Recently, weight loss injections have gained popularity as a potential aid for individuals seeking to manage their weight. However, while these injections can be a helpful component of a weight loss journey, they are most effective when combined with knowledgeable dietary guidance and should only be considered when diet, lifestyle and exercise factors have been addressed.
How do weight loss injections work?
The most common group of weight loss injections on the market are GLP-1 agonists including Ozempic and Wygovy. A GLP-1 agonist is a type of medication that mimics the action of the naturally occurring hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is released in the gut in response to food intake, and it has several important functions related to metabolism and appetite regulation. These injections work because they cause:
1. Appetite Suppression: They act on the appetite centres in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus, to enhance feelings of fullness and reduce hunger
2. Delay of Gastric Emptying: They slow down how fast foods empty fom the stomach which increased feelings of fullness
3. Regulation of Insulin Secretion: They stimulate insulin secretion in response to glucose (sugar) promoting better blood sugar control which can positively impact appetite and weight.
The combined effects of appetite suppression, delayed gastric emptying, improved glycaemic control, and hormonal regulation lead to weight loss in individuals using GLP-1 agonists.
Why a dietitian is an integral part of your health care team
Consulting with a dietitian can provide you with the support you need to achieve sustainable results. Here are the top five reasons to see a dietitian while using weight loss injections.
1.Managing side-effects
The most commonly reported side effects of GLP-1 medications relate to the gastrointestinal system. These may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
These gastrointestinal symptoms often diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication and also with dietary modifications or supplementation. A dietitian can help minimise the severity of these symptoms and provide you with practical strategies to help.
2. Individualised Nutritional Advice, Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Plans
Each individual's body responds differently to weight loss injections, and dietary needs can vary significantly based on age, gender, medical history, and lifestyle factors. A dietitian can assess your specific situation and provide personalised nutritional advice that complements your treatment plan including advising how many calories and grams of protein are needed.
In addition to this, micronutrient deficiencies can be common when losing large amounts of weight and consuming a smaller amount of food. A dietitian can advise what supplements may be required to help prevent a deficiency.
This tailored approach ensures you receive the right nutrients for your body while maximising the effectiveness of the injections. Weight loss is not a linear journey, and the effectiveness of injections may fluctuate over time.
Regular consultations with a dietitian can provide you with the opportunity to monitor your progress effectively. They can help identify any challenges you may encounter and adjust your dietary plan accordingly. This ongoing support is vital for keeping you accountable and motivated throughout your weight loss journey.
3. Setting realistic weight loss targets and ensuring you’re not losing muscle mass
A dietitian can help educate you about what a realistic weight loss target might be for you. Dietitians can also refer you for DEXA body composition scans which monitor changes in muscle and fat mass to make sure you’re losing the right type of fat. Losing weight too quickly, not eating enough, not eating enough protein and not incorporating resistance training will lead to more lean muscle mass being lost. Maintaining our lean muscle mass is important for a healthy body composition and metabolism.
Generally, GLP-1 medications tend to preserve lean body mass better than many other weight loss interventions. However, research suggests that while fat loss is the primary component of weight loss in individuals on GLP-1 treatments, a proportion—often cited as around 10-30% of total weight loss—may come from lean mass, which includes skeletal muscle. This means that ideally, with appropriate dietary management and exercise, the loss of skeletal muscle should be minimised.
4. Sustainable Lifestyle Changes & Habit Change
While weight loss injections may lead to initial results, maintaining these results requires long-term lifestyle changes. A dietitian can assist you in developing healthy eating habits and sustainable practices that go beyond the injections. They can guide you in creating meal plans tailored to your lifestyle, preferences, and health objectives, helping you establish a positive relationship with food.
5. Addressing Underlying Health Concerns
Many individuals seeking weight loss advice have underlying health issues, such as insulin resistance, hormone imbalances, or digestive problems including IBS. Dietitians can conduct a thorough assessment of your health status and identify any conditions that may complicate your weight loss efforts. By doing so, they can recommend dietary strategies that not only support weight loss but also improve your overall health and well-being.
Activate foods meals are perfect for people on weight loss injections as they are generally high in protein, calorie-controlled and include a good source of dietary fibre and micronutrients.
Conclusion
Incorporating weight loss injections into your weight management strategy can be an effective step toward achieving your goals, but they are not a complete solution. Partnering with a dietitian ensures that you receive the comprehensive support necessary for sustainable and healthy weight loss. If you’re considering weight loss injections or are already on a regimen, seek the expertise of a qualified dietitian who can guide you toward a healthier future.
Reach out to Eatsense today to book in your consultation.
