In recent years, medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have made headlines for their apparent effectiveness in supporting weight loss, particularly among individuals who have struggled with obesity or related health conditions. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, these drugs—semaglutide-based GLP-1 receptor agonists—are now widely prescribed for weight management, offering hope to those who have struggled with traditional diet and exercise plans.
But while their popularity is soaring, it's important to take a closer look at what these medications are, how they work, their benefits and drawbacks, and why a comprehensive, sustainable approach remains key to long-term health.
What are Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, a synthetic version of a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels, insulin secretion, and appetite. By mimicking this hormone, semaglutide helps lower blood glucose levels, slows gastric emptying, promotes satiety (feeling full), and reduces food intake, often resulting in significant weight loss over time.
Ozempic is primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, but has also shown substantial weight loss effects. Wegovy, a higher-dose version of semaglutide, is FDA-approved specifically for weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher (or 27 with a weight-related condition, such as hypertension or high cholesterol).
How do they work?
Semaglutide slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite, and affects the brain’s hunger centers. This means users tend to feel fuller for longer and eat less, which can lead to a caloric deficit and weight loss. Clinical trials have shown that patients on these medications can lose 10–15% of their body weight, a significant achievement for those with obesity-related health conditions.
Benefits of Weight Loss Injections
Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of semaglutide-based treatments in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health. Some of the key benefits include:
- Significant weight loss (average of 10-15% of body weight in trials)
- Improved blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity
- Reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease
- Decreased appetite and fewer food cravings
For individuals who have struggled with weight loss through traditional methods, these medications can offer a much-needed boost and a sense of progress.
Concerns and Considerations
Despite the promising outcomes, weight loss injections are not a cure-all and come with important caveats:
- Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, and fatigue. In some cases, more serious complications such as pancreatitis or gallbladder issues may occur.
- Long-Term Safety: Because these medications are relatively new for weight management, long-term safety and effectiveness data are still being gathered.
- Sustainability: Once the medication is stopped, many individuals experience weight regain unless accompanied by lasting lifestyle changes.
- Cost and Accessibility: These treatments can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
- Potential Nutrient Deficiency: One concern is that a significant reduction in appetite and food intake can lead to inadequate nutrient consumption. When individuals eat considerably less, they may miss out on essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients needed to support immune function, muscle mass, energy, and overall vitality.
What Are We Missing?
While semaglutide-based injections can be a helpful tool, they don’t address the underlying behaviours, habits, and lifestyle patterns that contribute to weight gain in the first place. Emotional eating, stress, poor sleep, lack of movement, and unbalanced nutrition are complex factors that require more than a pharmaceutical solution. These medications are also not a substitute for a healthy relationship with food, movement, and self-care.
Weight management is about more than shedding pounds—it's about building habits that support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Focusing solely on weight loss can sometimes neglect these essential aspects of health.
A Balanced Approach
At Synergy Health Coaching, we take a holistic and sustainable approach to health and weight management. Through our Synergy Method, we focus on three key pillars:
- Nutrition: Encouraging balanced, blood sugar-friendly eating that promotes fullness, energy, and long-term health. We prioritise both the quantity but also the quality of your food.
- Lifestyle Optimisation: Supporting quality sleep, regular movement, stress management, and a nurturing environment.
- Behaviour Mastery: Uncovering mindset barriers, building healthy habits, and fostering self-compassion and consistency.
By combining these treatments, Ozempic or Wegovy, with a balanced, sustainable approach to eating, and adding the benefits of building healthy habits and behaviours that will help you to manage your weight, the way you want, you can not only lose weight but also maintain your long-term health and vitality for the rest of your life. It’s not about quick fixes—it’s about lasting transformation.
If you’re considering these medications or want to explore a holistic, sustainable approach to improving your health, I invite you to book your Free Health & Wellness Consultation. This no-obligation session will help you gain clarity on your health goals and discover how we can work together to achieve lasting change.
Author: Eva Todd, Founder of Synergy Health Coaching.
June 2025
Disclaimer: This information is designed to support individuals in making informed nutrition and lifestyle choices. Health coaches provide guidance in optimising well-being through food and lifestyle changes. However, individuals with medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider before making significant changes.
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