The rise of weight loss medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro is reshaping the way people tackle obesity. While these drugs are largely unavailable through the NHS for non-diabetic patients, their growing popularity has led many to seek private prescriptions from online pharmacies. But what’s the reality of using these groundbreaking injections?
How the Injections Work
Weight loss injections such as semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) mimic the action of gut hormones, specifically GLP-1, which is released after eating. This hormone slows the digestive process, making users feel fuller after smaller meals. These drugs have proven to be the first diet medications in history that are both effective—causing an average weight loss of 15-20%—and generally safe.
However, accessibility remains a challenge. Many patients are turning to private online pharmacies to obtain the injections, with varying levels of medical support. Some providers offer little more than the medication itself, leaving users to navigate the process largely on their own.
Side Effects: From Stomach Troubles to Headaches
As with any medication, weight loss injections can come with side effects. Online forums have become a hub for users to share their experiences and troubleshoot the unexpected.
Indigestion, Nausea, and “Sulphur Burps”
Slowed digestion can lead to indigestion, nausea, and unusual burping with a sulphurous smell, possibly caused by delayed food breakdown in the stomach. Experts recommend smaller meals, avoiding greasy or spicy foods, and using over-the-counter remedies.
Constipation and Diarrhoea
While constipation is a predictable side effect of slowed gut movement, some users experience intermittent diarrhoea. The exact cause remains unclear, though it may result from increased gut sensitivity or reflexive changes in digestion.
Headaches
Headaches are another common but less understood side effect. Possible explanations include changes in blood flow or the effects of GLP-1 receptors in the brain. In some cases, headaches may also stem from low blood sugar due to irregular eating patterns.
Managing the Medication
Most users begin on a low dose, gradually increasing every four weeks as their body adapts. If side effects are severe, staying on a lower dose may be sufficient, particularly if weight loss occurs early on.
“If a patient experiences weight loss on a low dose, there’s no need to increase it,” explained Professor Daniel Drucker, an endocrinologist at the University of Toronto.
This gradual adjustment helps mitigate initial side effects, including stomach discomfort and bowel issues, which tend to lessen over time.
To Pause or Not to Pause for Christmas?
With the holiday season approaching, some users on online forums are debating whether to temporarily stop the injections to indulge in festive treats and alcohol. However, experts caution against this approach.
“Choosing to come on and off the medication isn’t really what we should be doing,” said Sarah Le Brocq of All About Obesity.
Stopping the treatment for indulgences undermines its purpose: fostering long-term, sustainable dietary changes. Additionally, alcohol can amplify side effects like nausea, with reports of severe vomiting from users who overindulged while on the medication.
A Transformative Tool with Limitations
Weight loss injections are revolutionizing obesity treatment by offering an effective and safe option for those struggling with traditional methods. However, their rising popularity outside clinical supervision highlights the need for better education and support to navigate their use responsibly.
For many, these medications represent more than a tool for weight loss—they are a step toward a healthier lifestyle. But achieving that goal requires consistency, support, and realistic expectations.
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