Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic: Maximising the Benefits, Minimising Side Effects

Weight Loss Injections

Weight Loss Injections: A Nutritionist’s Perspective

If you’ve been following weight-loss trends, you’ve likely heard about medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.

Semaglutide medications were initially approved for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes (Ozempic), however other brands or variations have now been released for supporting weight loss. They work by mimicking the effects of the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and help to balance blood sugar and weight.  Glucagon regulates appetite and slows down the movement of food through the stomach, thereby reducing hunger and food intake. 

Public figures such as Elon Musk and Amy Schumer have shared their positive experiences with these drugs, highlighting benefits like increased energy, notable weight loss and reduced cardiovascular risk.

In this blog I will cover:

1.     How Semaglutide Works

2.     Side Effects to Consider

3.     How we can Maximise the benefits of this medication?

How Do Ozempic and Wegovy Work?

Semaglutide provides consistent GLP-1 benefits by:

·       Helping your body release insulin after meals to lower blood sugar.

·       Reducing glucagon production to prevent excess glucose release.

·       Slowing stomach emptying to manage hunger and maintain stable blood sugar levels.

·       Targeting appetite centres in the brain to reduce cravings and overeating.

Side Effects to Consider

While semaglutide can be effective, there are some commonly reported side effects including:

·       Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.

·       Abdominal pain and discomfort.

·       Fatigue, headaches, or dizziness.

·       Dehydration

·       Nutrient deficiencies.

·       Rebound weight gain after discontinuation.

·       Hair loss

Muscle Mass

Additionally, some users experience muscle loss, which underscores the importance of combining medication with proper nutrition and exercise.

Rebound Weight Gain

Many people achieve amazing results using these medications, however we often hear about rebound weight gain.  The key here is to implement strategies while using the medications, to achieve long lasting results and reset metabolism to work efficiently to maintain the results long term.

Maximizing Benefits and Minimizing Side Effects

Medications like semaglutide are not magic bullets. To achieve lasting results, it’s essential to pair them with evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle changes. Here’s how a nutritionist can help:

1.     Support Gut Health
Your gut health influences GLP-1 production. Increasing anti-inflammatory foods to support gut healing and support your digestion will drastically decrease risk of side effects including bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and nausea.

2.     Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can worsen side effects like fatigue and nausea. Increasing your water intake and ensuring adequate electrolytes is the first step to combatting nausea.

3.     Optimize Protein Intake
Protein supports muscle retention and a healthy metabolism. Including high-quality protein in each meal helps reduce the risk of muscle loss. Protein stimulates the release of GLP-1 secretion within the gastro-intestinal tract.  I always recommend my clients getting 30 grams of protein at each meal.  Use a meal tracker app such as My Fitness Pal or Cronometer to measure this.

4.     Fibre
Fibre increases fullness, supports a healthy gut environment and also binds to cholesterol and waste products for elimination.  It prevents constipation and, with some fibres, diarrhoea and reduces the risk for gall stones developing during weight loss.

5.     Balance Blood Sugar with Smart Meals
Meals rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats promote steady GLP-1 release and minimize blood sugar spikes. Nutritionists can design meal plans tailored to your needs.

6.     Incorporate Strength Training
Strength training helps combat muscle loss and boosts insulin sensitivity. Pairing exercise with medication can amplify weight loss and metabolic improvements.

7.     Gradual Dose Adjustments
Starting and stopping semaglutide slowly can minimize side effects. Working with a general practitioner and nutritionist together can work together to support you through this transition.

Other Factors to Consider that will prevent Weight Loss:

• Sleep – studies show that poor sleep increases appetite and risk of insulin resistance.  It disrupts our appetite regulating homrones such as ghrelin and leptin having a flow on effect to sugar cravings and increased appetite.
  

• Thyroid function – Ensure before you start weight loss injections to have a thorogh blood test to assess thyroid function and nutrient deficiencies.  If you have a thyroid condition, then it can actually be exacerbated by suddenly decreasing food intake due to risk of nutrient deficiencies and low energy intake.
  

• Stress – chronic stress drives insulin resistance, meaning, your cells don’t respond well to insulin.  Studies have shown that stress and high cortisol (stress hormone) causes weight gain.  Managing stress is essential at this time and may include breath work, yoga, walking in nature, or meditations.. time with loved ones.  Find what works for you and schedule it into your day.
  

• Undereating – Nutrient deficiencies – By suddenly eating less, and not ensuring what you do it is high in nutrients, you will be a greater risk of nutrient deficiencies.  This will result in hair loss, hormonal changes. Poor skin and it can actually lead to plateauing of the weight loss and increasing cortisol – the stress hormone.
  

Note – I always strongly recommend a thorough blood test to all my clients who are considering weight loss injections to evaluate thyroid function, as well as the health of the pancreas, liver, kidneys. also checking insulin, blood glucose and cholesterol to get a base line.

 To read more about why you’re not losing weight while on GLP-1’s… read this blog here

Focus on Long-Term Health

While semaglutide can help jumpstart weight loss, when combines with a comprehensive plan that includes long-term dietary and lifestyle changes the results are mind-blowing.

Once you’ve reached your goal and you’re feeling good, it is absolutely vital to ensure good dietary and lifestyle strategies are in place to prevent rebound weight gain.  I work closely with my clients to ensure they know how to do this and have their ‘why’ firmly in place.

By working with a nutritionist, you can maximize the benefits of GLP-1 medications while minimizing side effects. Whether you’re using semaglutide or seeking natural ways to optimize your metabolism, the right support can help you achieve your goals effectively and comfortably.

Final Thoughts

Semaglutide offers a promising tool for weight loss and metabolic health, but it’s not a stand-alone solution. Combining medication with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep can lead to sustainable, long-term results. By taking a holistic approach and working with a nutrition professional, you can achieve improved health and well-being—and maintain it for years to come.

If you’d like some further support to optimise your dietary intake with simple easy solutions - feel free to shoot me a message if you have any questions HERE or book a consultation HERE

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