Are weight loss injections safe? What you need to know

Over the last few years, weight loss injections have risen in popularity as a treatment option when diet and exercise changes alone don’t cut it. Celebrity testimonials have meant that awareness has grown exponentially - but some worry the results are too good to believe.

Many people have questions about the safety of these prescription medications, especially for long-term use or for patients who have underlying health conditions. Getting clear, reliable guidance before treatment can help you to make the best decision for your health.

In this article, we look at possible risks of using weight loss injections, as well as who they’re best suited for, all with the expertise of trained pharmacists. Keep reading to learn more.

What are the dangers of weight loss injections?

As with any medication, weight loss injections aren’t the right choice for everyone in all circumstances. That’s why they’re a prescription treatment - so trained prescribers can help you to choose what’s best for you.

One of the main safety concerns is whether they’re suitable for the person taking them. In the wrong circumstances, medications can sometimes do more harm than good, and that’s why it’s important for prescribers to understand:

● Your medical history - any conditions you may have or have had in the past, as well as family members’ conditions you may be at risk of
● Your current medications - any medications you’re currently taking, either regularly or in response to flare-ups
● Your weight - guidelines recommend the use of weight loss medications only in those over certain BMI figures, as these people are considered most at risk of weight-related health issues.

Ongoing monitoring while taking weight loss injections is also crucial. Your treatment may need to be reviewed if your health or circumstances change, you develop side effects[1.1] or you’re not losing weight as expected. For example, some research suggests certain weight loss injections may lead to a higher risk of some conditions, while reducing your risk of others.

Because of all this, there are safety concerns around how treatment is accessed - and this is why weight loss injections should only be prescribed after appropriate checks by a qualified clinician. The risks of accessing weight loss injections without a prescriber’s oversight include:

● Choosing a treatment that’s unsuitable due to your medical history or other circumstances
● Accessing the wrong dosages, which can either hamstring progress or leave you vulnerable to more impactful side effects
● Receiving counterfeit medications which haven’t been tested, may not help you to lose weight and may even lead to serious health issues.

Used appropriately, weight loss injections are usually considered a safe option for suitable patients. The key is making sure treatment is prescribed, supplied and monitored by qualified healthcare professionals.

Are weight loss injections safe long-term?

Weight loss injections can be safe for longer-term use when they’re prescribed appropriately and monitored by a qualified clinician. However, their safety depends on the individual, the medicine being used, your medical history and how well you respond to treatment.

These treatments aren’t intended to be used without review. Before prescribing, a clinician should check your BMI, health conditions, current medicines and any factors that may make treatment unsuitable. Once treatment has started, regular follow-up is important to make sure it’s still appropriate, effective and safe for you.

Long-term safety also depends on you using the medicine exactly as prescribed. This includes:

● Taking the correct dose
● Only increasing the dose when advised to by your clinician
● Avoiding other medications that may interfere with the weight loss injection
● Storing the medication as instructed
● Not using the medication past its expiration date
● Stopping the treatment if your clinician recommends doing so.

It’s also important to remember that weight loss injections work best as part of a wider plan. Healthy eating, movement, sleep and support with long-term habits all play a role in maintaining weight loss and achieving the desired results.

Long-term use of weight loss injections isn’t forbidden, but it’s vital to only do it under clinical supervision so any changes or side effects can be managed quickly.

Regular review helps to ensure that the treatment remains the right choice for you. In some cases, there may be restrictions on how long you can take a treatment for (e.g., a maximum of two years) to protect you from adverse effects.

Who can get weight loss injections?

As mentioned, weight loss injections aren’t suitable for everyone. They may be recommended for adults living with obesity or who are overweight with weight-related health concerns. This can include conditions such as:

● Type 2 diabetes
● High blood pressure
● Abnormal cholesterol
● Obstructive sleep apnoea
● Cardiovascular disease.

Different weight loss injections can have slightly different eligibility criteria, but they usually consider your BMI,* your medical history and any medications you currently take.

* In UK guidance, prescription may be considered at lower BMI thresholds for people of certain ethnicities, including South Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African and African-Caribbean backgrounds. This is because these groups are believed to be at higher risk of weight-related health issues.

Who shouldn’t use weight loss injections?

For some people, using weight loss injections may carry a higher risk of side effects or could impact existing health conditions. This includes people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.

Weight loss injections may also be unsuitable for people with certain medical conditions, such as:

● A history of pancreatitis
● Some gallbladder problems
● Severe digestive conditions
● Eye problems
● Allergies to ingredients in the medicine.

This list is not exhaustive, and you should mention any health conditions you have or have had to your prescriber before starting weight loss injections.

At this stage, weight loss injections are not prescribed for those who aren’t at risk for weight-related health conditions. In these cases, it’s recommended to try a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to help you to lose weight.

Still not sure whether you’re eligible? The safest way to find out if you can get weight loss injections is to complete a clinical consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

When prescribed appropriately and used as part of a wider weight management plan, weight loss injections can help suitable patients to lose weight safely. Pre-prescription consultations and regular reviews during treatment help to ensure this option remains effective and safe.

Get in touch today to learn how Pharmulous can help.

References 

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/weight-loss-injections-explained 
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/treatment/ 
https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/medicines-for-obesity/weight-management-injections/ 
https://www.channel4.com/news/black-market-of-potentially-deadly-fake-weight-loss-jabs-uncovered 
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/behind-the-headlines/weight-loss-injections 
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.15481.pdf