This article was written by Aoife McMahon @thatirishdietitian (Specialist Eating Disorder, Disordered Eating & Body Image Dietitian) and Maeve Hanan (Food Freedom & Disordered Eating Specialist, Lead Dietitian at Dietetically Speaking).

The decision to consider weight loss injections (WLIs or GLP-1s) is often not made lightly. Many people seek weight loss for reasons ranging from improving their overall health to feeling more confident in their body or avoiding unsolicited comments from others. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to health, so whether you’re exploring these medications or currently using them, your choice deserves respect and support. 

If you’re interested in weight loss injections, it’s crucial to have all the information you need to make an informed decision. This article will explain what WLIs are and explore how they may affect not just your weight, but also your relationship with food—an often overlooked but deeply important part of the process.

What Are Weight Loss Injections? 

Weight loss injections have gained popularity among individuals who feel controlled by food, struggle with food cravings, or want to reduce the constant mental “noise” surrounding eating. 

These medications (which are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists) work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone that:

• Stimulates insulin production
• Lowers glucose levels
• Slows digestion
• Ultimately suppresses appetite 

Originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes, these injections are now being promoted for their ability to deliver significant, long-term weight loss—touted as more effective than dieting and less invasive than surgery. For many, these results feel hopeful, and that hope is entirely valid. At the same time, it’s important to look at long-term evidence and consider the full picture.

Will I Lose Weight Using Weight Loss Injections?

There is a growing body of research on GLP-1 medications, particularly in relation to Type 2 Diabetes and heart health (1). 

However, in terms of weight loss, results vary depending on the specific medication, dosage, and individual response, with weight loss ranging from 2-18% of body weight over 1-2 years (2,3,4). This is a higher success rate than most other current weight loss methods, hence why they have become so popular so quickly.

While the early results may be encouraging, the key question remains: can these medications maintain weight loss long-term? 

For a weight loss intervention to be considered effective, research indicates it must demonstrate sustained weight loss beyond the two-year mark, as this is when the risk of weight regain is highest (5). Long-term GLP-1 research is limited, and one of the few studies extending beyond two years reported a dropout rate of 84.9% , and stopping GLP-1 medications often leads to weight regain (6, 7). While this is sometimes cited as a reason for lifelong use, high dropout rates suggest that long-term adherence may be challenging for many. Access to WLIs can also be interrupted for reasons such as pregnancy, trying to conceive, NHS time limits, or changes in BMI.

So yes many people lose a significant amount of weight using WLIs in the short term, but the longer term overall picture is currently less clear. 

The Risks and Side Effects

If you’re considering trying these medications, it’s important to consider the potential side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain, with some of these symptoms affecting nearly half of users (8). 

This is an example of why it’s so important to have medical support when using WLIs, as in extreme cases symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and even kidney damage if not managed properly.

Other reported side effects include (8,9):

• Poor appetite and excessive weight loss
• Headaches, fatigue and dizziness 
• Infections
• Acid reflux 
• Hypoglycemia
• Interactions with other medications, including contraceptives (leading to so-called “Ozempic babies”)

More serious but much rarer side effects include pancreatitis, gastroparesis, gallbladder or kidney damage and suicidal thoughts (9,10,11). Additionally, there is some concern over a potential increased risk of thyroid tumours; but research in this area is not currently conclusive in humans. 

If you’re considering using GLP-1s, it’s essential to speak with a medical doctor who can help you understand how these risks relate to your individual health history and risk factors—so you can make a decision that feels informed and supported. 

Due to increasing concern around obtaining the medication unsafely, or using it under inappropriate circumstances it’s also crucial to obtain this from a reliable source and have ongoing support in order to reduce risks and use this medication in the safest way possible. 

The Impact on Your Relationship with Food

One of the most appealing aspects of these medications for many is the reduction in cravings and sense of control around food. This can be especially meaningful for those who’ve struggled with their relationship with food for years. That said, the impact of WLIs on your relationship with food can be complex.

Many describe their relationship with food in terms of “addiction”.

While the feeling of being addicted to food can be real, research suggests that this addiction feeling often stems from cycles of restriction or restraint rather than an inherent dependency.  

For example, a 2016 review found that symptoms of sugar addiction tend to arise from cycles of intermittent restriction rather than the neurochemical effects of sugar itself (12).

Suppressing appetite with medications can sometimes mask, rather than resolve, underlying patterns like emotional eating or disordered eating. This is especially relevant for those with undiagnosed eating disorders. Using GLP-1s without addressing these underlying issues can unintentionally reinforce disordered behaviours. 

There is some emerging research related to GLP-1s and a reduction in binge eating and binge eating disorder; which may relate to the impact of the medication on fullness cues and reward pathways (13). However, the overall research is lacking and more well-designed, large studies are needed. 

Furthermore, it’s unclear how long the positive effects may last. For instance, a 2019 study found that while these medications can lead to an initial reduction in binge eating behaviours, many people saw these behaviours return within a year (14). 

Why It Isn’t WLIs vs. Food Freedom

Many people who struggle with their weight or body image also experience deep-rooted challenges with food, such as emotional eating, binge-restrict cycles or chronic dieting. These issues aren’t automatically resolved by changes in appetite or weight.

WLIs may offer relief from some distressing food-related symptoms, but they don’t necessarily address the underlying drivers of disordered eating or body image concerns.

This is why supporting your relationship with food and your body image is crucial for GLP-1 users. This also improves overall and longer term wellbeing, as many people won’t be able to remain on these medications indefinitely. This is where tools like therapy, dietetic support and compassionate community spaces can be invaluable. 

So, if you’re taking GLP-1s, or thinking about it, please consider also prioritising the deeper work of healing your relationship with food. You deserve care that addresses the full picture—not just the number on the scale.

If you’re exploring this path, know that our personalised 1:1 support is here to walk alongside you. Book a free discovery call with one of our expert dietitians to learn more.

If You’re Considering WLIs

Choosing to use a WLI is not a sign of weakness or failure. Many people have tried countless diets, only to feel exhausted and frustrated. You deserve compassion and support so you can make an informed, values-aligned choice. 

If you’re feeling unsure, consider writing out the pros and cons. Reflect on why you’re considering them, what issues they address/don’t address, how you feel about potential benefits vs. risks, and possible financial implications. You can find further points and reflection prompts in the MSSI GLP-1 Agonist Medication Informed Consent Resource.

You can also seek guidance from a dietitian or therapist who aligns with your values and has relevant experience (e.g. in disordered eating or weight-inclusive care). Finding someone who understands your needs can make a meaningful difference in how supported and confident you feel in your decision-making process.

And remember, prioritising your relationship with food and body image is beneficial whether you use WLIs or not. 

Final Thoughts

While much of the conversation around GLP-1 medications centres on weight loss, it’s crucial to recognise that these treatments don’t necessarily resolve deeper issues related to eating habits, body image, or self-worth. That’s why cultivating a healthy relationship with food and your body remains essential—whether you choose to use these medications or not. This is especially important to keep in mind, as there may come a time when you need (or choose) to stop them.

If you’re considering GLP-1s, consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine whether they’re appropriate for you and your needs. The most significant risks often arise when these medications are obtained from unsafe sources or used without proper medical supervision.

Whatever path you take, you deserve access to trustworthy information, compassionate support and respectful care every step of the way.

References:

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2. Azuri, J., Hammerman, A., Aboalhasan, E., Sluckis, B., & Arbel, R. (2023). Tirzepatide versus semaglutide for weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A value for money analysis. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 25(4), 961-964. [Access March 2025 via https://dom-pubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/dom.14940]
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