Weight Loss Injections - Good or Bad?

As a personal trainer, my main goal is to guide people toward a healthier, happier life through exercise, nutrition, and sustainable habits. Lately, there's been a big hype around weight loss drugs like Ozempic, and Mounjaro.

Mounjaro is a weight loss medication and type 2 diabetes treatment. Ozempic is a type 2 diabetes treatment only, although it's been gaining attention online as it contains semaglutide (the same as Wegovy).

Do I Approve?

With obesity being a significant health concern worldwide, I’m actually all for these medications if they can help people regain control of their health. However, I think it’s essential to take a closer look at what’s really happening and approach it with a balanced perspective.

Here’s what I think you should know before you start injecting these weight-loss drugs.

What is Ozempic?

I'm going to talk more about Ozempic as it seems to be the most popular.

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, originally designed to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking a hormone in the body that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. When people started using Ozempic, many noticed substantial weight loss as a side effect. Obviously, it then caught the attention of those struggling with obesity, and now it’s being marketed as a weight-loss drug under different names like Wegovy.

What's Good About It?

1. Boosts Your Motivation

   Ozempic has shown some incredible results in helping people shed significant pounds, which can be the nudge someone needs to get serious about their health. When you see results early on, it’s easier to stay committed.

   
   

2. Improved Health Outcomes

   Losing weight can lower the risk of diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It’s not the drug itself that magically resolves these issues; it’s the weight loss. But if Ozempic helps you get there, it’s worth considering.

   
   

3. Appetite Control

   Ozempic reduces cravings and overeating, which are often the hardest battles to win when trying to lose weight. By addressing this struggle, it can make calorie management and healthier eating choices feel more achievable.

   
   

The Downsides

1. It's Not Magic

   These drugs are not a substitute for lifestyle changes. You still need to focus on eating well and exercising. If you rely solely on the drug without making sustainable changes, the weight can creep back once you stop taking it.

   
   

2. Side Effects

   Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues. This can be worse for some that others, enough to outweigh the benefits. Plus, long-term side effects are still being studied, so we have yet to find out what it could be doing to our bodies in the long run.

   
   

3. Cost

   Neither Ozempic or Mounjaro are cheap, and they're not yet prescribed for weight loss rather than diabetes. This can make it inaccessible to many people who might benefit from it.

   
   

4. What Study?

   Something I want to point out to you, and this isn't just about these drugs: studies are often funded by the product manufacturers. It's always worth checking who did what study. This is the case when it comes to the majority of studies about Ozempic. While this doesn’t necessarily discredit the research, it’s something to keep in mind. A business’s primary goal is to sell its product, so be wary of overly advertised reviews and dig into independent studies.

   
   

5. Dependency Risk

   There’s a psychological aspect to consider. If someone attributes all their weight loss success to Ozempic or Mounjaro, they might feel lost without it. Just remember that the real credit goes to you. You are the one to make changes with choices, discipline, and effort.

Credit Where It’s Due

One thing I’ve noticed is how some people attribute health improvements solely to Ozempic or Mounjaro. While the drugs may assist with weight loss, the health benefits—like better blood sugar control, lower blood pressure, or reduced joint pain—are primarily due to the weight loss itself.

So let’s not give the drugs all the credit. They enable the weight loss process, but the real work is being done by the weight loss itself and, ultimately, by you.

As a Fitness Professional

As a trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how weight loss can transform lives. It’s not just about how your body looks—it’s about energy, confidence, and longevity. If Ozempic is the kickstart someone needs to begin their journey, I’m all for it. However, I’d encourage anyone considering it to view it as a supplement to healthy habits, not a replacement for them.

Here’s my advice:

1. Use It Wisely

   If you and your doctor (and yes, chat with your doctor) decide that one of these drugs is right for you, use it as an aid while building sustainable habits like regular exercise and balanced nutrition.

   
   

2. Stay Informed

   Don’t rely on studies solely funded by the manufacturer! Read broadly and critically.

   
   

3. Celebrate Your Efforts

   Remember, the weight loss and the resulting health benefits are your achievements, no matter how you get there.

I'm passionate about helping others achieve their health goals, and I do see the weight loss drugs potential to be a life-changing tool for the right person. That being said, real success comes from the habits you build along the way. So if Ozempic or Mounjaro helps you take that first step, great! Just don’t forget that lasting change comes from consistent effort, education, and belief in yourself.

Recommended Blogs

Taking Responsibility of Obesity

Reacting to a TV Interview About Obesity

The History of Obesity

Where Does Fat Go When We Lose Weight?

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Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication or weight loss program.