Disadvantages / side effects of weight loss injections?
Different types of weight-loss options are helping many people lose weight and keep it off. Weight medication, which became popular recently, has been an effective treatment plan over the past years. Doctors from various parts of the world expressed that many patients coming for overweight or obesity treatment are asking about these weight loss drugs. This is because they are effective in keeping off the excess weight, and the best part is that they are non-surgical procedures.
Losing weight is a major process, and using these medications might help to lose weight rapidly, which might lead to manageable side effects. But how effectively can they be managed, and what is the range of side effects that we need to be aware of? Before discussing the disadvantages and how they can be controlled, let’s take a look at why these injections are popular.
Medications like semaglutide and liraglutide (single-receptor GLP-1 agonists) and tirzepatide (dual-receptor agonists) have become popular as an effective means of weight-loss treatment over the past few years.
They have become popular because of their effective advantages. Let’s take a quick look at these advantages.
- Many clinical trials have consistently proven that obese patients can lose a significant percentage of their body weight.
- These treatments can improve metabolism, helping the body burn more calories, which is very helpful for people with slower metabolic rates
- Certain weight loss injections work by controlling your hunger, which greatly helps in portion control and also in creating healthier eating patterns. This can result in consistent weight management.
- They may also help in improving the energy levels, especially when you are eating less, enabling you to stay active, work out regularly, and maintain a healthy and quality lifestyle.
- Beyond weight loss, these medications can treat various other obesity-related health complications like diabetes, blood pressure, cardiac problems, etc.
Disadvantages/Side Effects: Like many other drugs/medications, weight loss injections can cause side effects involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, etc.
Weight loss injections do have some common side effects that most people experience in a way as follows.
Gastrointestinal Distress
The mechanism of slowing down digestion is what makes these drugs very effective also and is the main source of common side effects. This change often causes reactions since your digestive system is being altered. These can include:
- Nausea and vomiting are common after dosage increases or when starting the medication for the first time.
- People may suffer from either diarrhea or constipation or swing unpleasantly between the two.
- A feeling of excessive fullness (bloating) and discomfort (abdominal pain) is reported frequently.
- Acid reflux and burping may occur because stomach emptying is slowed down.
- Though their persistence can greatly impact a person’s quality of life, doctors often describe these as “manageable”, and they may lessen over time.
Serious Health Considerations
Besides the frequent problems related to the digestive system, some side effects occur rarely but cause severe complications, which need to be discussed with a doctor, and immediate medical attention is needed.
There is a risk of developing pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition, which can be extremely serious and painful.
The risk of developing gallstones and other gallbladder issues might increase in some people taking these injections.
In some particular cases, where nausea and vomiting are severe, it may result in dehydration and end up with acute kidney injury.
Also, the FDA strictly warns that people with a personal or family history of certain health conditions should avoid using weight loss injections. So remember to discuss with your doctor all your existing and family history of health concerns.
The overlooked disadvantages
There are many other disadvantages entailed in the mode of functioning of these drugs.
During rapid weight loss, besides fat, your muscles might also be affected. When your muscles are affected, it slows down your metabolism, which ultimately leads to difficulty in maintaining a healthy weight for a longer time. You may feel that your strength and general health are affected.
The term “Ozempic face” is commonly used to describe the sunken, old look caused by sudden facial fat loss. This is because the skin is left with no time to adapt, which results in a saggy or droopy appearance.
Let’s say you stopped taking the medication. Then there is a high possibility of regaining weight, especially if you are out of your routine, the main disadvantage of the process. This is because injections suppress your appetite only, not the underlying causes of obesity.
For some people, withdrawing from the medication might reverse the hormonal signals and intense hunger, and weight gain is inevitable.
These medications are expensive and often not fully covered by insurance plans in India. The long-term cost can be a significant barrier, making it a difficult option for many.
There is no doubt that weight loss injections are excellent options for many people with obesity. They can help to kickstart your healthier lifestyle journey. Following the right strategies recommended by experts can help manage these side effects. Dr. Venugopal Pareek, the best weight loss surgeon in India, says that weight loss injections work even more effectively when combined with regular physical activity, strict diet maintenance and other lifestyle changes, which can also help to maintain the lost weight over time.
However, if you are choosing any weight loss treatment, consult an expert and get to know everything about the procedure you want to consider. Call +91 91777 77715 to book your appointment with one of the top weight loss surgeons in Hyderabad.
