Weight loss jabs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have been making big headlines—and it's easy to see why. Originally developed to support people with type 2 diabetes, these injections are now being widely used for weight loss. In fact, a recent survey found that 1 in 10 women in the UK are taking one of them.
But are they the magic fix they are made out to be? They are obviously a fantastic option for those struggling with obesity or Diabetes (which they were designed to treat), but beyond the headlines, what do we really know? Are they safe? What are the risks? What do you need to know if you're taking them?
Watch the video below or listen to the podcast (episode 165);
How Do Weight Loss Jabs Work?
Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, while Mounjaro also contains tirzepatide. These are part of a class of drugs that mimic hormones involved in appetite regulation.
- GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1): helps regulate blood sugar and slows stomach emptying, helping you feel fuller for longer.
- GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide): targeted by Mounjaro, works synergistically with GLP-1 for potentially stronger effects.
So they basically make you eat less, therefore helping you lose weight.
How Effective Are They?
Clinical trials have shown:
- Ozempic: Average weight loss of 10–15% when used consistently.
- Wegovy: Higher dose of semaglutide, with similar or slightly more weight loss than Ozempic.
- Mounjaro: after 18 months, studies show people losing up to 20% of their body weight.
However, studies show that most people REGAIN up to two-thirds of their lost weight within a year of stopping the medication if lifestyle changes aren’t in place.
Potential Side Effects & Risks
While these medications can be helpful tools, they aren’t without potential downsides;
1. Side Effects
Common side effects can include;
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Hair loss
Important: Mounjaro has also been linked with side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts in some cases. It’s vital to discuss this with your doctor, monitor mental health closely and seek support immediately if needed.
2. Nutrient Deficiencies
When you're eating less food, you can be at risk of not getting enough nutrients (including B vitamins, minerals, omega 3 fats etc). This can result in side effects such as :
- Fatigue, hair loss, mood swings, irregular periods/menstrual issues
- Joint pain, poor immunity, brain fog or tingling
- Hormonal imbalances and slower recovery
Because you're eating less, a nutrient dense diet becomes even more essential.
3. Muscle Loss
When you're in calorie deficit, the body will get energy from fat yes, but it will also break down muscle. Loss of muscle mass affects:
- Metabolism – muscle helps to regulate blood sugar and insulin
- Immune function – muscle reduces inflammation and supports immune defences
- Joints and bones – muscle helps you to stay mobile and strong
- Ageing – muscle slows age-related decline (more on this in my book Life After Menopause!)
- Long-term weight management
Without enough protein in your diet, and resistance training, your results may come at a cost to your strength and vitality (and make you age faster!).
4. Long-Term Health Risks
These are new medications, so we don't know the full long term risk profile yet, but early studies show potential health risks could include:
- Thyroid cancer (seen in animal studies)
- Pancreatitis – as seen in this study
- Gallbladder issues – as seen in this study
While risks are considered low at the moment, it's vital that you discuss them with your doctor in line with your health history.
5. Medication Interactions
Some people may not realise these medications could interact with other treatments, including:
- The contraceptive pill: absorption may be affected due to delayed gastric emptying
- Oral progesterone: may be less effective if digestion is altered. The British Menopause Society has advised discussing increasing your dose of progesterone if you're taking weight loss medication
- Other diabetes medications: potential for low blood sugar when combined
- SSRIs or antidepressants: may increase risk of mood-related side effects in some
How to Support Yourself If You're Using Weight Loss Jabs
To support your body, reduce the risk of side effects and longer term risk, AND get the best results:
1/ Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods:
- Prioritise protein at every meal to protect muscle mass
- Include healthy fats like avocado, nuts, olive oil, and oily fish
- Eat fibrous vegetables and whole foods for gut health and satiety – aim for 35g per day
- Avoid ultra-processed foods, which can trigger cravings and inflammation
- Add in gut healthy foods to support Short Chain Fatty Acids which help with appetite and GLP1 production
2/ Add in Strength Training:
- Lifting weights or bodyweight exercises 2–3 times a week helps preserve muscle, support metabolism, and improve long-term results.
3/ Address Underlying Drivers of Weight Gain:
Weight is complex and often impacted by:
- Stress – high and low cortisol
- Poor sleep or irregular sleep/wake cycle
- Lack of movement, being too sedentary
- Hormonal imbalances – including thyroid, insulin, cortisol, menopause
- Emotional eating patterns
Work on root causes, not just symptoms. Get tested if you can.
Can You Stimulate GLP-1 Naturally?
Yes! Your body can produce more GLP-1 naturally with the right support:
Diet:
- Protein and fibre: help to trigger GLP-1 release and improve satiety
- Healthy fats: help regulate blood sugar and appetite
- Avoid ultra-processed foods: these reduce GLP-1 and increase insulin resistance
- Support gut health – the gut produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which in turn stimulate GLP-1 production. Focus on:
- Fermented foods (like kefir, sauerkraut, yoghurt)
- Prebiotics (onions, leeks, garlic, bananas)
- Probiotics and polyphenols (berries, green tea, dark chocolate)
- Omega-3 fats (chia, flax, oily fish)
Movement:
Regular movement—especially brisk walking and strength training—can also naturally increase GLP-1 levels.
Supplements:
There's not a huge amount of research on supplements and GLP1, but taking the basic top 5 that I usually recommend, plus some promising nutrients for appetite and blood sugar management may help. These include;
- Berberine
- Curcumin
- N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
- Green tea extract
Contact us if you need advice on supplements, and as always, check with your doctor before taking any new supplements if you have a health condition or are taking medication.
Final Thoughts
Weight loss jabs are no doubt effective, but before deciding whether they are the right treatment for you, it's always wise to do your research and discuss your suitability with a medical professional. And watch out for ‘fake pens' being sold online without a prescription!
Whether you choose to use one of these medications or not, make sure you support your body with its basic needs – nourishment, exercise, sleep, balance and mindset shifts for the best results long term.
And if you'd like some support to lose weight (either on or off the jabs), do contact us for more info.