Let’s face it, weight loss is hard. Everyone can relate to wanting to lose weight. Dieting, fasting, shakes, herbal teas, surgeries, and medications are ways you may have tried to lose weight – but is there a better way?
Obesity has become a major public issue across the globe, increasing the risk of many chronic conditions and higher rates of death. With obesity still on the rise, pharmaceutical companies are in action with promises of weight loss solutions. Weight loss injections are the latest trend in the market. Are they safe to use and how to weight loss injections work? Our Dietitians discuss the pros and cons of weight loss injections.
What are weight loss injections?
Weight loss injections are a series of shots injected into the stomach. They often contain Semaglutide or Liraglutide. The injections work by suppressing your appetite and reducing your hunger to ensure you consume less calories. These injections are not a quick-fix or magical tool. Rather, they are intended to complement exercise and a healthy diet.
Some of the most popular weight loss injections are:
Are weight loss injections right for you?
Weight loss injections are suitable for individuals who have struggled with weight gain and fall into the overweight or obese category. Body mass index (BMI) has a big impact on whether weight loss injection is a suitable treatment for you or not. BMI is an accurate measure of percentage body fatness in the population. It screens for health risks of obesity. Weight-loss pharmacotherapy should only be considered for patients with a BMI >30 kg/m2, or those with a BMI of 27–30 kg/m2 with pre-existing obesity-related complications.
Ozempic
Ozempic is an effective medication in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, research has shown that significant weight loss was one of the side effects of Ozempic. Currently, GPs face a shortage in diabetes medication – Ozempic due to prescribing the drug for weight management.
How does Ozempic works?
Ozempic helps the pancreas produce more insulin when blood sugar is high and prevents the liver from releasing too much sugar. It suppresses the appetite and increases feeling of fullness by slowing stomach emptying.
Complications and safety:
The most common side effects of Ozempic are gastrointestinal including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation.
Ozempic can cause serious side effects including:
Thyroid cancer
Changes in vision
Inflammation of the pancreas
Low blood sugar
Allergic reactions
Kidney problems
Gallbladder problems
Cost:
Ozempic costs around $130 a month for approved diabetic patients via the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme.
Saxenda
Saxenda was originally used to control high blood sugar levels and was given as a diabetic injection. It currently is a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved drug to assist with weight loss.
How does Saxenda work?
The body naturally produces an appetite hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that helps to regulate hunger. Saxenda mimics GLP-1 by regulating appetite. It also slows down the process of digesting food in the stomach, so you feel full for much longer, which can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight.
Complications and safety:
The most common side effects are nausea, as well as vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation.
Saxenda can also cause serious side effects including:
Inflammation of the pancreas
Gallbladder problems
Increased risk of low blood sugar levels
Kidney failure
Allergic reactions
Depression and suicidal ideas
Cost:
Saxenda costs about $400 a month by private prescription. It's not subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
So, do weight loss injections work?
It is evident that weight loss injections promote weight management and health improvements. However, they are expensive and are not sustainable for long-term use.
Evidence suggests that as soon as you stop using the injections, you may experience rapid weight gain. Your appetite will bounce back and sometimes stronger than it was.
Rapid weight loss from taking weight loss injections like Ozempic and Saxenda can cause a decrease in muscle mass, lessen bone density, and lower your resting metabolic rate, leading to sarcopenia.
Discontinuation of weight loss injections is primarily due to gastrointestinal side effects and high costs.
Scheduling an appointment with a Dietitian is an important first step towards sustainable weight loss and a healthier, brighter future.
A holistic approach to weight loss
First-line obesity management should always be lifestyle interventions: improving your diet and getting more exercise, with the support of a multidisciplinary team. As this requires diligence and determination, it may often be difficult. At this time, you can consider a discussion with your doctor pharmaceutical options such as weight loss injections.
Weight loss injections are most effective when used as part of a holistic approach to weight management. In addition to medication, lifestyle changes and healthy diet play a crucial role in achieving and maintaining weight loss.
If you choose to proceed with a weight loss injection pathway, you will need support. Dietitians can work with you to develop a personalised diet plan that supports your weight loss goals and manage weight loss injections side effects. This typically involves a balanced healthy diet from the five food groups: grains, fruits, lean meats, milk and dairy products, and vegetables, ensuring that all your nutrients’ requirements are met. Adequate protein intake is vital to avoid muscle loss and maintain physical strength.
Regular physical activity is also essential for overall health and weight management. Regular activity combined with healthy diet can maximise your chances of long-term success.
To sum it up
Weight loss injections can be used for weight management. However, you must be cautious of side effects and complications related. You must also know that results are short term as there is high chance you regain all the weight.
OSCAR Care Group understands the challenges of losing weight and the impact it can have on your health and wellbeing. We offer personalised support to fit your lifestyle, unique needs, and preferences. Our comprehensive approach combines expert nutritional therapy and individualised dietary plans. We offer one-on-one sessions at our clinic.
Book your appointment now!