Weight loss medications have become a popular tool for individuals struggling to lose weight, particularly for those who have found traditional methods like diet and exercise challenging. Among the most promising options are GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs initially used for managing diabetes but now gaining attention for their effectiveness in promoting weight loss. These medications, such as Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), Wegovy (Semaglutide), and Saxenda (Liraglutide), work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in the gut called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite, improve satiety, and support fat metabolism.
But how exactly do these medications help with weight loss, and are they safe? In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind GLP-1 weight loss injections, how they work, their potential benefits and risks, and whether weight loss injections like Mounjaro could be the right solution for you.
Whether you’re considering weight loss medication as a part of your weight management strategy or simply curious about the options available, read on to discover how these breakthrough treatments can aid in achieving your weight loss goals.
What are weight loss medications, and how do they work?
The GLP-1s (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonists) are a class of drugs, that have been used for nearly twenty years in the management of diabetes. Published research in that time has shown the drugs to be safe and effective for weight loss, as well as diabetes. The drugs work by mimicking a naturally occurring gut hormone called GLP-1 and act on GLP-1 receptors in three ways to reduce appetite and increase fullness after eating.
These medications work in three main ways:
1. Brain: Increased satiety (Fullness)
GLP-1s act on the brain to reduced appetite and increase feelings of fullness. This helps to lower food intake, making it easier to control portion sizes and resist overeating.
2. Intestinal. Delayed stomach emptying:
These medications slow down the rate at which food leaves the stomach (gastric emptying). This extended feeling of fullness can help prevent spikes in blood sugar after meals, which is another trigger for hunger.
3. Hormonal: Enhance Insulin and suppress Glucagon release.
GLP-1 medication interferes with the gut hormones insulin and glucagon, helping regulate blood sugar levels. By increasing insulin and decreasing glucagon, these drugs not only help diabetics manage their blood sugar but also reduce hunger in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Mounjaro is known as a dual action medication, targeting GIP (Glucose-dependent insulinotrophic polypeptide) receptors as well as GLP-1 receptors. This dual-action improves fat metabolism, further aiding weight loss beyond what standard GLP-1 medications can achieve.
You can read more here: Understanding weight loss medications
Are weight loss injections safe?
The answer is not a straightforward one. It depends on the type of weight loss injection and your medical history. You should use these injections only under the supervision of a healthcare professional and after thoroughly considering your health history and any potential risks.
In the UK, all medications must go through a strict process to be licensed, which involves clinical trials where adverse events and side effects are reported and documented. This information is then listed in the patient information leaflet that accompanies every medication, including weight loss injections.
Always read the leaflet carefully to ensure you understand the side effects, and remember that no drug is completely risk-free. However, in the UK, every effort is made to ensure it is as safe as possible.
Like any medication, weight loss injections come with potential side effects and risks. These include nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea. There is also a potential for an increased risk of pancreatitis and gallstones in rare cases. Additionally, weight loss injections should not be seen as a “quick fix” for weight loss and should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and regular exercise. Without these, the weight lost is more likely to be muscle rather than fat. This can result in low energy, weakness and lowering of metabolic rate. However, the most recently licenced medication, Mounjaro, has been shown to result in greater fat loss vs muscle compared with Saxenda and Wegovy.
Before considering weight loss injections, it is important to consult with your doctor and discuss the potential benefits and risks. They will be able to provide guidance on whether weight loss injections are a safe and appropriate option for you.
Potential benefits of weight loss injections
Weight loss injections, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) have gained popularity as a possible solution for those struggling with obesity. These injections work by suppressing appetite, increasing metabolism, and aiding in weight loss.
One potential benefit of weight loss injections is their ability to promote significant and sustained weight loss. Clinical trials have shown that these injections, when used as prescribed, can lead to substantial weight loss of up to 22.5% of body weight in just a few months. This is especially beneficial for individuals who have tried other weight loss methods without success.
Furthermore, weight loss injections may also have positive effects on blood sugar control and overall cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that these injections can improve blood glucose levels, reduce insulin resistance, and lower the risk of developing diabetes or heart disease. Another advantage of weight loss injections is their convenience. Unlike other weight loss methods that require strict dieting or excessive exercise, you can easily administer these injections at home without making significant lifestyle changes. This makes them a convenient option for individuals with busy schedules or those who have difficulty adhering to traditional weight loss programs.
However, it is important to note that weight loss injections are not a magical solution. In the clinical trials mentioned above, patients had regular support from trained healthcare professionals such as dietitians and were encouraged to eat a well-balanced healthy diet and regular exercise. No clinical trials have been done where patients received no support. As such, weight loss injections should used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise for the best results. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss injection regimen to ensure it is safe and suitable for individual circumstances.
You can read more about the safety surrounding weight loss injections here: Are weight loss injections safe?
Are there any side effects to weight loss injections?
The medications are generally well tolerated, but they are not without side effects. The severity of the side-effects will not only vary from person to person but also with the specific medication and dose.
Gastrointestinal Issues:
- Nausea: This is the most common side effect, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. Nausea tends to improve over time as the body adjusts.
- Vomiting: In some cases, nausea can lead to vomiting.
- Diarrhea: Another common GI issue that may occur, particularly early in treatment.
- Constipation: Some people experience constipation instead of, or in addition to, diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain: Mild stomach pain or discomfort can occur.
- Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Some users experience indigestion, bloating, or gas.
Decreased Appetite:
Although this is the intended effect, it can sometimes result in too high a daily calorie reduction causing fatigue.
Injection-Site Reactions (for injectable forms):
Redness, itching, or mild pain at the injection site can occur, but these reactions are generally mild and temporary.
You can read more about the side effects to weight loss injections here: What are the side effects of weight loss injections?
Gastric Balloon vs Weight Loss Injections
Poor Weight Loss Results with the Gastric Balloon
But did it work, did patients lose weight? In our experience not very much. The research suggested that in the four months the balloon was in place, patients could lose 10% of their body weight, but we saw that infrequently, with balloons sometimes being expelled much sooner. In those patients that did lose weight it was difficult to know whether it was ‘proper’ weight loss, due to appetite control or caused by the side-effects of the balloon; nausea, reflux, retching and vomiting with patients literally unable to ‘stomach’ food.
The Rise of Weight Loss Injections as a Solution
But this blog isn’t just about the balloon failings, it’s about weight loss medication too. Three years on we have drugs on the market like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) which are much better tolerated with less side-effects, than the original GLP-1 drugs.
Studies have been published using Mounjaro, demonstrating an average of 20% total body weight loss in two years. Vastly superior to intra-gastric balloons and not far behind a sleeve gastrectomy, although unlike surgery, medication cannot provide permanent weight loss.
Cost Effectiveness – Balloon vs Weight Loss Injections
Lastly which is more cost-effective for patients, swallowable intra-gastric balloon or injections. As with all other considerations it’s a no-brainer in favour of medication. Mounjaro is so much more cost-effective.
For that price you can get medication with advice for the best part of two years and unlike the balloon, you can pay monthly. As I’ve already said, the decision intra-gastric balloon or injections, on every count is a no-brainer, Mounjaro wins hands down!
You can read more about the comparison between the gastric balloon and weight loss injections here: Gastric balloon vs weight loss injections. Is the balloon now obsolete?
Streamline’s weight loss medication programme
Unlike other providers of weight loss medication, Streamline is owned and led by a team of weight loss surgeons with decades of experience in the field, bringing a unique perspective to weight loss treatment. Our deep understanding of weight management and metabolic health allows us to offer the best possible care and weight loss solutions, one of them being our weight loss medication programme.
What is included in our weight loss medication programme?
- Breakthrough weight loss medication
- Access to our health app, to track and monitor your progress
- 1:1 coaching and support from our team of experts
- Eco friendly, insulated packaging
If you’re interested in finding out more and to see if you’re eligible, please follow the link below:
