How weight loss injections help you to lose weight

There are various different methods available to lose weight effectively. Diet and exercising are still the go-to options. However, what if you have tried going down this route without success? Maybe that increased physical activity has caused injury setbacks? Perhaps you have tested other weight loss tactics in an attempt to battle the bulge?

In this case, there’s another choice available that is gaining traction: weight loss injections.

What are weight loss injections?

Weight loss injections have emerged as a modern tool in the fight against obesity. This weight loss treatment typically contains active substances that are designed to help reduce body weight in various ways. There are two popular options currently available in the UK: Wegovy and Ozempic. These work on the same basis – they mimic naturally occurring hormones that control appetite and, therefore, how much food we want to eat – tricking the body into thinking it’s full. The result: a feeling of fullness and reduced calorie consumption.

Safe and effective, the positive impact of these injections can go beyond weight loss. They are effective in improving various metabolic parameters like blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure. That means if you are also dealing with obesity-related complications such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease, the positives of losing weight can be multiplied.

Just remember that these injections are not a magic solution. They are most effective when used alongside positive lifestyle changes. There are also common side effects to keep in mind, which means use should be supervised by a healthcare professional. They will also be able to help you decide on the best weight loss treatment for your situation.

Overall, weight loss injections represent a promising option for fighting against obesity treatment. People lost 14.9% of their body weight on average during clinical trials when using injection treatment with Wegovy. Due to this, it offers a new hope for those struggling with weight management.

How do weight loss injections work?

In general, weight loss injections work by targeting the body’s natural appetite control mechanisms to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness. These injections typically contain a key component: a medication class known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.

GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in the gut after eating. It plays a key role in signalling to the brain to reduce appetite and food intake. When administered through injections, GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the action of said hormone. Because of this, food remains in the stomach longer, and this contributes to a feeling of fullness.

The ways weight loss injections help

You likely already have a clear idea about how weight loss injections work. To paint an even clearer picture, here are the main ways they help with lowering body weight:

• Appetite suppression: As weight loss injections mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone, they signal to the brain to feel fuller with less food. This assists with reducing calorie intake, as injection users find themselves less inclined to overeat or snack excessively.
• Slowing gastric emptying: Weight loss injections help to slow down the rate at which the stomach empties its contents into the intestine. This may not sound pleasant on the surface, but this prolonged gastric emptying process results in a longer sensation of fullness after meals. This reduces the urge to eat more frequently, aiding in gradual, sustained weight loss.
• Improved blood sugar control: Many weight loss injections improve glycaemic control. Better blood sugar regulation can help to reduce cravings, especially for sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods – supporting weight loss efforts in the process. This is also particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
• Impact on fat metabolism: Some weight loss injections influence the way the body metabolises fat. They can potentially enhance fat burning or alter fat storage, although the exact mechanisms – along with the extent of this impact – can vary. A metabolic shift can aid in reducing the user’s body fat percentage.

How to get weight loss injections

You have seen the benefits. Now, you might be wondering how to obtain weight loss injections. Ultimately, you cannot simply go to a shop and purchase them over the counter. This is because they are prescription-only medications for UK residents. Due to this, your individual needs have to be assessed before it is decided if weight loss injections are the right path to take – or if other weight management services are better suited to your requirements.

As obesity and concurrent health problems are a national problem, you can get some medication and injections for weight loss on the NHS rather than going privately. However, you have to meet certain criteria to be approved. One of these criteria is having a high body mass index – this means a BMI of 30 or higher. Alternatively, this could be a 27 or higher BMI alongside a weight-related medical condition. Additionally, you must be willing to make positive lifestyle changes alongside these injections, such as opting for a reduced calorie diet and exercise.

Of course, you don’t have to necessarily go through the NHS. You can even get weight loss injections online. At Click Pharmacy, we prescribe Wegovy injection treatments to those who pass our short medical assessment.

Weight loss injections side effects

As you would expect with any type of medication, there are potential side effects when using weight loss injections. As with any medication, these should be carefully judged against the potential benefits, and the taker should always be on the alert to identify symptoms of side effects in themselves and talk to a doctor if necessary.   

Common side effects of these medicines are often digestive – such as constipation or diarrhoea and feeling sick or vomiting. These are generally not too challenging. Plus, once the body has adjusted to the weight loss injection medication, the negative effects typically subside over time. In rarer cases, it can contribute to serious issues like gallbladder disease and an increased heart rate.

Along with ensuring you stick with UK-approved weight loss injections, it is important you consult with a medical professional before taking this medication.

Conclusion

As a relatively modern specialist weight management service, it is understandable to be a little sceptical about the effectiveness of weight loss injections. After all, many weight loss fads have come and gone in recent years. However, these injections have demonstrated they are an effective, proven option for dropping the pounds. When combined with exercise and low-calorie diets, weight loss injections can make a notable contribution to your efforts.