Recently, semaglutide and similar weight loss injections have gained a lot of attention as a solution to shedding pounds. Initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, these injections are increasingly viewed as a safe and effective way to lose weight. They have also been championed by a large number of celebrities and public figures. The main weight loss injections available in the UK are Ozempic, Wegovy and Saxenda. In this post we explore what exactly weight loss injections are and how they work. We also ask whether they are truly a safe and effective way to lose weight.
What are Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss injections are a type of medical treatment designed to aid weight loss. They contain medication that influences the body’s metabolism or controls appetite, which encourages weight loss. The two best-known brands in the UK are Wegovy and Ozempic. They work by targeting hormones that affect your appetite and metabolism.
The most popular weight loss injectable at the moment is semaglutide. This is better known by the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is released after eating and it suppresses appetite. GLP-1 increases the feeling of fullness and slows down the rate at which food is digested. Another type of weight loss injection available in the UK is liraglutide. This is also known by the brand name Saxenda. Liraglutide works in a similar way to semaglutide to mimic the effects of GLP-1.
These injections are typically prescribed alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity. The aim is to use them as part of a comprehensive weight management programme. They are not a stand-alone solution for weight loss. Rather, they are an aid to help those who struggle with weight management despite diet and exercise.
How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?
As mentioned above, weight loss injections work by altering the body’s metabolism or appetite. In effect, they help curb hunger and reduce calorie intake. These medications also have an effect on insulin production and blood sugar regulation. This is why they can be beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutides like Wegovy and Ozempic, as well as liraglutides like Saxenda, mimic the effects of GLP-1. They bind to GLP-1 receptors found on cells in the pancreas, brain and other parts of the body. This triggers a series of signalling pathways in the pancreas, leading to the release of insulin and the suppression of glucagon. Insulin is a hormone that helps to lower blood sugar levels, whilst glucagon raises them. By suppressing glucagon and promoting insulin secretion, weight loss injections help to lower blood sugar levels, which in turn promotes weight loss.
These medicines also have a number of other effects that can help weight loss. They work on the brain to suppress appetite and increase the feeling of fullness after eating. They also slow down the rate at which you digest food, which further reduces appetite.
Do Weight Loss Injections Really Work & How Much Weight Can You Lose?
The amount of weight you can lose with weight loss injections does vary. It depends on a number of factors, including your individual body chemistry, your starting weight and how well you follow the treatment plan. The clinical trial data gives a useful picture of the average results.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases gives a useful benchmark. People who took weight loss injections lost an average of 5 to 10% of their body weight over a 6 to 12 month period. In clinical trials reported by Wegovy, participants lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight. That is roughly 35lbs over a 68-week period. In clinical studies of patients using Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, participants lost up to 14lbs over a 40-week period. Participants on Saxenda, on the other hand, lost an average of 9.2% of their body weight, or 21lbs, over a 56-week period.
It is important to note that these are just average results, and some people may lose more or less weight. Equally important is the fact that you need to continue using these injections to keep your results. This is because the appetite-suppressing effects are only present whilst you are using the injections. Additionally, the amount of weight you lose may not be the same as the amount you keep off. There is still ongoing research on long-term weight loss and the maintenance of results. That’s why it is important to continue making healthy lifestyle changes. These include eating a balanced, nutritious diet and exercising regularly to support your weight loss.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Weight Loss Injections?
Like any medication, weight loss injections come with many potential side effects. Some are transient and mild, whilst others may be severe and life-threatening. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting. These are usually mild and tend to subside over time as your body adjusts to the medication. More serious side effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney injury and an increased heart rate. These can lead to illness, hospitalisation or even death.
One particularly well-known cosmetic side effect is “Ozempic face”. Rapid fat loss can leave the face looking hollow or gaunt, with skin that appears saggier and more wrinkled. This is a consequence of losing a lot of weight rather than a direct drug effect. We cover how to prevent and treat it in our dedicated guides to Ozempic face and the rebound changes after stopping.
There can also be a psychological impact. Whilst not technically a side effect, some people find that they lose interest in food and the enjoyment of eating. This is because these injections work by suppressing appetite. For some, this unintended outcome can have a negative effect on their social life and wellbeing. It’s important to discuss all of these potential risks with your doctor before starting treatment. You should also contact them immediately if you experience any side effects once you begin.
Which Weight Loss Injections Are Approved in the UK?
There are several weight loss injections available in the UK. The original is semaglutide, sold under the brand name Ozempic. This is an injectable medication that is approved to manage type 2 diabetes. It also aids weight loss and effectively kicked off the weight loss injection trend. Ozempic is a once-weekly injection.
Whilst Ozempic is primarily approved for treating type 2 diabetes, both Wegovy and Saxenda were specifically approved for weight loss. Wegovy is also a once-weekly semaglutide injection. It is essentially a higher-dose version of Ozempic. The difference is that Wegovy has specific approval for weight management in people struggling with obesity or weight-related health conditions. Saxenda also has approval for weight management in obese and overweight adults in the UK. Like Wegovy and Ozempic, it is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. However, Saxenda is a liraglutide, which is a different class of drug, and it is a once-daily injection.
Where Can You Get Weight Loss Injections in the UK?
Weight loss injections are prescription-only medications in the UK. This means that you need to see a specialist doctor to start treatment. Your doctor will be able to assess your individual needs. They can then help you decide whether weight loss injections are right for you, and which (if any) is best. To do this they will need to take a detailed medical history and possibly examine you. They may also request blood tests or other diagnostics to ensure that weight loss injections are safe for you.
On the NHS: some weight loss injections may be available through the NHS, but this does depend on your individual circumstances. In general, the NHS may prescribe weight loss injections to people who meet a number of criteria, including:
- Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes.
- Having tried and failed to lose weight through other means, such as diet and exercise.
- Being willing to make lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to maintain weight loss.
The NHS will also consider other factors when deciding whether to prescribe, such as your age, past medical history and other medications you are taking.
At private clinics: in the UK, you can also get weight loss injections through private weight loss clinics. Private clinics often have more flexible criteria than the NHS, though they still have a duty of care and must prescribe responsibly. To ensure you are in the right hands, check that any clinic you use is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC regulates private weight loss clinics to ensure they deliver safe and effective treatments.
What Are the Controversies Around Weight Loss Injections?
Despite the proven effectiveness of semaglutide weight loss injections, they are not without controversy. Critics argue that these injections promote a ‘quick fix’ culture. There is a fear that they undermine the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity for healthy, sustainable weight loss. There is also concern that some private clinics are prescribing weight loss injections to people who are not overweight. This may then trigger or worsen eating disorders. Additionally, because these drugs are relatively new, we don’t yet know their long-term effects. This raises questions about the safety and benefit of long-term use. The concern is greatest for users who are not excessively overweight and who could lose weight through traditional methods.
Finally, there’s the issue of access and cost. Semaglutide weight loss injections, especially brand-name options like Saxenda, Wegovy and Ozempic, can be expensive. They are not routinely available on the NHS for weight loss, so you will most likely need to access them through a private clinic. Privately, weight loss injections can cost anything between £150 to 400 per month in the UK. This puts them out of reach for many people, particularly since you need to use them long-term to maintain the weight loss.
Weight loss injections such as semaglutide, liraglutide, Wegovy and Ozempic offer a promising aid in the battle against obesity and related health conditions. However, like any medical treatment, they come with potential risks and side effects. If you’re considering them, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive discussion with a specialist doctor about the potential benefits and risks. They can also guide you towards additional options for weight management. These include diet and lifestyle changes that you can use alongside or instead of medication.
Remember, whilst weight loss injections can be a useful tool, they are not a magic bullet. They can also have side effects as well as indirect consequences like facial ageing and hair loss. Sustainable weight loss and better health come from a combination of things, including a good diet, regular physical activity, enough sleep and stress management. In some cases, medication or surgery can also play an important part. Healthy lifestyle changes will help increase the benefit you get from any treatment, improve your overall health and help sustain the weight loss.
At City Skin Clinic, we don’t prescribe weight loss injections, but we can help with the skin and hair changes that sometimes follow rapid weight loss. We are passionate about personalised skincare, and our online clinic offers safe and effective treatments using ingredients like tretinoin and hydroquinone where appropriate. Our doctors treat skin conditions like skin ageing and hyperpigmentation, as well as hair loss, all via bespoke compounded treatments designed around you. To start your personalised plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin and hair starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional with any concerns about your skin, hair or treatment options.
