The Truth About Weight Loss Injections: What You Need to Know
Weight loss injections have taken the UK by storm in recent months…
Mounjaro. Ozempic. Wegovy. saxenda.
You’ve probably seen the headlines, heard the discussions, and maybe even wondered if they could be right for you. Or perhaps you know a friend or relative who is taking them.
No doubt, it’s a hot topic. And a controversial one at that.
Having worked first-hand with people using these medications and through extensive research and conversations with my professional network, I wanted to share an honest, balanced perspective.
So, let’s break it down…
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
These medications weren’t originally designed for weight loss. They’ve been around for years and were developed to help people with type 2 diabetes regulate blood sugar. However, an interesting side effect was discovered: appetite suppression and weight loss.
With that discovery, pharmaceutical companies and private clinics saw an opportunity. Now, these drugs are marketed almost exclusively for weight loss, sparking a surge in popularity.
But does that mean they’re a magic solution? Not exactly.
Let’s look at the key factors you should consider.
How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?
Weight loss injections contain GLP-1 receptor agonists, a hormone that mimics the natural GLP-1 produced in your gut. GLP-1 plays a crucial role in appetite regulation and insulin secretion. The synthetic version lasts longer in your system, reducing hunger and food cravings.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
✅ You feel full sooner and stay satisfied for longer.
✅ You’re less likely to snack mindlessly or overeat.
✅ “Food noise” (constant thoughts about food) is significantly reduced.
The result?
A calorie deficit happens almost effortlessly, leading to weight loss.
But before you assume it’s all sunshine and rainbows, let’s talk about the potential downsides.
The Hidden Costs of Weight Loss Injections
1. They Don’t Just Target Fat
While these injections can help shed pounds, up to 40% of the weight lost may come from muscle and bone mass… not just fat. This can slow your metabolism, increase the risk of injury, and make long-term weight management harder.
That’s why it’s crucial to combine weight loss injections with strength training to preserve muscle mass and keep your metabolism high. More on that below.
2. They Don’t Teach Healthy Habits
Many people using these injections experience rapid weight loss… but what happens when they stop?
If sustainable habits around food and exercise aren’t in place, weight regain is highly likely.
In fact, 64.7% of non-diabetic users stop using the injection within a year, and many experience significant weight regain. The key is using this period of appetite suppression as an opportunity to build healthy habits that last long-term.
3. They Can Be a Lifelong Commitment (or Not)
For some, weight loss injections may be a short-term tool. For others, they become a long-term part of their health strategy.
Stopping the medication can lead to a return of appetite and potential weight regain… unless sustainable nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle habits have been established.
Strength Training: The Key to Unlocking Their Full Potential
If you’re using (or considering) weight loss injections, one thing is non-negotiable: strength training.
Why?
Because these injections put you at risk of losing lean muscle mass!
Perhaps that doesn’t sound too scary…
But it is!
Losing lean mass lowers your metabolism, which makes long term weight management extremely hard to maintain.
It also reduces your bone density, which will put you ask risk of osteoporosis, fractures and breaks.
Ligaments and tendons will also weaken which means sprains, strains, tears and joint injury risk increases.
You become weak due to lost strength and muscle mass.
Not to mention it can lead to losing weight, but not improving your body composition… So although you’re physically smaller, your shape and level of body tone hasn’t changed much.
A well-structured strength training program can help!
🏋️♀️ Preserve lean muscle while losing fat.
🔥 Keep your metabolism high.
💪 Improve overall strength, posture, and body composition.
At FS46, we design programs specifically to help members retain muscle and build strength, ensuring weight loss is healthy and sustainable.
Should You Take a Weight Loss Injection?
The answer? It depends.
For some people, these drugs can be a game-changing tool… but alone, they’re not the solution.
If you’re thinking about it, but you’re unsure, why not take our Weight Loss Injection Quiz You’ll receive a personalised recommendation based on your answers!
Already Taking a Weight Loss Injection? We Can Help!
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our 4-Week Weight Loss Injection Optimisation Programme at FS46.
Designed to help you get the most from this tool while:
✅ Staying healthy
✅ Retaining lean muscle
✅ Building sustainable habits
✅ Avoiding common pitfalls
With personalised workouts, bespoke nutrition guidance, and judgement-free coaching, we’ll help you stay strong, feel great, and set yourself up for long-term success.
If you’d like more details, visit our page to to learn more about our ‘weight loss injection fitness programme’
Yours in coaching,
Harry “GLP-1” Morris