Have you been thinking about using a weight loss injection, or do you know someone who is?
We know that weight loss may struggle, especially when we hit menopause for many reasons, including dysregulation of insulin and high-stress levels (King Cortisol and Queen Insulin remember?)
The use of these medications have been all over social media and in the news. The demand for these drugs has gone viral leading to shortages last year.
Originally designed and developed for the management of type 2 diabetes, the side effect of weight loss has meant it is now being used unlicensed for weight loss. But that said GPs may prescribe them if they believe there will be health benefits for the patient and if it is safe to do so.
They are available easily (maybe too easily) from many online pharmacies via filling in online prescriptions; these may not be properly checked, resulting in health risks, adverse side effects or contraindications with other medications.
Remember you may only see the good stuff portrayed on social media, a trimmer body, feeling happier, more confident maybe. What you may not see is the side effects, or what else the person is doing to maintain the weight loss.
Let’s dive deep into how these medications work:
Ozempic/Wegovy- Semaglutide
These medications are classed as semaglutides (Glucagon Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists- they mimic this hormone, which acts when food is eaten, telling the brain that the body is satiated, therefore you feel full.
and their mechanism of action (how they work) is by increasing insulin sensitivity so it can improve the regulation of blood glucose levels. The beneficial side effect is appetite suppression, so you don’t feel hungry/ feel full easily.
The licensed dosage for the treatment for type 2 diabetes is 0.25mg- 1.0mg,
The unlicensed dosage for weight loss is 0.25mg – 2.4mg – up to 2.4 x more than for the original use.
15-20% of weight loss has been reported over a year.
The medication also improves blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Sounds too good to be true?
Side effects include:
- nausea, vomiting
- diarrhoea
- gallstones
- reflux
- bloating
- constipation
- fatigue
- headaches
- hair loss
- hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetes.
Rare serious side effects:
- pancreatitis
- increased heart rate
There are certain health conditions that this medication doesn’t suit – so medical advice is paramount.
Mounjaro – Tirzepatide
This is dual action, it mimics GLP-1 as Ozempic but also mimics another peptide GIP (Glucose insulinotropic Peptide) which also enhances insulin sensitivity and, therefore, has an additive effect on feeling full and reducing hunger.
The maximum dosage is 15mg a week, slowly increased from 2.5mg over several weeks. There are more significant improvements in blood sugar management.
15-25% of weight loss has been reported over a year. This medication also improves blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improves cardiovascular disease risk for some people.
Side effects include:
As above for semaglutide medication.
but also
- dizziness
- drops in blood pressure (hypotension)
- depression and suicidal thoughts
rare serious side effects:
- pancreatitis
- thyroid tumours (found in animal studies, not human)
Weight gain once stopped is 14% of weight loss.
Again, note there are certain health conditions this medication doesn’t suit – so medical advice is paramount.
How to increase the effectiveness of these drugs and minimise weight regain:
There is no safety data for long-term use at maximum levels of both these drug types.
- Seek counselling or therapy for any eating disorders. Improve your relationship with food, to make healthier food choices.
- Exercise, get moving and look after your muscle tone and strength. You may lose muscle mass as well as fat mass.
- Feeling fuller may mean you eat less, which may lead to malnutrition. Enjoy nutrient-dense real foods
- Look after your liver (and bile) and detoxification resources. Rapid weight loss increases the chance of gallstones. Fat stores may also be stores of fat-soluble toxins and pollutants. The breakdown of fat may release these toxins into circulation. Sweat it out, drink plenty of fluids and eat food high in antioxidants.