 Weight Loss Injections What You Need to Know Weight loss injections such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro are becoming increasingly common. If you are using them, or considering them, I want to begin by saying this clearly. I am not here to judge you. You will have thought long and hard about this decision. Many people who choose these medications have struggled for years. Some have tried every diet. Some are exhausted. Some feel desperate. I understand that. However, if you are using these injections, there are some very important things you need to be aware of. Over the past year I have seen a growing number of clients six to twelve months into weightloss treatment who are experiencing significant nutritional and metabolic consequences. In some cases I have had to work quite intensively to repair what has been lost. This article is not about fear. It is about safety and long term health. How Weight Loss Injections Work These medications reduce appetite dramatically. That is their primary mechanism. When appetite drops, calorie intake drops. When calorie intake drops significantly, weight falls. But lowering appetite to very low levels can tip into something else. For many people, it effectively becomes a state of semi-starvation. The body is designed to survive. If it does not receive adequate protein, vitamins and minerals from food, it will source them internally... And that is where problems begin. The Body Will Break Down Tissue To Survive When intake is too low, the body does not just burn fat. It breaks down muscle tissue. Muscle is metabolically active tissue. It contains amino acids that the body needs for immune function, hormone production, detoxification, neurotransmitter synthesis and repair. I have seen individuals lose significant lean muscle mass rather than primarily fat mass. This weakens metabolic rate over time and makes long term weight maintenance harder. Protein is not optional. It is fundamental to life. Without adequate protein, the body cannot:
Nutrient Depletion Is Real I have seen:
One client developed profound cognitive decline that mimicked early dementia. It was driven by nutrient depletion and blood sugar instability. In her case, the damage appears to be irreversible. This is not common, but it is possible. When people are eating very little, they are not simply eating less cake. They are often eating less of everything. That includes iron, B vitamins, essential fatty acids, choline, iodine, selenium, magnesium and amino acids. If appetite is low, nutrient density must go up. At The Very Least Consider Foundational Supplementation If appetite is significantly reduced, food volume falls. When food volume falls, micronutrient intake almost always falls with it. Even with the best intentions, it can be very difficult to obtain adequate iron, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, selenium, iodine and trace minerals from very small meals. At the very least, I would recommend that anyone using weight loss injections considers:
Omega three fatty acids are particularly important as intake of oily fish often drops when appetite is low. Omega three supports:
Supplementation does not replace food, but when intake is reduced, it can act as a safety net. Ideally, supplementation should be guided by blood testing rather than guesswork, especially if you are experiencing fatigue, dizziness, hair thinning, brittle nails, brain fog or mood changes. If you are choosing to use appetite suppressing medication, nutritional support must run alongside it. The body still requires nutrients, even if hunger has been silenced. Protein Is Critical For Long Term Weight Loss Ironically, adequate protein actually supports weight loss in a healthy way. Protein:
If appetite is suppressed, this has to be intentional, you need to make yourself do it! How To Structure Food Intake When You Have No Appetite If you are on these injections, do not rely on hunger signals. Instead, structure your day. Aim for three intentional eating opportunities, even if portions are small. At each one, prioritise:
Simple Daily Structure Morning Protein smoothie or eggs Add healthy fats Add micronutrients (fruit/ veggies/ nuts and seeds) Midday Protein source such as chicken, fish, tofu or lentils Two to three vegetables Olive oil or avocado Evening Smaller protein portion Steamed vegetables Complex carbohydrate if tolerated If appetite is extremely low, liquids are often easier. High Nutrient Smoothie Ideas Using Water Example one
Key Nutrients To Protect
Blood Sugar Stability Still Matters Even on these medications, blood sugar can drop if meals are skipped. Low blood sugar can cause:
What Happens When The Injections Stop This is the most important part. These medications do not teach you how to eat well, they just supress your appetite. If eating habits are not rebuilt during treatment, when the medication stops, your appetite returns but your metabolic rate may be lower due to muscle loss. That is when rapid weight regain occurs. If you use these injections, use the time wisely. Learn how to:
My Position If you are using weight loss injections, I will support you, but I will also monitor:
This is not about being a killjoy, It is about protecting your long term health. If you are using these injections and would like your nutrition and blood markers monitored properly, you are welcome to book in for a review. Your health is more than the number on the scales.
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WelcomeThe contents of this blog are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, dietary supplement, exercise, or other health program. Categories
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Thrive Clinical Nutrition and Naturopathic Health Eve Morley NT NNA. mGNC. Soc Nat. NAP [email protected] Subscribe to my emails GDPR Privacy policy Data Protection Policy Disclaimer |
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