Weight Loss Injections: A Tool, Not a Fix

There’s been a lot of noise lately about weight loss injections, the so-called "miracle" jabs that promise to curb appetite, shed fat fast, and finally bring an end to the battle with the scales.

As a holistic nutrition coach, I’ve watched this trend unfold with cautious curiosity. Can they help? Yes, in some cases. But are they the answer to long-term fat loss? Not on their own.

Let’s cut through the hype and talk honestly, because you deserve more than a quick fix.

What Are Weight Loss Injections, Really?

Weight loss injections (often known as GLP-1 receptor agonists) were originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite — essentially helping people feel fuller, faster, and for longer.

Some of these medications, like semaglutide, are now being prescribed specifically for weight loss, with some studies showing significant results. In one major clinical trial, participants taking semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared to just 2.4% in the placebo group (Wilding et al., 2021, New England Journal of Medicine).

So yes, they can be effective.

But let’s pause before we label them as a one-size-fits-all solution. A Note on Side Effects – What the Headlines Don’t Always Explain

Like any medication, weight loss jabs can come with side effects. Some people experience nausea, constipation, fatigue, or digestive discomfort, especially in the early stages. These effects are usually mild and improve over time, but it’s important to be aware.

More recently, news reports have highlighted rare but more serious risks, such as gallbladder issues, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal complications. While these are uncommon, they have been reported, and it's essential that anyone considering these medications does so with medical guidance and regular check-ins.

I'm not here to scare you, just to remind you that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. If you're using weight loss injections, it's still important to understand how your body works, how to nourish it, and how to build the habits that keep you healthy for life.

Why Results Often Don’t Last

Here’s what doesn’t get talked about enough: what happens when you stop taking the jab?

The answer, in many cases, is this, the weight creeps back on. Not because the jab “didn’t work,” but because the underlying habits, mindset, and emotional patterns around food were never addressed.

In the STEP 4 clinical trial, participants who stopped taking semaglutide regained about two-thirds of their lost weight within a year (Rubino et al., 2022). The medication worked, but without ongoing support, the results didn’t last.

And it's not just the weight. Appetite and food intake also return to previous levels after stopping the injection, as found in a 2018 review on GLP-1 agonists (van der Valk et al., 2018). Unless behavioural change has taken place, the cycle continues.

No injection teaches you how to handle stress without reaching for snacks. No medication rewires years of emotional eating. And no prescription fixes the voice in your head that says, “I’ll never be able to keep the weight off.”

These are the pieces that matter most, and they can’t be outsourced to a syringe.

My Coaching Philosophy: Sustainable First, Always

In my work, I take a different route. One that might not be sexy, but is proven to last.

My approach is about building real-life tools that work in real-life situations. That means:

Fueling your body with foods you enjoy (yes, even the ones you thought were off-limits)

Rebuilding confidence after years of yo-yo dieting or self-doubt

Supporting your mindset so you don’t just change what you eat, you change how you think and feel around food

Research consistently shows that mindset, self-efficacy, and intrinsic motivation are key to long-term fat loss success. One review found that behaviour-focused coaching leads to better outcomes than nutrition or medication alone (Teixeira et al., 2015). Another showed that psychological drivers, not just food choices, are major predictors of weight regain (Katterman et al., 2014).

I don’t offer quick fixes. What I offer is a path to freedom: no more starting over every Monday, no more guilt, and no more “all or nothing.”

So, Are Weight Loss Jabs Bad? Not At All. But They’re Not the Whole Story.

I want to be clear: I’m not here to judge anyone choosing to use medication as part of their journey. For some people, especially those facing serious health risks, they can be a helpful tool.

But a tool is only effective when you know how to use it, and when you pair it with a strong foundation.

If you’re not working on your habits, your mindset, and your relationship with food, weight loss jabs can easily become just another short-lived solution… one that leaves you back at square one when the prescription ends. Final Thoughts: Your Body Deserves More Than a Shortcut

This conversation isn’t about shame or blame. It’s about empowering you with the full picture.

So if you’re considering weight loss jabs, ask yourself:

❝ Am I also doing the inner work? Or am I hoping this will fix something deeper that hasn’t been addressed? ❞

Because no matter how promising a jab might seem, lasting change comes from within, and that’s where the real magic happens. And if you’re already using a weight loss injection, you don’t need to go it alone. I can work with clients on these medications to help them build the tools they’ll need after they stop, from mindset work to habit change to real-life nutrition confidence. Support during this phase is key to avoiding rebound weight gain and frustration.

If you're ready to feel more in control of your health, with or without medication, I’d love to support you.

References:

• Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. NEJM, 384(11), 989–1002.

• Rubino, D. et al. (2022). Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.

• van der Valk, E. et al. (2018). GLP-1 receptor agonists in obesity treatment: effects on appetite and food intake. J Clin Med.

• Katterman, S.N. et al. (2014). Psychological predictors of weight regain after weight loss. Clin Psychol Rev. 

• Teixeira, P.J. et al. (2015). A review of psychological predictors of successful weight loss and maintenance. Health Psychol Rev.