WEIGHT LOSS INJECTIONS, WHAT WOMEN NEED TO KNOW

Weight loss injections are everywhere right now. Yes, they can help with weight loss, but what’s not being talked about enough are the serious risks like muscle loss, digestive issues, thyroid concerns, gallbladder stress, and nutrient deficiencies.

The use of injectable weight loss medications has grown rapidly. Given the increased awareness about weight loss medications and their availability, it is estimated that 80% of prescriptions have been obtained privately through online pharmacies or other providers. As a result, most people are not provided any wraparound care or support with diet or physical activity to achieve sustainable weight loss.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of drugs used to manage obesity. They mimic the action of the natural hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite by:

• Slowing gastric emptying – food stays in the stomach longer, increasing fullness

• Reducing appetite – they act on brain receptors to reduce hunger signals

• Increasing satiety – make people feel full faster and for longer

• Lowering blood sugar and reducing insulin resistance– helps regulate metabolism, indirectly supporting fat loss.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is a dual agonist that activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, leading to even greater weight loss than GLP-1-only drugs.

It is common for those taking GLP-1 medications to reduce their food intake substantially and very quickly. This can result in nutritional deficiencies, especially if calorie intake falls below 1,200 kcal/day in females or 1,800 kcal/day in males. This increases the risk of key micronutrient deficiencies, including minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, and vitamins A, D, E, K, B1, B12, and C.

• The importance of eating a diverse and nutrient-dense diet with plenty of protein, fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

• Avoidance of refined carbohydrates, sugar-sweetened drinks, and most fast foods

• Dietary supplements may be considered for at-risk nutrients, e.g, vitamin D, or the use of a multivitamin/mineral supplement

GLP-1 medications suppress appetite, and individuals using GLP-1 medications may not be prompted by hunger to eat. It may therefore be helpful for them to set alarms to remind themselves to eat to ensure sufficient nutrient intake.

Preservation of muscle and bone mass

It is important that lean body mass and bone density are preserved during weight loss, as rapid weight loss can increase the loss of lean body mass and bone density. Adequate protein and strength training are both recommended when using GLP-1 medications.

Adequate protein intake

Adequate daily protein intake is essential for the preservation of muscle and bone mass during weight loss.

Whilst the standard recommended intake of protein is 0.8g per kg of bodyweight, during active weight loss, protein intake of between 1.2-1.6g/kg of ideal body weight preserves lean body mass more effectively.

Research suggests protein intake of 1.5g per kg of lean body mass per day or a protein target between 80g and 120g per day, and that protein should be eaten first in a meal to ensure protein intake is maintained.

Exercise and strength training

The importance of resistance training, structured exercise, and movement programmes for the maintenance of lean muscle mass during weight loss. Exercise combined with GLP-1 use has also been shown to preserve bone health.

The following exercise is recommended to preserve muscle and bone mass during weight loss using GLP-1 medications:

• Regular strength training at least 3 times weekly

• At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly

Advise eating a small breakfast

• Eat small meals every 3-4 hours

• Avoid large meals to prevent vomiting

• Ginger or peppermint tea and acupressure bands may reduce nausea

• Ensure adequate hydration, as dehydration, which results from nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, can cause acute kidney injury or heart palpitations

• Alcohol may worsen symptoms of nausea and reflux when taking GLP-1 medications

• Fibre may be helpful for the management of diarrhoea

Summary

1. Digestive Upset Is the Norm, Not the Exception

Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pain affect the majority of users. These side effects are not just uncomfortable; they can lead to dehydration and gallbladder problems if they are ongoing.

2. You’re Not Just Losing Fat, You’re Losing Muscle

Up to 40% of the weight lost on these drugs is lean muscle. This weakens your metabolism, reduces resilience, and makes long-term weight maintenance harder, especially during perimenopause and menopause.

3. Gallbladder and Pancreatic Risks

GLP-1 medications increase the risk of gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, and even pancreatitis. This is partly due to how quickly they slow down digestion and drive weight loss.

4. Possible Thyroid Tumor Concerns

Animal studies show a risk of thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma. While this hasn’t been confirmed in humans, the FDA has issued a boxed warning. Anyone with a family history of thyroid cancer should avoid these drugs.

5. Nutrient Gaps and Long-Term Unknowns

Because appetite drops so dramatically, many women end up eating far too little, sometimes under 1,000 calories a day. This raises the risk of nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, hair loss, and hormone disruption. And let’s not forget: these medications are still new in the weight-loss space, so we don’t yet know the full impact of taking them for 10+ years.

The Bottom Line

Mounjaro and Ozempic can help with weight loss, but they aren’t a quick fix. They work best alongside strength training, nutritional support, and ongoing monitoring to protect your health.

If you’re considering them, ask yourself: Am I looking for a quick fix, or do I want a true transformation that strengthens my body, balances my hormones, and sets me up for long-term health?