Slimming injections, such as semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic or Wegovy), have gained popularity for their promise of rapid weight loss. They work by reducing appetite and stabilizing blood sugar levels. However, before you jump on the bandwagon, it’s important to understand why these injections may not be the magic fix they appear to be.
Weight Regain Is Common
While slimming injections can deliver quick results, the weight often comes back once treatment stops. Research shows that many people regain much, if not all, of the weight they lost. For example, a study published in The Lancet found that around 70% of people who stopped taking semaglutide regained the weight within a year. The moment you stop taking the injections the hunger and cravings return, which can even be worse for long-term health than staying at a stable weight. These injections don’t address the root causes of weight gain—habits that need to be tackled for lasting change.
Side Effects Can Be Hard to Handle
Slimming injections come with a range of side effects, from mild issues like nausea and fatigue to more serious reactions such as gallbladder problems and increased heart rate. For instance, a woman on a weight loss forum shared her experience of severe nausea and dizziness after starting Wegovy, making it hard to continue the treatment. These side effects can make it tough to stick with the treatment, especially over time.
Expensive and Unsustainable
The cost of slimming injections can be hefty, often running into hundreds of pounds a month. For many, this makes them unsustainable in the long run. In the UK, the monthly cost of semaglutide can range from £150 to £250 depending on the provider. This means that many people may struggle to afford the injections long-term, leading to an abrupt stop and potential weight regain.
No Focus on Healthy Habits
These injections might help you shed pounds, but they don’t teach you how to keep them off. For example, someone who relies on slimming injections may lose weight quickly but doesn’t learn to balance their meals or find ways to cope with emotional eating. Lasting weight loss relies on building healthy habits—like balanced nutrition and regular exercise—that support long-term well-being. Relying on injections alone can foster a “quick-fix” mentality without encouraging the lifestyle changes that are essential for permanent success.
The Risk of Yo-Yo Dieting
Frequent cycles of losing and regaining weight (yo-yo dieting) can damage your health. It’s linked to an increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Plus, rapid weight means you lose muscle rather than fat which will slow down your metabolism, making it harder to shed weight in the future. Many people end up heavier than when they started. For example, a woman on a weight loss journey mentioned in an article that after stopping the injections, she not only regained her lost weight but also gained an additional 5kg—making the process even harder the second time around.
The Bottom Line
Slimming injections may work temporarily, but they’re not a sustainable answer for most people. While we don’t yet know the long-term effects, lasting weight loss requires addressing the real causes of overeating and inactivity. It’s about developing habits that promote long-term health, not just a quick fix.
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