Who Can’t Take GLP-1 Drugs?

14 May Who Can’t Take GLP-1 Drugs?

Posted at 13:57h in Weight Loss by

GLP-1s, drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have exploded in popularity, helping thousands lose weight. But as a weight loss nutritionist with over 20 years guiding clients to sustainable results, I urge caution – these injections aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and they can come with concerning side effects. In fact, certain health conditions make them downright dangerous. In this article we’ll explore who can’t take weight loss injections, and why. 

It’s important to always have an in-depth conversation with your prescribing doctor or nurse before considering them and be aware of the potential risks. 

If you’re looking for an natural, sustainable solution to long-term weight loss, we’re here to help. We invite you to book a complimentary call with a member of our team to learn more.

Here’s who shouldn’t take GLP-1 medications for weight loss…

PERSONAL OR FAMILY HISTORY OF MEDULLARY THYROID CARCINOMA (MTC)

People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) must avoid GLP-1 agonists entirely. These drugs carry FDA boxed warnings due to thyroid C-cell tumours observed in rodent studies, raising concerns for human risk. The mechanism involves GLP-1 receptors on thyroid cells, potentially promoting abnormal growth in those genetically predisposed. 

HISTORY OF PANCREATITIS

A past bout of pancreatitis rules out GLP-1 drugs. These medications can inflame the pancreas further by affecting digestive enzymes and gallbladder function, potentially triggering acute attacks. Research in JAMA confirms higher pancreatitis rates with GLP-1s compared to other therapies, making this a firm no-go for safety.

ALLERGY RISKS

Allergic reactions to semaglutide, tirzepatide or their ingredients also demand avoidance. Symptoms range from rash and itching to severe anaphylaxis, swelling or breathing issues. This stems from immune responses to the peptide structure, as detailed in drug prescribing information. Of course, it’s unlikely one would know that they were allergic to these medications prior to taking them, but if an allergic reaction occurs, medical attention should be sought urgently.

PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING

Pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot take GLP-1s – they’re FDA Pregnancy Category C with no adequate human safety data. Animal studies show foetal harm risks like growth restriction, and the drugs pass into breast milk, potentially affecting infants. Prescribers advise halting use two months pre-conception, aligning with UK NICE guidelines for fertility planning.

GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

Conditions like gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or bowel obstruction history contraindicate use. GLP-1s drastically slow gastric emptying, worsening nausea, vomiting and blockages. Studies report higher gastroparesis risk and bowel obstruction odds, explaining why these patients face hospitalisation threats and may be advised to avoid weight loss injections. 

SEVERE KIDNEY DISEASE 

Those with end-stage renal disease or acute kidney injury should avoid these medications. Dehydration from GI side effects strains kidneys further, and limited drug clearance heightens toxicity. 

HISTORY OF EATING DISORDERS

Individuals with anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating histories risk relapse. Appetite suppression can spiral into disordered patterns, overriding natural hunger cues. 

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY OR HYPOGLYCAEMIA RISK

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy may worsen due to rapid blood sugar drops. Pairing with insulin/sulfonylureas amplifies hypoglycaemia.

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO GLP-1S?

If GLP-1s are not an option for you, you can still achieve effective weight loss with alternative, natural interventions. I work with clients one on one, along with my team of qualified nutritionists, to find long-term solutions that are tailored to you. I have also just written a new book, The Nozempic Diet, a practical, eight pillar detailing how to lose weight effectively, without weight loss drugs.

WORK WITH US 

If you’re looking to lose weight, there really is no substitute for a holistic approach to weight loss. We can help you overcome your weight challenges, reach your ideal weight and maintain it long term. Book yourself in for a complimentary 25 mintue call or contact us and a member of our team will be in touch soon. We can talk through your challenges and explore whether one of our Intelligent Weight Loss programmes is right for you.

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LINDA ROBINSON

Linda is our Practice Coordinator, helping to keep the clinic running smoothly.

 

Originally from Texas, Linda completed her MBA at SDA Bocconi in Milan. Linda has worked as a Strategy Consultant across multiple industries globally in cities including Kyoto, Paris, Chicago and San Francisco. She developed an interest in nutrition whilst volunteering for an organisation that provides cooking and nutrition education to children and families.

Linda is now settled in London with her husband, two children, and her very bouncy, sociable dog.

JULIE GOUGH


Julie Gough is a BANT registered nutritionist and certified health coach specialising in weight loss and hormonal health. She works with clients to address issues such as PMS, thyroid disorders, weight gain, and menopause symptoms. 


Drawing from her own health journey, Julie provides personalised nutrition advice combined with mindset coaching. She takes a functional medicine ‘root cause’ approach to helping clients overcome their health and weight challenges. 


Julie is passionate about empowering women to take control of their health and regain their energy and wellbeing long term.


To enquire about working with Julie, please contact us.

AILSA HICHENS

 

Ailsa is one of our most experienced practitioners. She specialises in helping clients to lose weight, develop a healthy relationship with food and finally feel comfortable in their skin. Ailsa’s mission is for everyone she works with to enjoy the journey and that working with a nutritionist should not be a punishment, but your access to a new possibility.

 

Ailsa is not only an experienced weight loss nutritionist, she is also a skilled coach. She helps our clients overcome emotional eating, destructive habits and self-sabotaging behaviours that have prevented successful weight loss in the past. Ailsa has spent years in clinic working with clients who have experienced yo-yo dieting and have discovered that long term weight loss is not just about eating less until you can stand it no longer.

 

Working with Ailsa you will be comprehensively supported, not only in improving your nutrition and lifestyle, but also your eating habits and your relationship with food. When you work on all these elements together, the results can be truly astonishing.

 

To enquire about working with Ailsa, please contact us.

Test Nikki is our Practice Manager, managing our team of practitioners and heading up the day-to-day running of the business. Nikki is involved in the strategic development of our practice, coming from a strong business background in town planning. A Florida girl, Nikki relocated to the UK in 2014 with her husband and two children.

NIKKI ANDRIANI

Nikki is our Practice Manager, managing our team and heading up the day-to-day running of our clinic.

 

Coming from a background in town planning, Nikki is involved in the strategic development of our practice, continually ensuring we are delivering the very best service to our clients.


A Florida girl, Nikki relocated to the UK in 2014 where she lives with her husband, two children, and her rescue dog Skyy.

STÉPHANIE ACHAR

Stéphanie is a skilled nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner with additional training in eating disorders, disordered eating and obesity. She believes that working towards both physiological and mental health is key in achieving optimum wellbeing.

 

Stéphanie’s personal experience of emotional eating and the ongoing struggle to find the right support led her to combine the science of nutrition with behavioural coaching to motivate and empower her clients. She specialises in helping people who struggle with their weight and their relationship with food. She helps them develop a healthier and more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies.

 

To enquire about working with Stéphanie, please contact us.

INNA WEARN

Inna is passionate about supporting women on their journey to improved health and wellbeing. She believes that the solution to effective weight loss does not lie in ever more restrictive diets, but a more sophisticated approach that optimises health and vitality, as well as promoting effective weight loss.

 

Working with Inna you will benefit from her in-depth knowledge of female health and hormones. She will support you in developing a healthy diet, lifestyle and mindset that ensures you reach your ideal weight and maintain it in the years to come.

 

Inna is passionate about food with a wide repertoire of delicious healthy recipes and meal ideas to ensure your weight loss journey is as enjoyable as possible!

 

To enquire about working with Inna, please contact us.

ANIA MASON

 

Ania is a firm believer that improving your health and losing weight should be a positive, empowering journey, not one centred around deprivation.

 

After being diagnosed with two autoimmune conditions in her twenties, Ania spent several years educating herself on the power of food and nutrition. She put it all into practise and changed her diet and lifestyle, reversing her endometriosis and thyroid disease. After experiencing such a significant improvement in her health, Ania had a big desire to help others. She embarked on a four year journey to study nutrition, graduating from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition with distinction.

 

Ania specialises in autoimmunity and works with clients who have underlying health issues preventing successful weight loss. Her expertise enables her to successfully support our clients with conditions such as hypothyroidsm (underactive thyroid), PCOS and diabetes. 

 

To enquire about working with Ania, please contact us.

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