Weight loss drugs – if you’re jumping on the jabs, here’s what you should know.

Repurposed diabetes drugs such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro have become the latest “miracle jabs” for weight loss. With an estimated 64% of the population now considered overweight or obese, it’s not surprising that a UK household survey conducted earlier this year found that just under 1 million adults are currently using the drugs for weight loss and that 3 million more, mostly women and those in mid-life, are considering their use in the next 12 months.

There is no doubt that these drugs have done for many what years of dieting could not by reducing food cravings and quieting the constant “food noise”, both of which contribute to significant weight loss.

But alongside the excitement comes a note of caution. These medications were designed for diabetes, not as a long-term fix for our society's growing weight challenges. While their success is undeniable, they don’t address the underlying causes of what the WHO has termed as a "global obesity epidemic" and UNICEF reporting that 1 in 5 children and adolescents (aged 5-19) are overweight, and 1 in 10 are living with obesity.

While the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in our diets continues unabated and with the stresses of our modern lives changing the way in which we view our food, the use of weight loss medication is set to increase exponentially.

In this blog post we’re going to take a look at how the drugs work and if you are using them, or thinking of doing so, how you can avoid the most common pitfalls and keep yourself safe and well.

What do these medications actually do?

Wegovy and Ozempic are GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists, meaning that they mimic the action of GLP-1, a hormone released by the gut after eating. It signals satiety (feeling full) to the brain, slows down stomach emptying, and supports insulin release to regulate blood sugar.  This results in:

• Smaller portions and reduced appetite

• Slower digestion and steadier blood sugar

• Fewer cravings and less “food noise”

Mounjaro goes one step further and has a dual effect by targeting another gut hormone, GIP (Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), stimulating insulin production and improving glucose control.

The result of all of these drugs though is the same – rapid weight loss and a sense of control over food.

If that’s the case, why do food and lifestyle choices still matter?

It can feel tempting to believe the medication is doing all the work. But relying on the medication alone is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Appetite suppression doesn’t remove your body’s need for fuel and nourishment and weight loss achieved by cutting portions without considering food quality risks malnutrition, fatigue, and muscle loss. For women especially, preserving lean muscle and bone density is critical and requires adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients.

Lifestyle also matters. Stress, poor sleep, alcohol and lack of movement all affect appetite regulation, gut hormones and metabolic health, sometimes undermining the medication’s benefits.

If appetite is supressed, isn’t it more difficult to eat well?

There are some common pitfalls that many fall into when using weight loss medication and these include:

• Eating too little: reduced appetite means that some unintentionally under-eat that can lead to dizziness, hair loss, low energy and poor concentration.

• Ultra-processed convenience foods: with reduced hunger, it can feel easier to snack on pre-packaged foods, convenience foods that are lacking in protein, fibre and important micronutrients.

• Assuming calories are everything: not all calories are created equally. Nutrition quality matters more than calorie counting when your appetite is already blunted.

While your meals may be small, a useful and simple plan to follow is:

• Protein first – eggs, chicken, fish, tofu, quinoa, legumes, Greek yoghurt

• Fibre-rich carbs – wholegrains, lentils, chickpeas, beans

• Healthy fats – nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, oily fish

• Colourful vegetables – variety for vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

• Use herbs and spices – make meals, even small ones, more tasty

Is there anything that women should be particularly aware of while using the medication?

Some women may face additional challenges as a result of rapid weight loss and lower calorie intake.  This can affect menstrual cycles, reduce muscle mass and have a detrimental effect on bone health.

Because the medication slows digestion, they may also reduce the absorption of oral contraceptives or HRT taken orally.  We always recommend that you to speak with your GP about alternatives to oral hormone treatments if you decide to use a weight loss medication.

There are some foods that you can include easily into your diet that can support your hormones and your health while using the medication:

• Healthy fats (oily fish, flax, avocados) to build hormones and absorb fat-soluble vitamins

• Fibre (vegetables, legumes, wholegrains) to support hormone clearance via the gut

• Protein to maintain muscle mass and protect bone density

• Fermented foods (kefir, yoghurt, sauerkraut) to support gut–hormone balance

The reported side-effects sound unpleasant.  Is there anything that can be done to avoid them?

The side effects are mostly those involving the digestive system and these can include nausea, acid reflux, diarrhoea and constipation.  This is because the drugs work to slow down the rate at which you digest food.  Side effects can be exacerbated by fatty or greasy meals and highly refined sugary foods.

The side-effects are generally worse when you first start taking the drugs or if you increase your dose.  During this time, it’s best to eat light, easy-to-digest meals such as soups, broths, scrambled eggs or yoghurt.  Some people find that cold or room temperature foods and those without a strong smell are often better tolerated. 

Nausea can become worse if your blood sugar is low and so make sure to include some carbohydrates in your meals, a slice of toast with scrambled eggs, some rice or noodles in a soup for example. Sip on a herbal tea such as ginger, chamomile or peppermint that can have a soothing effect on the digestive system (avoid peppermint if you have acid reflux though, as this can make it worse).

If you want to keep side effects to a minimum you should also:

• Drink enough water - essential, as the drugs are cleared via the kidneys.

• Avoid alcohol – it can worsen nausea, lower inhibitions around food, and interfere with absorption.

• Consider meal timings - a 12-hour overnight fast (7p.m–7a.m for example) supports the digestive system without leaving you under-fuelled.

Do supplements help?

Ensuring that the food you eat is as nutritious and balanced as possible will provide you with the fuel and nutrients that your body needs, but if you feel as though you may need to be supplementing, please speak to a health professional first, especially if you are taking other types of medication.

What’s the “take-home”?

The rise in the use of weight-loss medications shows how many people are struggling with appetite, cravings and the noise that has been created around food.

What this highlights is that there’s no single solution to weight gain and that our food environment and our relationship with it is now very different. While these types of medication can quiet the food noise and create space for change, it’s what you do with that space that matters - the medication opens a door, but your food and lifestyle choices determine what is on the other side.

If you are using or thinking of using weight loss medication and you would like to find out more about how managing your diet and lifestyle can support you to lose weight safely and sustainably, please get in touch.

Sources:

Jackson, Sarah & Brown, Jamie & Llewellyn, Clare & Mytton, Oliver & Shahab, Lion. Prevalence of use and interest in using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for weight loss: a population study in Great Britain, 2025

World Health Organisation (WHO), Fact Sheet, Obesity & Overweight, May 2025.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Feeding Profit. How food environments are failing children. Child Nutrition Report 2025, UNICEF, New York, September 2025.