Weight loss injections may be a quick fix, but they’re not a free ride by Dr Sarah Schenker

Weight loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy are making headlines and shrinking waistlines, but more and more people are using them as a lazy way to shed t pa few excess pounds. These so-called miracle shots come with a heavy price, and it’s not just the cost.

The side effects can be very unpleasant – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are common – and for some, relentless. Feeling sick becomes the new normal.

Then there’s the risk of muscle loss. These injections may burn fat, but weight loss is so rapid you’ll be losing valuable muscle mass at the same time. This risks sarcopenia in later life when you don’t have sufficient muscle to support yourself properly and will be vulnerable to falls.

Poor nutritional status is also a risk. We need to remind ourselves why we eat – to supply our bodies with the essential nutrients it needs on a daily basis. Strong immunity, bone health and hesar health rely on a good supply of vitamins and minerals which you won’t get if your appetite is switched off.

Dependency is also a problem. Stop the injections, and the weight often comes roaring back. It’s not a long-term fix, it’s a high-maintenance habit. Miss a few doses, and you’re back to square one.

Let’s not forget the mental health toll. Rapid weight loss can trigger anxiety around food, body image issues, and even disordered eating patterns. Your mind might not be ready for the body transformation.

And finally, these drugs weren’t made for casual use. They’re intended for diabetes, not beach season. Off-label use raises ethical and medical questions, and long-term effects are still largely unknown.

Bottom line? Weight loss injections may be a quick fix, but they’re not a free ride. Behind the hype is a long list of warnings so think twice.