A guide to weight loss injections

Around two thirds of Australians are overweight or obese, and losing weight can be tough for a lot of people.¹

If you’re curious about weight loss injections or medically assisted options, you’re not alone.

We’ll cover how they work, who can use them, and how to get the best results.

The medical term for weight loss injections is GLP-1 agonists, or GLP-1s.

They work by mimicking a hormone produced in your small intestine which slows digestion, helps you feel fuller for longer and triggers an insulin release, lowering blood sugar.²

Once used exclusively to help manage type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s are now being prescribed for weight loss.

Although GLP-1s are prescribed on an individual basis, doses usually start low and build up over a course of weeks and months. The injections are self-administered at home with an injector pen.

If you’re interested in exploring a weight loss injection, Bupa GP Dr Janice Tan says the best place to start is with your regular doctor.

“The indicators about how suitable a person is for a GLP-1 are constantly changing,” says Dr Tan. “On average a person with a BMI of 30 or over, or 27 and over with a chronic health condition such as cardiovascular disease may be eligible.”

While your BMI may indicate a weight loss injection could be an appropriate treatment for you, factors such as your family history, current health conditions and any medications you take could make GLP1-s unsuitable for you.

“Your eligibility for a GLP-1 for weight loss is unique to every person and requires a conversation with your GP,” says Dr Tan. “Your GP won’t only take into account your weight, but will also explore your past medical history, any health conditions you may have and your mental health.”

Because the medication changes the way your body responds to insulin, you should notice that you feel fuller on less food and stay fuller for longer.

If you eat too much, your body may respond with feelings of nausea and even vomiting. Other common side effects include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness and fatigue
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation or an upset stomach
• Injection site reactions.

As your body adjusts to the medication and you learn more about how much and how often you can eat without feeling too full, these symptoms may subside.

It’s worth noting that not everyone will experience these symptoms while taking GLP-1s.

As your body adjusts to the medication your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage to see the best results.

Contrary to what you may have heard, weight loss injections are not a magic solution to weight loss. For best results and long-term success, other factors are critical.

“It’s super important that people on these medications also address their nutrition and activity level,” says Dr Tan. “That means learning how to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and starting some regular exercise habits that will support success after you stop taking the medication.”

Ask your GP about what you can do to help get the best out of your weight loss medication.

Everyone responds differently to weight loss injections, so results can vary.

On average, weight loss starts within a week, with most of it happening in the first 5 months.

Remember, everyone’s results will be different, and things like what you eat and how active you are make a big difference in the long run.

“Right now, there are no significant long-term side effects for staying on the medications and on average we see people using the injections for around 6-9 months or up to one year,” says Dr Tan.