16 Sep Do Weight Loss Injections Like Mounjaro Really Work?
Weight loss injections including Wegovy and Mounjaro have been for sale from high street chemists (with a private prescription) for two years now. This started in 2022 with news of the ‘game-changing weight loss injection‘ that was to be offered on the NHS. It seemed too good to be true. Could a simple injection be all you need to get your weight challenges under control?
In the last few years, our weight loss clinic has been inundated with calls from people asking if we offer “diet injections” or the “skinny jab”. More recently, they’ve asked for Mounjaro and Wegovy by name. No doubt as a result of extensive media coverage, or even knowing people who are taking the injections. Newspapers and magazines have reported that celebrities like Elon Musk and Kim Kardashian have lost weight using Ozempic, the same drug as Wegovy, and recently Serena Williams even fronted an advert for a weight loss jab. So, do weight loss injections really work? And should you consider getting one? Here’s what you need to know about the weight loss injections everyone’s talking about.
If you’d like to find out how we can help you overcome your weight challenges naturally, achieve your desired weight and maintain it long term, we invite you to book a complimentary call with a member of our team to learn more.
WHAT IS THE WEIGHT LOSS INJECTION?
Let’s start by looking at what’s actually in the syringe. Both of the most popular weight loss medications in the UK, Wegovy and Mounjaro, are brand names for the drug Semaglutide. The difference between Wegovy and Ozempic, which is the biggest brand in the US, is the dose. Wegovy is available up to 2.4mg whereas Ozempic is available up to 1mg.
Semaglutide is a medication originally used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs work by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the body.
HOW DO MOUNJARO AND WEGOVY WORK?
Semaglutide works by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. This helps to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
When it comes to losing weight, GLP-1 agonists can promote weight loss in a number of ways. One of the main ways is by reducing appetite. These drugs act on receptors in the brain that control hunger and satiety. This leads to an increased feeling of fullness and reduced appetite.
GLP-1 agonists also slow down the emptying of the stomach. This can help people feel fuller for longer after eating and reduce the urge to eat again soon after a meal.
Finally, GLP-1 agonists have been shown to boost the metabolism and increase energy expenditure. There are currently five GLP-1 receptor agonists currently available in the UK according to NICE.
A new study suggests that Ozempic may work differently than previously thought. Researchers now think it also impacts users’ metabolism. The study, led by Professor Donal O’Shea, involved 30 people with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea taking glucagon-like peptide 1 analogs. Participants experienced weight loss and increased metabolism, with those having a sluggish metabolism at the start benefiting the most.
SO, WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
We have two primary concerns about this weight loss injection, both of which we’ll go on to discuss in more detail: Firstly, an injection alone does nothing to get to the root cause of why people have gained weight. Not tackling the root cause is highly likely to result in weight regain. Secondly, the list of potential side effects are concerning.
WEIGHT LOSS INJECTION SIDE EFFECTS
Not only do weight loss injections do little to ensure long term weight loss, they also come with some concerning side effects.
Common side effects listed on the Wegovy’s website include: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, gas, stomach flu, heartburn.
So far, unpleasant, but not life threatening. However, we then come on to the more serious concerns. We have lifted the following text directly from Wegovy’s website:
‘Wegovy™ may cause serious side effects, including: Possible thyroid tumours, including cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Wegovy™ and medicines that work like Wegovy™ caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Wegovy™ will cause thyroid tumours or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma in people.’ A simple interpretation: rodents who were given these medications got cancer. You might too but we don’t actually know for sure. A full list of side effects can be found here.
This is from the Mounjaro website: ‘Mounjaro may cause tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Watch for possible symptoms, such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your healthcare provider.’
Read our post on the side effects of weight loss injections here.
Recent research shows that around 30% of people discontinue taking the weight loss drugs Wegovy and Saxenda before reaching their target dose, potentially due to the side effects, with over half quitting within 12 weeks. Younger adults and those with higher barriers to care were least likely to adhere to the regimen.
WILL YOU PUT THE WEIGHT BACK ON AFTER TAKING MOUNJARO OR WEGOVY?
If you’re willing to risk those sorts of side effects, you’d be hoping for a long term solution. Sadly though, the chances are you will regain weight after using these jabs. Especially if you don’t tackle the underlying issues that caused your weight gain in the first place.
GLP1 agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda have only having been made widely available for weight loss relatively recently. Despite this, there are already numerous reports of people regaining weight after coming off the drugs. Novo Nordisk are the makers of Wegovy and Ozempic. The company’s senior vice president of global drug discovery, Karin Conde-Knape, has said that people have to keep taking their drug to keep the weight off. CNBC reported that Conde-Knape said some individuals may actually gain more weight after stopping these drugs than they initially lost.
Individuals such as TikTok creator Remi Bader have spoken openly about their weight regain after using Ozempic. Remi claims that she “gained double the weight back” and shared that coming off the drug made her binge eating “so much worse”.
THE RISE OF FAKE OZEMPIC
Aside from the side effects and long-term impact of Ozempic, there are other risks around the rise of fake weight-loss injections. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert about fake Ozempic. Counterfeit versions of the drug, which contains semaglutide, have been seized in the UK, US, and Brazil. The WHO warns that these fake medications may not contain the active ingredient or, even worse, could include harmful substances, posing significant health risks. While more and more people are buying Ozempic and other weight loss jabs online and not obtaining access through official doctors, this poses an increasing additional risk to health.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT WEIGHT LOSS INJECTIONS?
We have looked at the two most discussed weight loss injections, Wegovy and Ozempic, both of which contain the GLP-1 agonist Semaglutide. But what other weight loss injections are there?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual-action medication that is FDA-approved for weight loss. Unlike earlier GLP-1 medications, it works by activating both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which enhances insulin secretion, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces appetite and food intake, supporting substantial weight loss in clinical trials.
Saxenda (liraglutide) is another GLP-1 medication and is FDA-approved for weight loss. Like Semaglutide, it works by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness.
Contrave (naltrexone HCl and bupropion HCl) injections combine two medications that work to reduce appetite and cravings for food. Naltrexone was initially developed to treat addiction to opioids.
Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate) injections are also a combination of two medications. They work to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. Phentermine is a stimulant and was withdrawn from the market in the UK in 2000. Qsymia can cause serious side effects including birth defects and suicidal thoughts and actions.
Belviq (lorcaserin) worked by affecting the serotonin receptors in the brain, which could reduce appetite and facilitate weight loss. In February 2020, the FDA requested that the manufacturer of lorcaserin withdraw the drug from the US market because a clinical trial showed an increased occurrence of cancer.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE MAIN WEIGHT LOSS INJECTIONS?
Ozempic and Wegovy both contain the drug semaglutide, a synthetic version of the hormone GLP-1, and are widely discussed for their weight loss and diabetes management benefits. The main difference between the two lies in the dosage: Ozempic is available in doses of 0.25mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg, primarily approved for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy offers higher doses up to 2.4mg and is specifically approved for weight loss in adults who are overweight or obese. Both medications are given by injection once weekly, with Wegovy’s dosing schedule slightly differing to support weight management.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer dual-action medication that activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, enhancing appetite suppression and insulin sensitivity. It is approved for both type 2 diabetes and weight loss and is administered via weekly injection like the others. Mounjaro’s dosing can go up to 15mg, offering potentially greater weight loss effects compared to semaglutide-based treatments.
All three medications have similar potential side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort, plus a smaller risk of more serious side effects. Dosage and side effect management should always follow a doctor’s guidance tailored to the individual’s health needs.
WHAT RESEARCH HAS BEEN DONE INTO WEIGHT LOSS INJECTIONS?
There have been several types of weight loss injections that have been researched. Here’s a brief overview of the most popular ones:
Wegovy and Ozempic (Semaglutide) – This injectable medication is a GLP-1 agonist and has been found to be effective in clinical trials for weight loss. They are both approved by the FDA for weight loss.
Saxenda (Liraglutide) – This is another GLP-1 drug, which regulates appetite and digestion. It has been approved by the FDA for use in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater or for those with a BMI of 27 or greater who also have at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) – This hormone is sometimes used in combination with a very low-calorie diet to promote weight loss. However, there is little evidence to support its effectiveness, and the FDA has not approved it yet for weight loss purposes.
B12 injections – While not specifically designed for weight loss, some people use vitamin B12 injections to boost their energy levels and metabolism, which can indirectly aid in weight loss efforts.
ARE THE RESULTS THE SAME?
A head-to-head trial comparing weight loss injection Zepbound and Wegovy for weight loss showed Zepbound to be more effective. Participants taking Zepbound lost an average of 20.2% of their body weight (50.3 pounds), while those on Wegovy lost 13.7% (33.1 pounds) over 72 weeks. The study, funded by Eli Lilly (the producer of Zepbound), involved 751 adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related health condition. Zepbound demonstrated superiority, with 31.6% of users achieving at least 25% body weight loss compared to 16.1% for Wegovy. Both drugs had similar safety profiles, with mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects being most common. It is worth noting that this study doesn’t specify whether weight loss was muscle mass or fat.
SHOULD YOU GET A WEIGHT LOSS INJECTION?
If you care about your body and want to lose weight safely and in a way that supports your wider health, think twice before getting a weight loss injection. These injections come with risks. Weight loss medications in general do not have a good safety record. One research paper found that 25 anti-obesity medications were withdrawn between 1964 and 2009 due to safety concerns.
Making changes to your diet and lifestyle can help you lose weight in a safe and sustainable way, with long-term results and no risks from drugs or surgeries. Working with a dedicated nutritionist means that you can benefit from tailored health, diet and lifestyle guidance along with supportive accountability.
The truth is that there is no quick fix to losing weight. The weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy might seem to be a quick fix, if you can deal with the side effects, but since many individuals regain some or all of the weight they’ve lost after coming off the injections, the results will be short-lived if you can’t keep taking the injections long-term.
WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?
If you’re looking for something to support your weight loss, you may wish to consider supplements. Of course, optimising your diet and lifestyle and exercising regularly comes first. However, certain quality supplements can support your efforts. Green tea extract and capsaicin supplements have been shown to speed up the metabolic rate. Glucomannan is a fibre supplement that swells in the stomach and can reduce appetite. CLA is a well researched dietary fat that works in various ways to support fat loss. You may wish to explore these naturally occurring compounds as an alternative to a fat burning injection. Read our article on evidence-based weight loss supplements for more.
While taking an injection like Mounjaro might be more appealing than making purposeful changes to your daily diet to eat healthy, well-balanced meals to achieve your weight loss goals, with help and support you can make positive improvements that will last a lifetime.
WE CAN HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY
If you’re looking to lose weight, there really is no substitute for a holistic approach to weight loss. We can help you overcome your weight challenges, reach your ideal weight and maintain it long term. Book yourself in for a complimentary 25 mintue call or contact us and a member of our team will be in touch soon. We can talk through your challenges and explore whether one of our Intelligent Weight Loss programmes is right for you.