top of page
Search

The Truth About Weight Loss Injections - The Magic Fix or a Temporary Solution?

Clare Bellini

Weight Loss drugs, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide were initially designed to help manage type 2 diabetes but have gained attention for their remarkable effects on weight loss. Let’s take a closer look at how they work and what you should know before considering them.


  • Semaglutide (Wegovy): Activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain, reducing feelings of hunger and increasing feelings of fullness. This lowers calorie intake and promotes weight loss.

  • Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): Mimics two natural hormones GLP-1 and GIP, to further suppress appetite and enhance weight loss.


Both drugs slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach, improve insulin sensitivity, and provide additional benefits for those with type 2 diabetes.


The Side Effects You Should Know

Before jumping in, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects:

·      Nause, vomiting, bloating, gastritis

·      Diarrhoea or constipation

·      Gallstones

·      Fatigue and headaches

·      Hair Loss

·      Hypoglycemia and diabetic retinopathy (in type 2 diabetes)

·      Dizziness, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation (with tirzepatide)

·      Pancreatitis

·      Increases heart rate

·      Thyroid tumours


Who Should Avoid These Medications?

These drugs may not be suitable for individuals with:

·      A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma

·      Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2

·      Severe gastrointestinal disorders


The Results: What Can You Expect?

Semaglutide (Wegovy)

  • Benefits: Improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

  • Weight Loss Results:

  • 90% of participants achieved over 5% body weight loss after six months.

  • Average weight loss: 15-20% of body weight over 68 weeks (with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise).

  • Weight Regain: Two-thirds of lost weight is typically regained after stopping the medication.


Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

  • Benefits: Significant HbA1c reduction and cardiovascular event risk reduction in those with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk.

  • Weight Loss Results:

  • 15-25% body weight loss in the first year (depending on dose).

  • Weight Regain: An average of 14% regained after stopping the medication.


How a Nutritional Therapist Can Help

If you’ve chosen to use weight loss injections, I’m here to support you—completely judgement-free. Together, we can:

  • Minimise side effects

  • Address potential nutrient deficiencies

  • Support your gut health and overall wellbeing

  • Build sustainable habits so your progress lasts, even after stopping the medication

 

The Natural Approach to Weight Loss

If injections aren’t for you, there’s good news! With the right strategies, you can naturally support your body’s ability to increase GLP-1 and GIP secretion to promote weight loss, blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular health avoiding the side effects and risks of medications.

  1. Eat protein-rich meals: eggs, lean meat, dairy products and plant-based proteins.

  2. Consume healthy fats: avocado, nuts, seeds, fatty fish and olive oil.

  3. Include soluble fibre: oats, lentils, chickpeas, fruit and vegetables.

  4. Regular physical activity: Combine aerobic exercise (walking, running, cycling) with resistance training (weightlifting).

  5. Hydration: Essential for gut health and overall wellbeing.

  6. Avoid meal skipping or overeating: Balance is key.

  7. Fermented foods and prebiotics: Yoghurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, garlic, and onions for a healthy microbiome.

  8. Limit alcohol and NSAIDs: Protect gut health.

  9. Avoid high-sugar processed foods: These impair natural hormone secretion and blood sugar control.

  10. Stress management: Chronic stress impacts hunger and appetite hormones—try mindfulness, yoga, or meditation.

  11. Targeted supplementation: To support GLP-1 and GIP production (with professional guidance).

 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re using weight loss injections or exploring natural strategies, long-term success is built on sustainable habits. If you’re ready to create a personalised plan that works for your body, lifestyle, and goals, let’s chat.



bottom of page