Weight Loss Medication: Risks vs Benefits

Are you looking to lose weight? Have you been considering a weight-loss shot? These shots, offered by healthcare providers, are becoming more popular to promote healthy weight loss. With any medication, understanding the risks and benefits is essential.

Semaglutide made waves in the weight loss field as a must-have weight loss medicine last year. In response, its two forms, Ozempic and Wegovy, were poured into global markets but failed to meet demand due to limited production capabilities -- both administered via self-injections every week.

Although semaglutide can be an effective weight-management drug, it is not a cure and its effects are only felt while actively taking the medication. Patients typically regain up to two-thirds of their lost weight when stopped using the drug. For this reason, experts suggest that exercise and a healthy diet should remain at the centre of any treatment plan – even if drugs like Semaglutide are added in as support mechanisms for more consistent results over time.

What happens if you stop taking it? 

Semaglutide's weight loss effects may be short-lived, as reports indicate that people who stop taking the medication often experience a return of hunger to pre-treatment levels or even higher (Wilding et al., 2022; Lovelace, 2023). This reinforces what we already know about many types of fad diets – when deprived for too long, appetite can come back with extra enthusiasm. Unfortunately, Semaglutide users may experience a resurgence in lost weight, as increased appetite can often indicate the body reclaiming previously shed pounds or kilograms. In some cases, even more, mass was regained than initially when beginning semaglutide after treatment discontinuation (Coutinho, 2018; Siahpush et al, 2015; Constantino, 2023).

While the long-term effects of Ozempic and Wegovy are yet to be fully understood, some evidence from animal trials suggests that users may face an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer (National Library Medicine, 2023). Furthermore, Leehey et al. (2021) have suggested a potential link between prolonged use of these medications and kidney disease in those with diabetes. There could be far-reaching impacts on hormonal functioning over time.

How can it affect your physical health? Mental health?

Patients using Wegovy and Ozempic have experienced a range of side effects, including changes in bowel movement, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and racing heartbeats. Dehydration may also occur, an issue that can put the kidneys at risk. Additionally, the "Ozempic face" has been reported by some users, which is characterised by aged-looking facial features due to rapid fat loss (Cohen, 2023).

Although the Minnesota Starvation Experiment took place over 80 years ago, its legacy still impacts today's understanding of mental health. It taught us that undereating could lead to symptoms such as anxiety, obsessiveness, and even periods of euphoria - all too familiar for some on their weight-loss journey. Even with new treatments like Wegovy or Ozempic being used to address body image disturbances, it remains doubtful if those issues are completely resolved in the long run.

Is this a solution for body-image issues?

For many of us, our sense of body confidence and self-esteem is rooted deep in hardwired conditioning. This can manifest as we gaze into a mirror or spot ourselves in passing reflections - intensifying the struggle to shape negative perceptions around how we look. However, interventions like weight loss medications may not provide lasting relief from these feelings; Lacroix et al. (2022) identify this among other populations who make physical modifications with the aim of improving their emotional well-being.

Wrapping Up

Many people turn to weight-loss medications like Ozempic to reach their body goals, but these solutions can often have the opposite effect. Not only do they potentially exacerbate current issues with poor self-image and disordered eating habits, but gastrointestinal problems may also occur as a result of using them. Clients must focus on building positive relationships with themselves so they are able to achieve greater confidence levels while simultaneously boosting overall well-being at the same time.

In conclusion, hypnotherapy is an effective tool for helping people attempting to lose weight. It can help in reprogramming our behaviours that maintain our current habits, which can significantly increase the likelihood of us succeeding in our goals. At Inspired Mindset Canberra, we offer hypnotherapy for weight loss as a plan tailored to your unique circumstances. So if you are ready to make a positive change, why not get in touch today?