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Struggling to lose weight? Well, then just grab a weight loss injection and problem solved. Sounds almost too simple, right? Today, let’s take a closer look at how it actually works, what benefits it can bring, and what you definitely need to keep in mind.

How Do Weight Loss Injections Like Ozempic, Wegovy and Others Work?

Most of these injections contain active ingredients that affect the so-called GLP-1 system in the body. GLP-1 stands for "Glucagon-like Peptide-1" and is a hormone released in the gut, mainly after eating. It has several functions: It stimulates insulin release, while at the same time slowing down the release of glucagon (which raises blood sugar) and delaying stomach emptying. In the end, this helps keep blood sugar stable after meals and makes you feel full for longer.

Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda contain active substances such as semaglutide, tirzepatide, or liraglutide. These are synthetic GLP-1 analogs. They work similarly to the natural hormone but stay active in the body much longer. This not only improves blood sugar control but also reduces hunger. And when you feel less hungry, you naturally eat less (calorie deficit = weight loss).

From Diabetes Drug to Weight Loss Injection

Ozempic was originally developed as a medication for treating type 2 diabetes because it helps control blood sugar better and lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Weight loss was at first just a positive side effect. Many diabetes patients benefited from it since being overweight is often linked to the disease. Ozempic has been approved in the EU since 2018.

The big hype started around 2022 when the first celebrities openly talked about their "miracle" weight loss drugs. As expected, suddenly everyone wanted the medication, even people without diabetes or obesity.

That, of course, became a problem because the demand exploded and caused worldwide supply shortages. Diabetics who really needed Ozempic were left without the drug in many areas because it was increasingly prescribed off-label for weight loss.

Shortly after, Wegovy was approved. It’s basically the same as Ozempic, but officially for people with severe overweight or obesity. The active ingredient is the same, semaglutide. The only difference is in the dosage and the approved purpose.

The Benefits and Risks

If you’ve talked to your doctor and they consider this kind of medication sensible based on your body fat percentage, it can be a helpful addition. What’s important is that your fitness coach, personal trainer, or nutrition guru isn’t the right person to ask, but a specialist doctor.

The Benefits:

The active ingredient works in the brain on specific receptors that control the feeling of fullness. This means you feel less hungry and get full faster. As a result, you automatically eat less, which leads to a calorie deficit and therefore weight loss. Many report a noticeable drop in appetite, less snacking, or needing smaller portions. Realistically, you can expect around 15 to 20 percent weight loss if you use the medication consistently and under medical supervision. In addition, the drug improves heart health and naturally regulates blood sugar better (after all, that’s what it was originally developed for). A positive side effect many users mention is a mental boost and improved overall well-being.

Possible Risks:

There’s no effect without side effects, as the saying goes. Nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues are among the most common side effects, especially at the start of treatment. There is also, though rare, a serious risk of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. That’s why treatment should only take place under a doctor’s supervision, and if you experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, you should see a doctor immediately.

One aspect that is often overlooked is the risk of malnutrition. Since these injections significantly reduce appetite, it's easy to end up not getting enough essential nutrients. Because the "weight loss injection" is primarily aimed at fat loss, it's crucial to maintain a high-protein diet. Otherwise, you're not just losing fat, but also a significant amount of muscle mass. And that’s something nobody really wants. It's also important not to neglect fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods, to ensure your body continues to receive all the nutrients it needs.

And as if that weren’t enough, there’s also the cost, which can be extremely high. In many countries, prices can be several hundred to over a thousand euros per month if the medication isn’t covered by health insurance.

Weight Loss Therapy: How Long and What Then?

How long this kind of therapy is needed depends on your starting weight, individual metabolism, and your doctor’s assessment. One thing is certain: These medications are not quick fixes that you stop after a few weeks. Usually, treatment must be continued for many months or even years. If you’re considering this therapy, you should be aware that you will likely need regular injections, usually once a week. These are given subcutaneously, meaning into the fat tissue under the skin on your upper arm, belly, or thigh. The dose is usually increased step by step until a certain maintenance dose is reached.

Once you’ve reached your target weight and stop the therapy, your natural feeling of fullness returns. Your appetite increases again, and the lost weight can come back quickly if you’re not careful. Because one thing doesn’t change: If you eat more calories than you burn, you will inevitably gain weight.

That’s why this only works if you also change your eating habits. Without lifestyle changes, the injection alone won’t keep the results long term. Otherwise, you’ll be dependent on ongoing treatment. So why not start learning for free right now with my Nutrition Basics?

Why GLP-1 Supplements Are No Alternative

As expected, some supplement makers quickly jumped on the trend and launched so-called GLP-1 supplements. However, these don’t contain the pharmaceutical active ingredients found in prescription weight loss injections. Instead, they usually consist of a mix of plant extracts, fiber, vitamins, or minerals.

In most cases, these products are poorly dosed and overpriced, offering no real benefit for losing weight. Only the real, medically effective GLP-1 agonists show proven results - everything else is just wasted money.

Closing Words

If you want to hear my personal take on this topic: I actually think it’s good that something like this exists. Of course, as long as there are no shortages for diabetics and the medication isn’t abused, especially by people without a high body fat percentage. The side effects are usually manageable, but of course, everyone has to weigh that for themselves. If your doctor gives the green light, I’d say it’s better to use a helpful aid like this than to stay dangerously overweight any longer. We all know clearly that excess weight brings many health risks - heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, joint problems, cancer, and very often type 2 diabetes. And if you have that, you might need the medication anyway. So it makes sense to act early.

And when it comes to changing your diet, which you absolutely should do, I’m happy to help you out. 🙂

If you have any questions about training or nutrition, feel free to message me anytime. 🙂