Showcase Magazine Summer 2025 - Flipbook - Page 9
HEALTHY
LIFESTYLES
WEIGHT LOSS
INJECTIONS
Get the Skinny on Losing Weight
WHAT ARE THEY?
In recent years, weight loss injections have become
a popular topic. If you're curious about what they
are, how they work, and whether they might be right
for you, you're not alone. This article breaks it all
down in a balanced and friendly way – no hype, no
judgement.
Weight loss injections are medications designed to
help people manage their weight more effectively,
usually when diet and exercise alone haven't been
enough. Some of the most commonly prescribed
ones include semaglutide (sold under brand names
like Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic) and liraglutide
(also known as Saxenda). These drugs were
originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but
researchers noticed they also led to significant
weight loss, which led to their use for obesity
treatment.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Most of these injections work by mimicking a
hormone in the body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like
peptide-1), which helps regulate appetite and blood
sugar levels. By increasing feelings of fullness and
reducing hunger, these medications can make it
easier to eat less without feeling deprived. They're
usually taken once a day or once a week, depending
on the specific drug and dosage.
ARE THEY EFFECTIVE?
Studies have shown that weight loss injections can
lead to significant weight reduction when combined
with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. In
some cases, people have lost 10–15% of their body
weight over several months. However, results can
vary from person to person, and not everyone will
respond in the same way. It's also important to
understand that these injections are usually meant
for people with a BMI over 30, or over 27 if there are
other weight-related health conditions present,
such as high blood pressure or sleep apnoea.
WHAT ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS?
Like any medication, weight loss injections can
come with side effects. The most common ones
include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, and
headaches – especially when first starting out.
These often improve over time, but not always.
More serious side effects, though rare, can include
pancreatitis or problems with the gallbladder. This is
why it's so important to use these medications
under the guidance of a healthcare professional
who can monitor your progress and address any
concerns.
ARE THEY RIGHT FOR YOU?
Weight loss injections aren’t a quick fix or a magic
bullet – and they’re not suitable for everyone. But
for some, they can be a valuable tool in the journey
toward better health, particularly when other
approaches haven’t worked. If you’re considering
this route, the best first step is to speak with your
GP or a qualified healthcare provider. They’ll help
assess whether the medication is safe for you,
discuss your goals, and guide you toward the most
appropriate options. In the UK, some weight loss
injections are available on the NHS, but only for
people who meet specific medical criteria.
Otherwise, they can be accessed privately – though
they can be quite expensive, sometimes costing
hundreds of pounds a month.
MORE INFORMATION
nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/treatment
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