What you need to know about the risks and rewards before taking the jabs
Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 injections such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have, in recent years, also been licensed for weight loss. They have since become powerful tools that have revolutionised medical weight-management treatment.
However, the surge in popularity of GLP-1 injections has been matched by a growing number of cautionary cases – many tied to people using the injections without proper medical guidance. International reports have highlighted users ending up severely dehydrated, with ongoing nausea and vomiting after taking incorrect doses or increasing them too quickly. In some instances, patients have been admitted with complications linked to electrolyte imbalances and acute pancreatitis, a known but serious risk that should be screened for before treatment begins. Significantly reduced appetite can, in some cases, lead to patients eating too little, resulting in muscle loss or vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Doctors are also raising concerns about the rise in counterfeit or poorly handled products being sold online or through informal networks. Without proper storage and regulation, there is no guarantee of what formula patients are injecting. Closer to home, practitioners say some users are treating these drugs as a quick fix – skipping basic health checks, ignoring warning signs, or continuing treatment despite worsening side effects.
There is also a growing conversation around the mental toll. Rapid weight loss without proper support can lead to unhealthy eating patterns and, in some cases, weight regain once the injections stop. While GLP-1 treatments can be effective, experts stress they are not risk-free and should not be used without proper oversight.
Curious to learn more about how they work and how to use them responsibly, we spoke to associate dietitian Claire McHugh. The efficacy of the injections lies in mimicking the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which is released when we eat a meal and gives us the sensation of being satisfied. When taken as an injection, McHugh says it helps patients feel less hungry and more satisfied after smaller portions, reducing food intake and additional snacking, thereby decreasing caloric intake, which can lead to weight loss.
People who are less sensitive to the hormone may have a naturally bigger appetite and require larger meals to feel satisfied. GLP-1 injections help curb their appetite by increasing the hormone’s concentration, leading to a feeling of fullness even after smaller meals. In simple terms, it comes down to energy in versus energy out.
It is encouraging to note that, worldwide, obesity is increasingly being recognised as a chronic disease, which means patients may need long-term or lifelong access to weight-loss treatment. While GLP-1 medications are a powerful tool for achieving weight loss through reduced hunger and cravings, they have also been shown to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of heart disease.
However, as with most medications, McHugh warns there can be side effects, as mentioned above. For this reason, it is essential that these medications are used only under the supervision of a dietitian or other medical professionals, who can ensure patients consume enough protein, vitamins and minerals, guide portion sizes, and help establish sustainable, long-term eating habits.
McHugh says it is also important to identify and address the eating habits that led to weight gain in the first place while using the medication, to reduce the risk of regaining weight once the treatment stops.
A significant barrier to access remains affordability, as the medication is generally not covered by medical aid.
She also cautions against using black-market products that may be more affordable but have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and could therefore be potentially harmful.
Words by: Jacqueline Herbst