17 Jul What Are The Side Effects of Ozempic & Wegovy?

Weight loss injections are a hot topic of conversation right now. With claims of rapid weight loss with minimal effort and no need for exercise or following a specific diet, injections like Ozempic have captured the attention of many individuals struggling with their weight. However, as with any popular trend, it’s important to take a closer look at the science behind these medications. Are they truly an effective, safe, and sustainable weight loss treatment? Here, we explore whether weight loss injections are safe, and what the side effects of Ozempic and other popular weight loss jabs are.

We are a team of qualified, experienced nutritionists who specialise in weight loss. If you’d like to find out how we can help you overcome your weight challenges naturally, achieve your desired weight and maintain it long term, we invite you to book a complimentary call with a member of our team to learn more.

ARE WEIGHT LOSS INJECTIONS SAFE?

As with any medication, it’s important to remember that these injections carry risks. Prescription drugs are the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer in the United States and Europe.

The safety of weight loss injections will depend on a number of factors. These include the specific medication, the dosage, your unique health status and proper administration and monitoring by a healthcare professional.

The bottom line? Weight loss injections are not guaranteed to be safe. If you decide to take them, it’s important to know the risks you’re taking. So what are the potential side effects?

WHAT ARE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF WEIGHT LOSS JABS?

The most common side effects people experience are varying types of gastrointestinal distress. Below we’ll outline the most common side effects listed for each of these medications.

OZEMPIC SIDE EFFECTS

The most common side effects of the Ozempic weight loss injection are:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach (abdominal) pain
• Vomiting
• Constipation

SAXENDA SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects of the Saxenda weight loss injection include:

• Heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Increased heart rate
• Increased risk of gallstones
• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
• Lightheadedness
• Feeling of intense hunger
• Feeling sick and shaky

WEGOVY SIDE EFFECTS

The most common side effects of the Wegovy weight loss injection are: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Fatigue 
• Headaches
• Feeling lightheaded
• Excess wind (flatulence)
• Development of gallstones
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Injection site reactions
• Hair loss and hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes

While these side effects are undoubtedly unpleasant, most of them are likely to resolve themselves in a few days after an individual stops taking their medication. However, there are more serious side effects to be aware of too.

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS OF WEIGHT LOSS INJECTIONS

Manufacturers websites also state that in rare cases, there can be serious side effects of their weight loss injections, such as pancreatitis or anaphylaxis. They may also cause cancer. Wegovy’s website states: “Wegovy™ may cause serious side effects, including: Possible thyroid tumours, including cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Wegovy™ and medicines that work like Wegovy™ caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Wegovy™ will cause thyroid tumours or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma in people.“

When speaking to your doctor about weight loss injections, make sure they discuss the potential side effects with you in detail. You can also find side effects listed on the manufacturers website and on onlinedoctor.boots.com.

It is virtually impossible to predict whether you’re likely to experience side effects or not. Only you can make the decision as to whether it’s worth taking the risk.

On the other hand, a personalised weight loss plan from a qualified nutritionist comes only with positive side effects. You’ll not only lose weight. You’ll likely also experience better energy, a clearer head, improved digestion and better health long term.

‘AFTER ONE DOSE I REALISED I’D MADE A TERRIBLE MISTAKE’

An anonymous 28-year-old woman from Manchester has spoken about her experience using a popular weight loss injection to the Daily Mail. She said: “I’d heard about these jabs through social media and thought they sounded like a miracle cure. I was desperate to lose weight for my holiday, so I ordered them online without really thinking about it…At first, I was thrilled. I lost 10lb in just two weeks. But then the side-effects kicked in. I was constantly nauseous and had terrible stomach cramps. I could barely eat anything.” ‘She continued: “I ended up in hospital because I was so dehydrated. It was terrifying. I realised I’d made a terrible mistake…I wish I’d never touched those jabs. It’s just not worth the risk. I’ve learned the hard way that there are no quick fixes when it comes to weight loss.” Read the full article here.

`THE MOST COMMON WEIGHT LOSS INJECTION SIDE EFFECTS: IN MORE DETAIL

NAUSEA

Weight loss injections like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda) commonly cause nausea, which can be severe for some patients. Nausea typically occurs early in treatment and may improve over time, but can lead to patients stopping their course of treatment early. Strategies to manage nausea include starting at a low dose and gradually increasing, staying hydrated, and taking the injection with food. Working with a qualified nutritionist to establish a nutritionally optimal diet that complements your treatment can help to reduce side effects like nausea.

VOMITING AND DIARRHOEA

Alongisde nausea, other gastroenterological symptoms are common with weight loss injections. To manage vomiting, stay hydrated, avoid oily and deep fried foods, and try ginger or peppermint tea. For diarrhoea, over-the-counter medications like loperamide can help. It’s also important to maintain your fluid and electrolyte balance, keep drinking water and use rehydration salts if needed. We recommend replenishing filtered water with Elete electrolyte drops. If severe or persistent, you should always inform your healthcare provider.

FATIGUE

Ozempic and other weight loss jabs commonly cause fatigue as a side effect. This can be one of the more difficult side effects to overcome, especially early in treatment. To manage fatigue, prioritise sleep ensuring you get eight hours a night. Stay hydrated and try light exercise during the first half of the day if possible. Fatigue can be worsened by common nutrient deficiencies like low iron, vitamin D and vitamin B12. Health conditions such as underactive thyroid can also cause fatigue. You may wish to run blood tests to ensure nutrient deficiencies or hypothyroidism aren’t worsening your tiredness. You can request blood tests from your doctor or contact us to find out how we can help. Fatigue may improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.

DOES OZEMPIC AFFECT MENTAL HEALTH?

Weight loss injections like semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) have been associated with potential psychological side effects, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts or ideation, with the FDA’s adverse event reporting system has received 489 reports of patients experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts. While Wegovy’s label warns about the risk of suicidal thoughts, Ozempic’s label does not. Case reports have documented instances of depression occurring or recurring around one month after starting semaglutide treatment, with improvement after discontinuation.The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and UK’s drug regulator are investigating the potential link between GLP-1 drugs and mental health issues. The FDA is monitoring the situation but has not opened a formal investigation. Higher doses of semaglutide in Wegovy compared to Ozempic may contribute to more reported mental health effects.

Gastrointestinal side effects discussed above like nausea, vomiting, and dehydration could potentially trigger or worsen mental health issues and patients with pre-existing mental health conditions may be more susceptible to adverse psychological effects. Significant weight loss itself has the potential to play a role in mental health changes. Those who suffer with mental health issues should seek professional advise before using weight loss injections.

DO THE SIDE EFFECTS IMPACT ON SUCCESS RATE?

A recent study looked at the impact of weight loss jab side effects on its success rate. It found that over 30% of patients discontinued GLP-1 treatment within four weeks, before reaching the target dose. Younger patients (18-34) were more likely to drop out early, while those treated by specialists or with frequent provider visits were more likely to persist for 12 weeks, though nearly 60% quit after three months, too.

WHAT IS ‘OZEMPIC FACE’?

‘Ozempic face’ is a widely reported cosmetic side effects of these medications. It refers to the sagging, gaunt appearance of the facial skin that can occur as a side effect of rapid weight loss from using Ozempic. As well as losing body fat, loss of facial fat is also likely to occur. As the facial fat compartments deflate and volume is lost, this can result in the skin appearing more wrinkled and aged.

So what can you do to help prevent Ozempic face? To preserve skin structure and integrity it’s important to consume optimal amounts of protein while using these medications. Our skin is made from collagen and elastin which are proteins and rely on us consuming enough protein in our diet to maintain them. Read more about how to meet your body’s protein requirements in our article: Perfecting Your Protein Intake.

Dermal fillers are a common treatment to restore facial volume and smooth the appearance. However, it’s important to find a reputable medical practitioner who can ensure you achieve natural results.

BORIS JOHNSON AND THE WEIGHT LOSS INJECTION

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke of having to come off the weight loss injection because of side effects. Writing in his Daily Mail column he shared his experiences using the jab. He wrote that despite initial positive results (‘For weeks I jabbed my stomach, and for weeks it worked’) he was forced to stop taking the medication. He wrote: “I must have been losing four or five pounds a week — maybe more — when all at once it started to go wrong. I don’t know why, exactly. Maybe it was something to do with constantly flying around the world, and changing time zones, but I started to dread the injections, because they were making me feel ill.’“

WHICH OTHER CELEBRITIES HAVE USED WEIGHT LOSS INJECTIONS?

Several celebrities have spoken publicly about using weight loss injections such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Sharon Osbourne has highlighted positives and negatives from the drug, saying: “I don’t regret it. Everything with weight with me was, ‘I want it now.'” However, she also said: “I’m too gaunt, and I can’t put any weight on. I want to because I feel I’m too skinny.” Meanwhile, Stephen Fry also shared his experience, saying: “I threw up five times a day” while using Ozempic. Whoopi Goldberg and Rob Lowe have also discussed using similar weight loss medications.

DO WEIGHT LOSS INJECTIONS CAUSE HAIR LOSS?

People have reported losing their hair after taking weight loss jabs. Hair loss isn’t listed as a side effect of taking the most popular weight loss injection, semaglutide. However, in clinical trials 3% of people reported hair loss.

Another diabetes injection used for weight loss, Tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Mounjaro, has also 6% of patients taking a higher dose reported alopecia.

The longer these medications are used for, the more we become aware of their potential side effects and just how many people they’re likely to affect.

CAN WHAT YOU EAT REDUCE THE RISK OF SIDE EFFECTS?

What you eat when using Ozempic and other GLP1 injections can have an impact on the side effects you experience. We put together a detailed article outlining what foods to eat, and what to avoid, to get the best results from Ozempic and reduce the risk of side effects. Read more: What’s The Best Diet When You’re On Ozempic?

WHAT IS THE SAFEST WEIGHT LOSS JAB?

No weight loss injection is risk-free. It’s difficult to determine the safest weight loss injection as each medication carries its own set of potential risks. The safety of each medication can depend on individual health factors and proper administration. If you do decide to start treatment, it’s very important that you do so under the close monitoring of an experienced medical professional. It’s important to remember that, unless lifestyle changes are made, weight will likely be regained once injections are discontinued. For this reason, we strongly recommend seeking out the support of a qualified, experienced weight loss expert who can guide you around making the nutrition and lifestyle changes required for long term weight loss.

WHAT IS THE SAFEST WEIGHT LOSS METHOD?

In our opinion, the safest and most effective weight loss method is a nutritionally optimial diet that has been tailored to your unique needs, goals and lifestyle. Optimising your nutrition will not only help you lose weight. It will aid and support your wider health, wellbeing, energy levels, sleep quality and much more.

It’s also important to address the factors that led to your weight gain in the first place. Common reasons why clients who come to see us have struggled in the past include lack of clarity as to the best ‘diet’ for them, an underlying health issue, lack of self prioritisation or a dysfunctional relationship with food and eating (including non-hunger or emotional eating).

We work with our clients to ensure they overcome their weight challenges and establish healthy habits as part achieve their lifestyle so that they can achieve their goal weight and maintain it long term. This is what’s required for safe, effective and long term weight loss.

HOW CAN YOU SAFELY LOSE WEIGHT WITHOUT AN INJECTION?

The key to successful, long term weight loss is overcoming the challenges that led you to weight gain in the first place. Our Intelligent Weight Loss Method is designed to help you overcome your weight challenges and achieve your desired weight in a healthy and sustainable way.

Our programmes include ongoing support and accountability through regular check-ins with your dedicated nutritionist. We take a comprehensive and personalised approach to weight loss that focuses on sustainable lifestyle changes and individualised recommendations for optimal success.

We are a team of qualified nutritionists who specialise in weight loss. If you’re ready to overcome your weight challenges, achieve your goal weight and maintain it long term, we can help. You can use this link to book in for a complimentary call. This is an opportunity to talk through your challenges with a member of our team and decide together whether one of our Intelligent Weight Loss programmes is right for you. Or contact us to request a copy of our brochure and we will get back to you soon.

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