ozempic injection
ozempic injection

Why Weight Loss Injections Alone Aren’t Enough for Lasting Results

The growing popularity of injectable weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro has brought new hope to individuals struggling with obesity. These drugs promise effective weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing digestion, making it easier for people to consume fewer calories. While these medications have been life-changing for some, they are not a complete solution to long-term weight management.

At Tonic Weight Loss Surgery, we believe in addressing the root causes of obesity and providing lasting solutions. In this blog, we’ll explore why weight loss injections alone aren’t enough for sustained results and discuss the importance of holistic and surgical approaches to weight management.

How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?

Weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro are GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a hormone in the gut called glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone plays a key role in regulating appetite and digestion.
Benefits of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists:

1. Suppress Appetite: They make you feel full sooner and for longer, leading to reduced calorie consumption.

2. Delay Digestion: By slowing stomach emptying, these drugs maintain a feeling of fullness after meals.

3. Stabilise Blood Sugar: Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, these medications help regulate blood glucose levels.

While these mechanisms can promote weight loss, they primarily address symptoms of obesity rather than the underlying causes.

The Limitations of Weight Loss Injections

Despite their initial success, weight loss injections have significant limitations that prevent them from being a standalone solution for most people.
1. Temporary Results
  • Weight loss achieved with injections is often short-lived. Studies show that many patients regain weight within 12 months of stopping treatment.
  • This occurs because these medications do not permanently alter how your body processes food or regulates hunger. Once the drug is out of your system, old habits and physiological responses often return.
2. High Costs
  • Weight loss injections can cost between £800-£1,200 per month, making them an unsustainable option for many individuals.
  • They are typically not covered by insurance unless prescribed for managing diabetes, leaving people with significant financial burdens.
3. Side Effects
  • Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and dizziness, which can disrupt daily life.
  • In rare cases, more severe side effects like pancreatitis or gallbladder issues may occur, requiring immediate medical attention.
4. No Structural or Metabolic Changes
  • Injections do not alter the size or structure of the stomach or intestines, nor do they significantly change your metabolism.
  • Obesity is a complex condition influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, hormones, and behaviours. Addressing these requires more than appetite suppression.
5. Weight Regain Without Behavioural Change
  • Successful weight management requires lifestyle adjustments, including changes in diet, exercise, and mental health.
  • Injections cannot teach patients how to maintain healthy habits, which is essential for avoiding weight regain.

Book Your Free Consultation Today

Ready to explore a permanent weight loss solution? Contact Tonic Weight Loss Surgery England for a no-obligation consultation and take the first step in your transformation journey.

For some patients, a combination of weight loss injections and bariatric surgery may be beneficial. Here’s how they can complement each other:

1. Pre-Surgery Weight Management

  • For patients with a high BMI, losing weight before surgery can reduce surgical risks and improve outcomes. Injections can help patients achieve this initial weight loss.

2. Post-Surgery Weight Maintenance

  • Injections can be used after surgery to help manage appetite and prevent weight regain, particularly for patients who struggle with hormonal changes or old habits.

3. Managing Comorbidities

  • For patients with obesity-related conditions like diabetes, injections can provide additional support in stabilising blood sugar levels alongside the metabolic benefits of surgery.
At Tonic Weight Loss Surgery, we work with our patients to create personalised plans that incorporate all available tools for long-term success.

Whether you choose surgery, injections, or a combination of both, lasting weight loss requires commitment to lifestyle changes. These include:
  1. Healthy Eating: Adopting a balanced diet rich in whole foods and low in processed sugars.
  2. Regular Exercise: Building an active lifestyle that supports both physical and mental health.
  3. Mental Health Support: Addressing emotional and psychological factors that may contribute to overeating or unhealthy behaviours.
At Tonic, we provide ongoing support to help our patients build and maintain these habits, ensuring their success long after surgery.
For some patients, a combination of weight loss injections and bariatric surgery may be beneficial. Here’s how they can complement each other:

1. Pre-Surgery Weight Management

  • For patients with a high BMI, losing weight before surgery can reduce surgical risks and improve outcomes. Injections can help patients achieve this initial weight loss.

2. Post-Surgery Weight Maintenance

  • Injections can be used after surgery to help manage appetite and prevent weight regain, particularly for patients who struggle with hormonal changes or old habits.

3. Managing Comorbidities

  • For patients with obesity-related conditions like diabetes, injections can provide additional support in stabilising blood sugar levels alongside the metabolic benefits of surgery.
At Tonic Weight Loss Surgery, we work with our patients to create personalised plans that incorporate all available tools for long-term success.
Whether you choose surgery, injections, or a combination of both, lasting weight loss requires commitment to lifestyle changes. These include:
  1. Healthy Eating: Adopting a balanced diet rich in whole foods and low in processed sugars.
  2. Regular Exercise: Building an active lifestyle that supports both physical and mental health.
  3. Mental Health Support: Addressing emotional and psychological factors that may contribute to overeating or unhealthy behaviours.
At Tonic, we provide ongoing support to help our patients build and maintain these habits, ensuring their success long after surgery.

Why Choose Tonic Weight Loss Surgery?

At Tonic Weight Loss Surgery, we specialise in providing comprehensive, personalised care to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals. Here’s what sets us apart:
  • Experienced Specialists: Our team has years of expertise in bariatric surgery, offering procedures like the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric band surgery.
  • Ongoing Support: We provide continued care after surgery, including nutrition counselling, exercise guidance, and mental health support.
  • Tailored Solutions: Whether you’re exploring surgery, injections, or a combination of both, we work with you to develop a plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Take the First Step Towards Lasting Results

Weight loss injections can be a helpful tool, but they are not enough for sustained success on their own. Bariatric surgery offers a permanent, effective solution that addresses the root causes of obesity, helping you achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey, Tonic Weight Loss Surgery is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can support you in transforming your life.

Your Weight Loss Journey Starts Here

Combining weight loss surgery and injections can be an effective strategy for certain patients, but starting with surgery often provides the strongest foundation for success. If you’re ready to explore your options, our team at Tonic Weight Loss Surgery is here to guide you every step of the way.

Book Your Free Consultation Today
Contact us at Tonic Weight Loss Surgery England to discuss your personalised weight loss plan and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.

Contact us today

For further information, please contact our team on 03000 124 5520 to discuss your individual case.

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