In recent years, weight loss injections have become one of the most talked-about options for managing obesity and supporting healthy weight loss. Backed by clinical research and recommended by healthcare professionals in certain cases, these injections are helping people achieve results where traditional diet and exercise alone haven’t been enough.
But what exactly are weight loss injections, and are they right for you? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss injections are prescription medications designed to help regulate appetite and support weight loss. The most commonly used ones in the UK include:
- Semaglutide (e.g. Wegovy)
- Liraglutide (e.g. Saxenda)
These medications are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a natural hormone in your body called glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone helps regulate your appetite and the way your body responds to food.
How Do They Work?
GLP-1 medications work in several ways:
- Reduce appetite – They help you feel full sooner and stay full for longer.
- Slow digestion – Food moves more slowly through your stomach, which helps control hunger and prevent overeating.
- Support blood sugar regulation – They stabilise blood sugar levels, which can reduce cravings and promote more consistent energy levels.
The result? You eat less, feel satisfied, and find it easier to stick to a calorie deficit—one of the key principles behind effective weight loss.
What Are the Benefits?
Weight loss injections aren’t a miracle cure—but for those who are eligible, they offer some clear and proven benefits:
1. Clinically Proven Results
Studies show that patients taking medications like semaglutide can lose up to 15% of their body weight when combined with lifestyle changes. That’s significantly more than diet and exercise alone.
2. Appetite Control
One of the hardest parts of weight loss is dealing with constant hunger. These injections work with your body’s natural hormones to reduce food cravings and help you feel more in control of your eating habits.
3. Support for Long-Term Weight Management
By improving your relationship with food and supporting behavioural change, weight loss injections can help establish long-term habits that stick—even after stopping the medication.
4. Potential Health Improvements
Losing excess weight can lead to a wide range of health benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
- Improved heart health
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
- Less strain on joints
- Better sleep and energy levels
Who Are They For?
Weight loss injections are usually prescribed to people who meet one of the following criteria:
- A BMI of 30 or higher (classified as obese)
- A BMI of 27 or higher with an obesity-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnoea
They should only be used as part of a clinically supervised weight management programme, which includes dietary advice, physical activity, and ongoing support.
Are There Any Side Effects?
As with any medication, weight loss injections can have side effects. The most common include:
- Nausea
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Headaches
- Indigestion
These usually settle down after the first few weeks as your body adjusts. However, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or severe symptoms.
Are They a Long-Term Solution?
Weight loss injections are a tool—not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. They work best when combined with:
- A balanced, nutritious diet
- Regular physical activity
- Behavioural changes that support long-term success
The goal is to use the injections to help break unhealthy habits and build new ones—so that when you eventually stop taking them, you can maintain your results.
