Weight Loss Jabs: What You Need to Know Before You Try Them

Weight loss injections have become the hot topic in the world of slimming down. Celebrities, influencers and people from all walks of life are now turning to weight loss injections for support on their health journey. Before you consider jumping on the jab wagon, it’s worth knowing how they work, the pros, the cons, and most importantly — whether they’re actually right for you. Let’s break it down.

What Are Weight Loss Jabs?

Weight loss jabs are prescription-only medications that mimic a hormone called GLP-1. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar, slows stomach emptying and tells your brain you’re full, meaning you eat less and feel fuller for longer. In the UK, they’re used as part of a medical weight management plan, usually alongside diet, lifestyle and sometimes behavioural support.

Common Weight Loss Jabs in the UK

Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Daily injection
- Approved for people with a BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with weight-related health issues
- Available on NHS or privately
Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Weekly injection
- Recently launched in the UK
- Available privately and being rolled out on NHS weight management programmes
Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Similar to Wegovy, but licensed for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss
- Sometimes used off-label for weight loss

Note: You must meet specific criteria to access them via the NHS, but private clinics and pharmacies are offering them more widely (at a cost).

✅ Potential Benefits

Significant appetite suppression
Supports weight loss when paired with lifestyle changes
May improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity
May reduce risk of obesity-related conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure)

⚠️ Common Side Effects

Short-Term:

Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation or diarrhoea
Fatigue
Headaches
Low appetite (sometimes too low)

Long-Term & Serious Risks:

Gallbladder issues (e.g. gallstones)
Potential link to thyroid tumours (based on animal studies)
Muscle loss (especially without adequate protein or strength training)
Nutrient deficiencies if food intake becomes very restricted
Psychological effects from relying on a jab instead of building long-term habits

What Can Happen When You Stop Weight Loss Jabs

Insulin Resistance Your body may become less responsive to insulin, leading to easier weight gain.
Blood Sugar Spikes Cravings and crashes may return as glucose levels rise after meals.
Pancreas Strain If insulin response was weak before, it might struggle to keep up.
Liver Fat Build-Up Without dietary support, liver fat and inflammation can creep back in.
Muscle Loss Without protein or strength training, you regain more fat than muscle.
Appetite Rebound Hunger and emotional eating may return fast.
Slower Metabolism Long-term low-calorie intake can reduce your metabolic rate.

What you need to know

Weight loss jabs can be a helpful tool but they’re not a magic fix. Many people regain the weight once they stop, especially if the root causes of their weight gain haven’t been addressed.

Consider things like:

Stress and cortisol
Hormone imbalances (thyroid, insulin, oestrogen)
Poor gut health
Emotional eating
Sleep disruption
Blood sugar dysregulation

If you don’t dig into why the weight crept on in the first place, a jab might work for a while, but you’ll stay stuck in a cycle of short-term fixes and long-term frustration.

Want to Get to the Root of It?

I’ve written a full guide on the real reasons behind weight gain – including the hormonal and lifestyle factors that often get overlooked. 👉 Read it here

If you want to understand what’s really going on in your body then reach out for a chat.

Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on Instagram @cerigore_nutrition.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns, before starting any supplements, or making significant changes to your diet, particularly if you are taking any medication.