Weight loss injections: myths vs. facts
What you really need to know about weight loss injection medications, according to science.
GLP-1 weight loss injection drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have completely stirred up the weight loss industry.
But with popularity comes confusion - and plenty of misinformation. “Ozempic face”, and inevitable weight regains, are just some of the concerns circulating online.
This article separates the fact from the fiction, breaking down the most common GLP-1 myths, so you can continue your weight loss journey with confidence, not confusion.
We're fact-checking the following myths:
- You don't need to change your diet or exercise when using weight loss injections
- Weight loss injections will give you 'Ozempic face'
- The side effects of weight loss injections are awful
- You'll regain all the weight you lost when you stop the injections
- GLP-1 drugs cause hair loss, muscle loss, and other issues
- All weight loss injections are the same
- Weight loss injections are unsafe and bad for your health
Myth 1: You don’t need to change your diet or exercise when using weight loss injections
Probably the most common misconception is that you take these injections and the weight falls off.
One of the most remarkable side effects of weight loss injections is the silencing of cravings, also known as “food noise”. And while Wegovy and Mounjaro do reduce your appetite, if you’re not breaking bad habits, you could be at risk of:
- High cholesterol
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Muscle and hair loss
- Reduced weight loss
Fact: Weight loss injections give you breathing space. Take advantage of the quiet from “food noise” and sweet cravings and use the time to educate yourself and create new habits around food and exercise.
Myth 2: Weight loss injections will give you “Ozempic face”
In case you haven’t come across this yet, “Ozempic face” is a media term that’s been unkindly used to describe people (usually celebrities) with gaunt faces and sagging skin, attributed to rapid weight loss from GLP-1 injections.
But these can occur whether you use weight loss injections, or not. It’s all to do with the speed at which the scales drop.
Fact: Losing weight slowly and consistently is the best way to avoid sagging skin.
If you’re looking for ways to avoid “Ozempic face”:
- Stay hydrated – drinking plenty of water keeps your skin elasticity (and your kidneys healthy), especially if you’re experiencing side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
- Eat nutritiously – keeping your vitamin and mineral intake high ensures you get all nutrients you need to keep your skin glowing.
- Lose weight gradually – it might be tempting to take as high a dose as possible and get quick results, but the quicker you lose weight the more likely your face will show it.
If you want to check your skin health while on your weight loss journey, try our Skin IQ Blood Test.
Myth 3: The side effects of weight loss injections are awful
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, headaches… While the side effects of Mounjaro and Wegovy don’t usually require urgent medical care, they’re not fun [1].
But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer.
Fact: You may experience side effects, but there are some ways to limit the effects.
- Talk to your medication provider about going down a dose and titrating at a slower rate.
- Drink lots of water.
- Take your dose at night, so the worst of the nausea happens when you’re asleep.
- Eat lots of fibre to ease constipation. Sliced golden kiwi (with the skin on) is a winner to help with this. And drink even more water!
Myth 4: You’ll regain all the weight you lost when you stop the injections
You may find the “food noise” returns with a vengeance after stopping your weight loss medication treatment.
The general consensus seems to be patients return to almost their original weight once they stop taking GLP-1 drugs. One study even recommended patients stay on mediation for life (although this study was funded by companies that produce GLP-1 drugs, so take that with a pinch of salt) [2].
There’s a couple of theories behind this:
- The areas of your brain that control appetite are still dysregulated – the GLP-1 drugs only mask the dysregulation. Once you stop them, your brain reverts to its usual pattern.
- The doses of GLP-1 are much higher than what your body would normally be able to make. The injections might stop your body from being able to produce GLP-1, leaving your body in a deficit. This can make you even hungrier when your appetite comes back.
But this is also what happens with any diet – if the changes you’ve made aren’t sustainable, once you return to your usual habits, you will regain the weight.
Fact: Research has shown that those who focus on retraining their brain to consistently ignore food impulses, incorporate non-negotiable movement into their day, and come off the medications slowly, have better weight maintenance results [3]. We’ve got ten useful weight loss tips, and how you can naturally support your GLP-1 levels, in case you need help.
Myth 5: GLP-1 drugs cause hair loss, muscle loss, and other issues
Any form of rapid weight loss usually results in muscle mass loss. Since muscle is a denser form of energy than fat, the body panics and starts to use muscle for energy instead of fat.
Hair loss is not a given and is usually your body’s reaction to dramatically reduced nutrition. This is known as telogen effluvium and is usually temporary.
Fact: The best way to prevent health issues from weight injections? Go slow, eat enough protein and nutrients, and include strength training in your weight loss journey.
Myth 6: All weight loss injections are the same
Fact: There’s actually a few different types of injections, with different mechanisms, doses, and side effects.
Mounjaro – tirzepatide, dual agonist, mimics GI and GLP-1, GIP influences fat storage as well as blood sugar and appetite. Tends to be more expensive than Wegovy.
Wegovy – semaglutide, usually start on lower dose, tends to have more side effects including headache, stomach ache, and fatigue
Ozempic – semaglutide, probably the brand most referred to in media, is actually only used off-label for weight loss. Only licensed for type 2 diabetes treatment. Contains same ingredient as Wegovy.
Zepbound – tirzepatide, GLP-1 and GIP, American brand name, not suitable for the UK. Identical to Mounjaro.
Your healthcare provider can help you figure out which medication is best for you.
Myth 7: Weight loss injections are unsafe and bad for your health
The rapid rise in popularity of weight loss injections has made many suspicious. Which isn’t a bad thing!
But if you’re wondering if weight loss injections are safe, don’t worry. These medications have actually been around for many years. And they may even have benefits in other areas besides diabetes and obesity.
These include:
- PCOS
- Depression
- Addiction (esp. substance abuse and binge eating disorder)
- Cancer reduction
- Heart disease
Fact: If you are concerned about your health on weight loss injections, our Weight Loss Injection (GLP-1) Monitoring Blood Test can help you keep an eye on how you’re doing.
References
- Weight-loss injections explained. In: British Heart Foundation [Internet]. [cited 7 Oct 2025].
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Kandler K, Konakli K, et al. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022;24: 1553–1564. doi:10.1111/dom.14725
- Wadden TA, Chao AM, Moore M, Tronieri JS, Gilden A, Amaro A, et al. The Role of Lifestyle Modification with Second-Generation Anti-obesity Medications: Comparisons, Questions, and Clinical Opportunities. Curr Obes Rep. 2023;12: 453–473. doi:10.1007/s13679-023-00534-z