I have become increasingly curious about weight-loss injections, as more people are turning to them to support their weight-loss journey.

Questions such as what exactly they are, how they work, whether there are side effects beyond weight loss, and who monitors patients taking them have been on my mind. So I set out to find a book that could answer these questions and more.

In his easy-to-read book Food Noise, Dr Jack Mosley answers these questions and explains why these injections are even needed. The original intention of GLP-1 medications, or Glucagon-Like Peptide 1, was to treat type 2 diabetes in the 1980s.

However, in 2021, a study showed that higher doses of GLP-1 injections, which people with diabetes were using to control blood sugar levels, could also cause significant weight loss and potentially reverse type 2 diabetes.

A real game changer.

In simple terms, GLP-1 medications work by reducing food noise, which is the constant mental chatter around food that some people experience. They also reduce appetite, help regulate fat storage, slow digestion, and stabilise blood sugar levels.

For a more detailed explanation of how they work, I would definitely recommend reading the book. As with any medication, there are side effects. These can include sulphur burps, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea and a reduced enjoyment of food. There are also more serious potential risks, such as gallstones and pancreatitis, as well as unknown long-term effects.

Weight-loss medications may also offer health benefits beyond weight reduction, with research beginning to explore additional positive effects.

Dr Mosley is clear that these medications are not a cure-all and should not be relied upon alone. People taking them will lose weight from both fat and muscle, so it is essential that they use them alongside regular exercise and appropriate nutritional support to maintain muscle mass.

It can be easy to become undernourished if food intake is not carefully adjusted during weight loss. This is where the book is particularly helpful, offering well-researched nutritional guidance and simple recipes based on the Fast 800 approach.

Importantly, Dr Mosley encourages readers to conduct their own research before starting any weight-loss medication, especially since these are often obtained privately and are subject to strict prescribing guidelines.

If you or someone you know is considering these medications, I strongly encourage you to read this informative book, maintain a nourishing diet, and have a supportive exercise plan in place.

Did you know that NLP can help you strengthen your relationship with food, break unhelpful habits and overcome barriers to exercise?

Please reach out to discuss how NLP could support your weight loss journey.