Are Weight Loss Injections Safe?

Weight loss injections such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Nevolat (liraglutide), and Wegovy (semaglutide) are transforming the way obesity is treated in the UK. These medications, were initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes. Yet are now clinically proven to help with sustained, medically supervised weight loss.

But as a growing number of people are looking into medication to aid their weight loss, there is one question on everyone’s lips. Are weight loss injections safe?

The short answer is yes! When prescribed appropriately and used in line with medical advice, weight loss injections are perfectly safe for most people. However, much like all medication, they might not be suitable for everyone. And they do carry potential risks and side effects.

What are Weight Loss Injections?

When talking about weight loss injections, we are referring to prescription-only medications belonging to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists. At The Family Chemist, the GLP-1 injections available are:

These medications were originally developed for the management of type 2 diabetes before it was discovered that they were also effective in aiding weight loss. Following this, these medications were studied extensively in clinical trials before being approved by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).

This approval means that these weight loss injections have met strict safety, quality, and efficacy standards. Ensuring that, as long as the medication is prescribed by a legitimate UK pharmacy, you can be confident that the medication you receive has met these standards.

The way to ensure that the pharmacy you are acquiring your medication from is legitimate and safe is through their online consultation and prescription process. If a website or seller is offering weight loss injections without a consultation or prescription, this is a huge red flag.

Why The Consultation is Important

The consultation required for weight loss medications (or any medications from an online pharmacy) is crucial in maintaining patient safety. Assessing factors such as BMI, medical history, and existing health conditions helps to ensure that the medication requested is suitable and safe. Asking about lifestyle habits also helps to ensure the medication fits into the patient’s health journey.

While this eligibility screening might feel lengthy, it helps to reduce the chance of side effects and keeps the treatment effective and safe.

What Common Side Effects Can You Expect

All medications can have side effects, and weight loss medications are no exception. These side effects are usually mild and temporary while your body adjusts to the medication and the weight change.

Common side effects of GLP-1 injections can include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Vomiting
• Reduced appetite
• Headache

The good news is that there are simple ways to help minimise these side effects until they subside.

Serious side effects are rare, but they can occur. This is why weight loss injections may not be suitable for those with a history of pancreatitis, certain thyroid conditions, severe gastrointestinal disease, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Are Weight Loss Injections Safe Long Term?

Patients using GLP-1 treatments are monitored for potential long-term effects. Regular check-ins are required to ensure that everything is progressing smoothly with their weight loss journey. And that any side effects are being effectively managed. This helps to ensure that treatment remains appropriate.

At The Family Chemist, we encourage that patients do stop their treatment once they have reached their desired weight, maintaining their healthy weight using those healthy living habits that they have been developing during treatment. Meaning that long after treatment has stopped, they have seen lasting improvements to their health.

The Bottom Line

So, are weight loss injections safe? For most people who are eligible and using them under professional guidance, yes. These medications are well-researched, regulated, and can support weight loss and long-term weight management when combined with healthy habits. They’re not a magic solution; they’re part of a broader lifestyle shift.

If you’re considering weight loss injections, speak to a qualified healthcare professional to determine whether they are the right option for you.