The buzz around fat loss injections is undeniable. It seems like everyone, from celebrities like Jeremy Clarkson and Sharon Osbourne to everyday folks, are exploring this avenue. While these injections can be effective for some, it's essential to understand that they're not a magic bullet. They require a holistic approach and might not work for everyone.
One of the key reasons why these injections might appear to stop working is related to how they function in the body. Most of these medications, like Mounjaro and Wegovy, belong to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These agonists mimic a natural hormone produced in the gut.
This hormone plays a vital role in regulating appetite, slowing down digestion, and increasing the feeling of fullness. By mimicking this hormone, these injections help to curb appetite and reduce food intake, ultimately leading to weight loss. They essentially trick your body into feeling satiated with less food.
In the UK, an estimated 1.5 million individuals have turned to these injections, like Ozempic and Wegovy, to manage conditions like type 2 diabetes or obesity. These medications are available through various channels, including specialist weight-management services within the NHS, GPs, private clinics, and pharmacies. However, access to these medications on the NHS is typically reserved for individuals with a high Body Mass Index (BMI).
The frustrating reality for some users is that the initial effectiveness of these injections can seem to wane over time. Many people have taken to online forums to express their concerns after experiencing a plateau or even a return of their appetite after several months of successful weight loss. They describe the disheartening experience of regaining some of the weight they had initially lost.
One potential reason for this phenomenon lies in the way the injections are administered. Ana Carolina Goncalves, a pharmacist at Pharmica in Holborn, London, suggests that incorrect injection techniques can significantly impact the drug's effectiveness. This highlights the importance of proper training and guidance when using these medications.
Dr. Crystal Wyllie points out a common mistake: injecting in the same spot repeatedly. This can cause local irritation or even small lumps of fat under the skin (lipohypertrophy). This can affect how well the medication is absorbed and make it less effective, therefore it's essential to rotate injection sites between the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm, and even picking different spots within those zones.
To ensure proper administration, it's crucial to follow the correct procedure. This involves attaching a fresh needle to the pen and turning the dial to the priming setting, typically indicated by a droplet symbol. This step ensures that the pen is working correctly and that the correct dose is being administered.
Beyond injection techniques, several other factors can hinder the effectiveness of these weight loss injections. These mistakes often revolve around lifestyle choices and habits that can counteract the medication's intended effects.
One significant error is abruptly stopping the injections once the desired weight is achieved. Mital Thakrar, a pharmacist from Well Pharmacy, warns that this can lead to weight regain. A recent University of Oxford study supports this, finding that individuals typically return to their original weight within 10 months of discontinuing treatment, particularly if lifestyle changes haven't been firmly established.
When the appetite suppression provided by the injections is removed, hunger and cravings can return quickly. Therefore, it's crucial to use the period while on the medication to establish healthy habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mindful eating.
Building these habits during treatment is key for sustaining results. Many patients experience improvements in blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure while on these medications, but stopping too soon can reverse these gains if weight creeps back.
Dehydration is a common, yet indirect, side effect of weight loss injections. The drugs dull appetite, and in doing so, they can also blunt thirst signals, so you should aim for two to three liters per day, sipping regularly, not just when thirsty.
Hydration is crucial for the body to function properly. It supports metabolism, digestion, and can reduce side effects like headaches, nausea and constipation. Increasing fibre slowly, and gentle exercise can help constipation, if needed, over-the-counter remedies are an option, but talk to a pharmacist if symptoms persist.
Timing your injections is also important. Weight loss injections need time to build up in your system. They don’t blunt your appetite immediately after injection. It usually takes a few days to start feeling a difference, and several weeks for the full effects to settle in. Inject your dose mid-week if you plan for a heavier weekend.
It is also vital to not starve yourself. If a person becomes extremely malnourished, their body goes into an emergency conservation state where their metabolism is slowed down to the extent that it will be harder to lose weight but easier to regain. The goal is not starvation, which can have negative effects on brain, bone, muscles and long-term health.
Going too long without food can cause your blood sugar to drop and that signals stress to the body, in response, your system releases cortisol, your primary stress hormone, which then tells your liver to release stored sugar into your bloodstream. This can lead to a blood sugar spike even though you haven’t eaten, which can lead to more cravings and so more weight gain.
It is essential to ensure your body is properly fueled. You can’t chase weight-loss treatments with burgers and expect miracles. Cut out sugary drinks and alcohol and focus on whole foods, lean proteins, fibre, and hydration. Protein, including lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and tofu, protects muscles while fibre – found in fruit, vegetables, and nuts – keeps you fuller, stabilises blood sugar, and supports gut health.
While fat jabs like Mounjaro and Wegovy have helped millions shift the pounds, experts warn many pile the weight back on once they stop. To stop the weight from bouncing back, remember you’re in control – you’ve built healthy habits, and they don’t vanish when the jabs stop. Forget phrases like “I’ve been bad” or “fallen off the wagon”. Focus on health and energy, not old-fashioned diet guilt.
Regular, balanced meals keep blood sugar steady and cravings away. Start your day with protein – eggs, yoghurt or salmon. It helps reduce hunger later and keeps you fuller for longer. Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil regulate appetite and make meals more satisfying. Keep processed snacks out of the house and stock up on healthy options.
Build the routine early so it’s already a habit. Strength training preserves muscle and burns more calories. Log your reps, runs or weights so it keeps you motivated and helps you push further. Even short sessions beat skipping altogether, try new sports or cardio, and support your lifestyle with good sleep, less booze and active habits.
Exercise helps maintain muscle mass during weight loss, improves insulin sensitivity, and boosts mood and metabolism. Just 30 minutes of walking a day can help the meds work better by lowering blood pressure and improving overall well-being. Exercising to preserve muscle mass can help shape your body as you lose weight, which may be crucial if you are experiencing excess skin.