications while they’re on the market. This was compared to people taking Contrave (bupropion / naltrexone), a weight-loss pill. Side effects from weight loss injections can occur due to their effects on the digestive system and hormone regulation. For those with weight-related health concerns, such as diabetes, understanding the benefits, alongside the potential risks linked to liver health, provides a clearer view of how these treatments may fit into their overall wellness plan. Common types ofweight loss injections include those that target atherosclerosis and may lead to side effects such as nausea. These symptoms are usually mild and often improve as your body adjusts, especially when the dose is increased slowly. What matters most is consistency and having medical guidance along the way. Many people notice they feel less hungry, have fewer cravings and are satisfied with smaller portions. And generally, people are not good about taking medications. We're seeing easily 25 percent of patients who are coming in for surgery have tried and failed or don't want to stay on these medications. It's only approved for weight loss, not diabetes. It's opened up people's eyes to obesity as a disease now that there's effective medication for it. Ozempic is a drug used to treat diabetes; suddenly, millions of people started using it to lose weight. There are also reports that weight loss injections are being prescribed to people with eating disorders to help treat their conditions. While this is believed to be the first fatality linked to weight loss injections in the UK, it has intensified scrutiny around how and to whom these drugs are being prescribed. When people talk about weight loss injections, they usually mention the nausea. And facial fat loss is one potential effect of fast and significant weight loss. Some people taking semaglutide may notice less fullness in their face. For fast relief, your healthcare team may suggest an OTC antacid. Some people experience acid reflux symptoms while taking semaglutide, which can include burping or belching. They may need to adjust your medications or check for an underlying cause. Individuals may experience fluctuations in their blood sugar levels, affecting their overall energy and daily function. These adverse effects may stem from changes in hormone levels triggered by the medication, influencing feelings of hunger and satisfaction. Individuals may find it beneficial to monitor their dietary intake, focusing on high-fiber foods and adequate hydration to support digestive health. These symptoms can complicate weight management, especially for those with chronic conditions like gastroparesis, making it essential to monitor and manage these effects carefully. Understanding gastrointestinal side effects is crucial, as they can affect how well the treatment works for you.

• Regarding use in patients with kidney disease, neither semaglutide nor tirzepatide requires dose adjustment based on renal function, even in severe CKD or end-stage renal disease.
• Similarly, Mounjaro acts like GLP-1 in the body.
• Over the last few years, weight loss injections have taken the world by storm.
• We're probably not going to treat anybody below 30 in our practice, and we're probably not going to treat anybody below 35 if they don't have medical problems.
• In some cases, side effects may diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
• Our deep understanding of weight management and metabolic health allows us to offer the best possible care and weight loss solutions, one of them being our weight loss medication programme.
• The oldest and most widely used weight loss medication is phentermine.

Benefits of weight loss injections

• She believes that working towards both physiological and mental health is key in achieving optimum wellbeing.
• The GLP-1 injections approved by the FDA have been approved for long-term use because obesity is now treated as a chronic progressive disease.
• Wegovy isn’t approved to treat diabetes.
• Common semaglutide side effects include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
• Liraglutide is known to have a longer weight loss effect than other obesity drugs 5, 16.
• And nausea was even more common with Wegovy for weight loss.
• Patients experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms should contact their healthcare provider promptly.
• “Have that conversation about your choices, what the right decision is for you, and what it means to stay on the medications long term,” said Horn.

Here, we explore whether weight loss injections are safe, and take a look at the side effects of Mounjaro, Ozempic and other popular weight loss jabs. Medication review and adjustment should occur before initiating weight loss injections. The FDA's evaluation of weight loss injections has included extensive kidney safety monitoring through clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance. Do you have questions about how weight loss injections work? If you decide that weight loss injections are not right for you, there are other options to consider. We offer weight loss medications as part of our comprehensive medical weight loss program that includes step-by-step support from our team of weight loss experts. This article explores the negative aspects of weight loss injections, the regulations surrounding their promotion, and the crucial impact these factors have on public safety.

What are the benefits of the Wegovy pill?

Regular consultation with ahealth care provider is essential to address any concerns related to these changes and to ensure that the treatment plan remains effective while promoting overall health. It is essential to practice pharmacovigilance by monitoring these symptoms closely, as significant shifts in heart rate or well-being could indicate the need for medical consultation to adjust treatment strategies. Weight loss injections can lead to various gastrointestinal side effects that individuals should be aware of. Using a pen injector for weight loss requires regular follow-ups to assess the immune system‘s reactions and overall well-being, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly for optimal results.

• There may be reasons for stopping weight loss medicine that are not directly related to weight loss.
• Continual monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Alongisde nausea, other gastroenterological symptoms are common with weight loss injections.
• Remember, the pathway to health is not merely about losing weight but adopting an overall lifestyle that promotes long-term wellness and vitality.
• “Also, it’s very important to consider that these drugs have only been used for weight-loss management for a few years, so we don’t have enough information to look at people who have been using them long term.”
• We will also talk about how these injections can affect your heart, mental health, and long-term well-being.
• However, if they do not resolve or become more severe, get in touch with your health care provider.
• Although this is positive, another clinical trial found that weight loss plateaus at around 65 weeks.
• FDA approves first medication for obstructive sleep apnea.

Older adults, especially those over the age of 65, may be more sensitive to the effects of these drugs. Some individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing side effects. Potential risks include hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, nutritional deficiencies, gallbladder disease, thyroid concerns, and kidney problems. While many people focus on the short-term benefits, it’s equally important to understand the potential long-term side effects. Adopting healthy habits and embracing an active lifestyle is key to maintaining weight loss “Common weight loss injection side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea,” says Dr Daniel. Weight loss injections should complement a healthy diet and exercise “GLP-1s might not be the best weight loss treatment for you if you have pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal issues, such as certain inflammatory bowel conditions,” says Dr Daniel. This multi-receptor approach is intended to offer improved weight loss results compared to treatments targeting only one or two receptors.. However, until Retatrutide is approved, the only weight-loss injections currently available in the UK through prescription are Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) and Wegovy (Semaglutide). If Retatrutide is proven to be both safe and effective in these trials, it could become available as part of weight-loss programs offered by healthcare providers like The Care Pharmacy. The table below highlights the different age groups that each medication is approved for. It works best when combined with a diabetes-friendly diet and regular exercise. Wegovy isn’t approved to treat diabetes. Note that tirzepatide is both a GLP-1 and a GIP receptor agonist, as are other medications currently in the pipeline. There are many options available that target different mechanisms of hunger, fullness, and weight loss. These medications are frequently in the news, and one topic that tends to arise is the side effects. Medication can be part of a comprehensive obesity treatment plan. Or are you seeking the best weight loss option for your needs and goals? One such medication is Zepbound (tirzepatide). It was also the first once-weekly medication of its kind. It is also a reminder that benefits are real, and that rising use means rising absolute numbers of complications even if the percentage risk stays low. This is why clinicians adjust insulin and sulfonylureas carefully when starting GLP 1 therapy, and why nobody should stop basal insulin without a plan. The effects of these side effects on compliance, such as drug discontinuation at the treatment site, were investigated. The medical chart detailed the medical staff's judgments and records of patient compliance. However, the reason for low liraglutide clearance in women and the effects of differences in body composition and other factors have not yet been elucidated, and further research is needed in this field. This suggests that low adherence to liraglutide was not considered, that the prescription of liraglutide itself is not considered a serious situation, or that there is a lack of continuous education for patients after 3 months .

• If you don't meet these criteria but are unhappy with your size, speak to your doctor about losing weight safely.
• Weight management is a lifelong endeavor, and prolonged use of these injections raises questions about their safety and efficacy over extended periods.
• They’re part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1).
• Furthermore, this study investigated the effect of liraglutide on weight loss due to drug compliance, which is influenced by side effects.
• So, researchers developed drugs that can act on the same receptors as GLP-1, triggering the same response.
• Fatigue was also reported in less than 5% of people using Ozempic, and it wasn’t reported at all with Rybelsus.
• No, Mounjaro isn’t approved for weight loss.
• It's approved for use for both diabetes and weight loss, and is available on private prescription in the UK (it's sold under the brand name Zepbound for weight loss in other countries, but not in the UK).

An endocrinologist with more than 10 years of experience directly reviewed the charts and collected all related data and information for all patients. If there were multiple visits within 5–7 months of the last visit, the weight closest to 6 months was selected. If there were multiple visits within 2–4 months, the lowest weight was selected. The patient's weight was recorded at each visit, and the change from the baseline weight was calculated.

Wegovy Doses Chart for Weight Loss

Furthermore, this study investigated the effect of liraglutide on weight loss due to drug compliance, which is influenced by side effects. The major strength of our study is that it evaluated the weight loss effect of liraglutide in an actual clinic, not in a randomized control trial, according to the presence or absence of side effects and discontinuation. To secure accurate data, which is a disadvantage of the retrospective study, direct chart reviews of all data were made by experts, and efforts were made to secure various variables that could affect weight loss and discontinuation to minimize bias. The same BMI but lower body weight or women of any body weight showed higher plasma exposure, possibly affecting drug efficacy. But, it can be hard to know which one is the right treatment for you. Potential issues include nausea, constipation, headaches, stomach pain, low blood sugar, and blurred vision. While not dangerous, these changes can impact self-image and may necessitate cosmetic treatments, such as dermal fillers, for individuals seeking to restore facial volume. As a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, it increases feelings of fullness and helps people maintain a more restrictive diet. Tirzepatide was initially approved to treat type 2 diabetes. The undigested fat is then passed through the body. Weight loss injections can lead to side effects due to their impact on the body’s hormone levels and appetite regulation. It’s crucial to understand that, while these treatments can offer weight management support, they may also result in serious side effects, including anaphylaxis, which emphasizes the need for medical supervision during use. These injectable medications can support weight management by enhancing nutrition and decreasing appetite. Weight loss injections are a growing trend in the pharmaceutical industry, offering therapy options for individuals aiming to manage their weight effectively Young and Radiant. The FDA recommends monitoring kidney function in patients who report severe adverse gastrointestinal reactions or who have baseline renal impairment. Large clinical trials of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including the STEP trials for semaglutide and SURMOUNT trials for tirzepatide, have shown low rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) compared to placebo. The kidneys play a critical role in filtering waste products, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, and regulating blood pressure.

What are the side effects of Wegovy?

She works with clients to address issues such as PMS, thyroid disorders, weight gain, and menopause symptoms. If you’re ready to overcome your weight challenges, achieve your goal weight and maintain it long term, we can help. It’s also important to address the factors that led to your weight gain in the first place. It will aid and support your wider health, wellbeing, energy levels, sleep quality and much more. FDA Approves new drug treatment for chronic weight management, first since 2014 Press release. We are also aware of various studies supporting that most diets and extreme attempts at weight loss do not result in sustained weight loss (Mann, 2018), meaning the diets fail you and not the other way around. According to the FDA’s report in June 2021, semaglutide drugs mimic a hormone called GLP-1 that stimulates insulin secretion and lowers glucagon released from the liver (FDA, 2021). Using their brand names, Ozempic was FDA approved in 2017 for type 2 diabetes management and Wegovy in 2021 for weight management. (And we probably should because we are people in the eating and body image field!) Concerns have emerged recently regarding the circulation of falsified Ozempic (semaglutide) pens in countries including Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States. You’ll likely also experience better energy, a clearer head, improved digestion and better health long term. Only you can make the decision as to whether it’s worth taking the risk. The studies indicate a potential increase of 1.5 to 2.5 additional NAION cases per 10,000 treated people annually. Novo Nordisk maintains the drug’s benefit-risk profile remains unchanged.

• However, doctors soon discovered that these drugs could also help with weight loss.
• You may have seen celebrities such as Meghan Trainor take to social media to promote weight loss injections and praise the 'skinny jab'.
• GLP-1 typically has a very short half-life (meaning the molecule decomposes after a few minutes), which makes them unsuitable for medications.
• The NHS is advising anyone currently using or considering weight-loss injections to have an open conversation with their GP or specialist.
• Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication, including weight loss injections.
• Inna is passionate about supporting women on their journey to improved health and wellbeing.

This article delves into the landscape of weight loss injections, exploring their efficacy, potential side effects, and important considerations before considering this route. Among the various options available, weight loss injections have gained popularity due to their promises of rapid results. Before deciding to use injection-based weight loss, thoroughly understand the medication's effects and side effects, and evaluate them in relation to your personal health condition. Semaglutide has proven kidney benefits for certain people. Gallbladder disease, including gallstones, has been reported with semaglutide, but it isn’t common. They may recommend a different medication for you. The body is adjusting to changes in appetite, digestion, and blood sugar levels caused by the medication. For most people, nausea improves over time as the body adjusts to the medication. These medications are designed to control appetite and improve how the body manages sugar and fat. Accessing the medication privately can incur significant cost. It’s also vital for your long-term health and overall wellbeing that you tap into the support and professional expertise available to you throughout the process. Medication affects all people in different ways, which may present as lower effectiveness, extremely high effectiveness, zero or severe symptoms and a whole host of other reactions. Some semaglutide users gained back more than before (Constantino, 2023). This phenomenon mirrors much of what we know about extreme dieting generally–when the body has been deprived, the hunger typically returns with a vengeance (Coutinho, 2018; Siahpush et al., 2015). Evidence indicates that the weight generally comes back (Wilding et al., 2022).

How Quickly Can You Lose Weight with Weight Loss Injections?

Patients lost a statistically significant amount of weight, similar to if they had undergone gastric bypass . While other antidiabetic drugs didn’t have this effect. Despite the recent media presence, the drugs themselves aren’t particularly new. Mounjaro is a once-weekly injectable medicine approved for weight loss and type 2 diabetes in the … Retatrutide works by imitating three different hormones to aid in weight loss and regulate blood sugar, whereas Ozempic targets only one hormone. Semaglutide has been shown to help with significant weight loss, making it a popular choice for patients looking for effective alternatives. It is likely to interact with certain diabetes medications, among others. The information stems from its Yellow Card scheme, a long-standing system that allows healthcare professionals and the public to report suspected adverse drug reactions. While these reports do not establish that the medications directly caused any of the deaths, the MHRA noted that they raise a “suspicion” of a possible link. Used responsibly and under proper supervision, they may help some people manage their weight safely. Without these foundations, weight regain is more likely once treatment stops. And in some cases, the people taking these injections have developed much more severe conditions. For people living with type 2 diabetes or obesity linked complications, these outcomes can be genuinely life-changing, even life-saving. And in some cases, it’s not clear whether patients were properly warned about the risks before starting the treatment. For people living with type 2 diabetes or obesity-linked complications, these outcomes can be genuinely life-changing – even lifesaving. In 2023, Wegovy (a version of semaglutide, the same active ingredient in Ozempic) was officially approved in the UK for weight loss in certain cases. This is particularly important for people taking insulin, blood sugar-lowering pills, blood thinners, and certain heart medications. Additionally, people taking other medications may face drug interactions that can increase side effects or reduce the effectiveness of their treatments. Weight loss injections, like semaglutide and liraglutide, can be effective tools for managing weight. Our weekly email brings you the latest health tips, recipes and stories. Feeling dizzy is one thing; having vertigo is another — and may require special treatment. Dr. Nisha Kuruvadi is a board-certified internal medicine and obesity medicine doctor with Sharp Community Medical Group. For some people, the Wegovy pill can be a helpful tool as part of a personalized, long-term plan.

What Are the Risks and Benefits of Weight-Loss Shot?

Ania is a firm believer that improving your health and losing weight should be a positive, empowering journey, not one centred around deprivation. She will support you in developing a healthy diet, lifestyle and mindset that ensures you reach your ideal weight and maintain it in the years to come. She specialises in helping people who struggle with their weight and their relationship with food. Ailsa has spent years in clinic working with clients who have experienced yo-yo dieting and have discovered that long term weight loss is not just about eating less until you can stand it no longer. If you notice serious digestive problems while on a weight loss drug, it's best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention ASAP. Although not licensed in the UK for weight loss, some patients have used it off-label for that purpose. Wegovy is highly effective—and in clinical trials, patients on the highest dose lost up to 20.7% of their initial body weight . Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that is effective for weight loss and is administered daily, according to the manufacturer. CagriSema combines two active ingredients to target weight loss through appetite suppression and metabolic improvement, according to the manufacturer. Though primarily known for cosmetic uses, Botox has been explored for weight loss in specific areas, such as the stomach, to reduce appetite. Ecnoglutide is a novel GLP-1 receptor agonist that aims to enhance weight loss through appetite suppression, according to the manufacturer. It is administered weekly, and users may begin to notice changes in their weight within a few weeks of starting the treatment.

Wegovy and Mounjaro work in similar but different ways

According to the results of several studies, the weight reduction effect of liraglutide is good, as at least a 5% weight reduction can be achieved when using liraglutide for 1 year 4–6. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) increase insulin release, decrease glucagon secretion, and exert good blood sugar control effects. Moreover, in the real world, the continuous rate of liraglutide use is not high, and the weight gradually increases after 3 months. Our study confirmed that the side effects of liraglutide did not affect weight reduction. Survodutide is another emerging treatment that focuses on appetite regulation and metabolic enhancement, according to the manufacturer. Bimagrumab is designed to target muscle mass and fat loss, potentially leading to weight reduction, according to the manufacturer. The administration frequency and expected results are still being studied, but it is typically given via injection. It is given as a weekly injection, with results often seen within a few months. Patients typically see results within a few weeks, and it is administered via a subcutaneous injection once a week, according to the manufacturer. In animal studies, some weight loss injections have been linked to an increased risk of a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Some people using weight loss injections have developed kidney problems, including acute kidney injury (AKI). If you experience these symptoms while using weight loss injections, you should seek medical attention immediately. In this section, we will explain what weight loss injections are, the common types available, and how they work in the body to support weight loss. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what weight loss injections can do to your body—both the good and the bad. If you are concerned about how you were prescribed a weight loss drug, or believe you have suffered harm, you may wish to seek independent legal advice. Weight loss injections have transformed lives, but they’ve also caused serious harm. It’s the UK’s official system for reporting side effects from medications. In the UK, these drugs are prescription-only and classed as high-risk.

• Individuals may experience fluctuations in their blood sugar levels, affecting their overall energy and daily function.
• I still have a bit more weight to lose.”
• And these medications are pretty effective at reducing hunger.
• You may also be prescribed Wegovy if you have a BMI of 30 to 34.9 and have been referred to a specialist weight management clinic.
• That said, I've spoken to people who had no side effects at all and who say it’s changed their life.” WilmaFlintstone1
• In animal studies, some weight loss injections have been linked to an increased risk of a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
• This is a rare disease that occurs when the adrenal glands don't produce enough of the corticosteroid that the body needs.

By gaining insights into these aspects, readers can better manage risks and make choices that align with their journey—especially important for patients with conditions like type 1 diabetes While these treatments can support weight loss, understanding their potential side effects is crucial for informed decision-making. At Streamline, our clinicians perform thorough assessments before prescribing any weight loss medication. The price of these treatments is influenced by geographical location, as different regions may have varying healthcare costs and availability of medications. The speed at which individuals can lose weight with injections varies based on several factors, including the specific medication used, adherence to treatment protocols, and individual metabolic responses. In recent years, weight loss injections have gained popularity as a potential solution for individuals struggling to shed excess pounds. Insurance coverage for weight loss injections can vary widely depending on the individual’s insurance plan and specific circumstances. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with certain medical conditions, or those taking specific medications may need to explore alternative weight loss strategies. Dr Mihir Sanghvi, Specialty Registrar in Cardiology at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, explains what Wegovy is and how it helps with weight loss and prevents heart attack and stroke. Ozempic (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use package insert. Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in obesity without diabetes. Significant weight loss on the drug can change your face, doctors say. The effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly on energy intake, appetite, control of eating, and gastric emptying in adults with obesity. In total, she said she has lost 73 pounds and is no longer on medications to treat high blood pressure. Food and Drug Administration to treat Type 2 diabetes, but some doctors prescribe them "off-label" for weight loss. The drugs work by slowing down movement of food through the stomach and curbing appetite, thereby causing weight loss. Lee Thomas, who lives in Washington state, said that he has lost 12 pounds after nearly seven weeks of using Ozempic, one of a class of drugs called GLP-1 RAs that help people produce insulin and lower the amount of sugar in the blood. But we’re still learning more about taking GLP-1 agonists such as Wegovy for weight loss and how it could impact the risk of disease. Extending the use of these drugs to individuals without such conditions—simply for weight loss—may carry unforeseen risks. It’s important to note that the studies conducted on these medications have primarily involved patients with significant metabolic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. One of the paradoxes I’ve observed with these medications is that those who seem to lose the most weight are often the people who have the least amount of weight to lose. Over the years, I’ve closely followed the development and popularity of new weight loss medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy. Common side effects of weight loss injections can include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and an upset stomach. These injections are typically prescribed for individuals who struggle with obesity or weight-related health issues. Weight loss injections are medications that help manage weight by altering metabolic processes, suppressing appetite, or promoting fat burning. The prospect of weight loss injections is enticing, but it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise. She focuses on cutting through the hype to explain what you need to know about nutrition and healthy eating. Shefalee is a public health nutritionist with 20 years' experience, and has worked for the NHS, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and World Cancer Research Fund Meanwhile, our health researcher Sara Spary went undercover to see if pharmacies were doing appropriate checks. For our investigation into weight-loss jabs, Shefalee interviewed leading experts for their insights, and asked Which? Exercise extreme caution with weight-loss products you see advertised online and on social media. Importantly, no cases of severe hypoglycemia or fatalities were reported during clinical trials, and most side effects were resolved without needing to stop the medication. Avoid storing Retatrutide in the freezer or exposing it to high temperatures, as extreme temperatures can adversely affect the medication’s effectiveness. Ensure that the medication is kept in its original packaging to protect it from light and contamination.