I’m not gonna lie, I must of been asked about a thousand times about my opinions on the ‘skinny jabs’, so I decided to do a bit more studying and put together a little blog to help people understand them better, how they work, pros and cons, and I’ve even included some Dietary and exercise Recommendations.

In the last few years, weight loss injections or ‘skinny jabs’ have become a very popular medical option for people struggling with obesity or weight-related health issues. Often referred by their brand names such as Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy and Mounjaro. If you didn’t know, these medications were originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes but have shown significant promise in promoting weight loss.

How Weight Loss Injections Work-
Most weight loss injections are GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone naturally released in the gut in response to food. These medications mimic GLP-1 and work by:

Suppressing appetite: They slow down stomach emptying and signal to the brain that you’re full, reducing hunger and food intake.

Stabilizing blood sugar: By enhancing insulin secretion and reducing glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), they help prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes.

Increasing satiety: Users often report feeling full sooner and for longer periods after meals.

Clinically proven weight loss: Many users experience significant reductions in body weight—up to 15% or more over several months.

Improved metabolic health: They often improve cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and insulin sensitivity.

Non-surgical option: Offers an alternative to bariatric surgery for individuals not ready or eligible for invasive procedures.

^^^ You can see why it’s been so popular and abused by so many people.

Anyhoo, it doesn’t come without a price.

Short term Side effects can include: nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. These can improve over time but not in all cases.

Cost and accessibility: These drugs can be expensive and may not be covered health service for non-diabetic patients.

Ongoing use may be necessary: Weight regain is common after stopping the medication unless lifestyle changes are maintained.

Not for everyone: They are not recommended for people with certain health conditions, like a history of medullary thyroid cancer or pancreatitis.

It is well documented that the long term effects of these drugs have not been studied for long enough, but some known studies have shown…

Gastrointestinal Issues:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, and gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) are common. 

Pancreatitis:
Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be serious and potentially lead to pancreatic cancer in chronic cases. 

Gallbladder Problems:
Ozempic has been linked to an increased risk of gallstones and gallbladder problems. 

Thyroid C-Cell Tumors:
Studies in animals have shown a link between Ozempic and thyroid tumors, though the risk in humans is still being investigated. 

Diabetic Retinopathy Complications:
Fast improvements in blood sugar control, which Ozempic can cause, may worsen diabetic retinopathy in some individuals with a history of the condition. 

Other Potential Risks:
Reduced muscle function, electrolyte disturbances, reduced kidney function, colon malfunctioning, increased risk of infection, depression, and anxiety have also been reported. 

Cardiovascular Concerns:
Some users have reported heart palpitations, chest pain, and other cardiac-related issues. 

It might sound bleak but I’m sure just like many other medications and treatments, they all come packaged with their own risks and disadvantages. Weighing up the risks is down to the individual and medical advise would always be recommended.

As a fitness professional for over 20 years I have my own opinion and I’ve been asked on multiple occasions for advise.

The number one question I would ask anyone considering taking them?…

Is there a legitimate health reason why you need to take them? and do you really need to take the risks involved?

Over the years I’ve seen hundreds if not thousands of members of the public that just want that quick fix…

I mean, if there was any easy way to do something, I think the majority of people would try it, right?

The problem I have?

Get this, just like all the faddy diets and quick gimmics over the years…

They ALL work

The main problem you face, is how sustainable are the results after the program has finished?

And what metabolic damage are you doing to your body in the process?

I mean, how many times have folk followed a quick fix plan, had amazing results then put ALL the weigh back on? (and in most cases I’ve seen, a little extra too)

Just remember, the injections suppress your appetite…

When it’s out of your system, that appetite comes flooding back like a tidal wave.

It’s actually a bit like myself taking a course of steroids, I get huge, look really good and perform better…

But as soon as stop, I go gradually go back to the way I was. That’s because its un natural. I’d have to continuously take them to maintain.

You might be thinking I’m dead against the ‘skinny jabs’ by now?

Not entirely

I’ve done my own research over the last 12 month and I’ve seen some folk completely transform their life.

There is people out their that actually have issues with their hormones and without advances in medication like this, they would be in much worse health conditions.

Being morbidly obese comes with its own health factors. Heart conditions, high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes.

Obesity actually puts the biggest strain on our NHS more than anything else. So I can totally see why doctors are prescribing the injections. It must be way cheaper than weight loss surgery, gastric bands and bypasses etc. People just need to make sure to learn more, do your own study and get support from a professional.

Finishing on a positive…

For those that do choose this route in their weight loss journey, here is some helpful pointers to include…

Best Diet to Follow While on Weight Loss Injections:

Although the medications reduce hunger, a thoughtful eating plan maximizes their effectiveness and minimizes side effects

Prioritize protein: Aim for lean sources like chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, and legumes to preserve muscle mass and promote satiety.

Remember, when your body is in a calorie deficit, your body is in what we call a catabolic state. This means it is cannibalising itself in search of fuel. Your body will search out any stored glycogen, break down and use body fat but also eats away your muscle in search of amino acids. (Not good).

^^^this happens with all diets providing a calorie deficit by the way!

So, here is some top tips to minimize the damage and provide more sustained long term results

Include fiber-rich foods: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in the diet help maintain digestion and reduce constipation. This also provides a lot of micronutrients (vitamins,  minerals etc) to keep your immune system functioning at its best, improve detoxification and avoid any deficiencies.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen side effects when on these drugs; aim for at least 3 litres of water daily.

Eat a higher protein, lower carb diet: This helps control appetite, blood sugars and energy levels better. Higher protein will also minimize muscle wastage during calorie deficit.

Limit processed foods: High-fat and high-sugar foods can be harder to digest and may increase nausea. They also contain less nutrients. Plus, ultra processed food has been linked to all sorts of other problems too. (More on this another time).

Eat small, frequent meals: Smaller portions spread throughout the day can help manage nausea and prevent overeating.

Avoid alcohol initially: It may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms and interfere with blood sugar stability.

Exercise and Prioritize strength training: this helps to build and preserve muscle mass, boost metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, mental health and MUCH more.

Take a high quality Multivitamin and mineral: This will minimize the risk of deficiencies and improve detoxification. This is mega important when losing weight as toxins are released from fat cells and the Liver has to work harder.

Final Thoughts
Weight loss injections can be powerful tools for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight for those that require medical intervention. Combining it with a balanced diet, regular physical activity and creating healthy habits is they key to maintain it. They are not a standalone solution. For sustainable results, it’s important to work with a healthcare professional to monitor progress, manage side effects, and adjust your treatment plan over time.

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