Ellie Kemp
A doctor has warned of five mistakes people on weight loss injections make as they come off the medication.
While Ozempic is only licensed to treat type two diabetes, similar GLP-1 medications have cropped up for weight loss purposes.
These include Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda, which are all injected once a week to help control appetite.
The medications have proved hugely successful for some, although like with any drug, they run the risk of side effects.
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As per Mayo Clinic, healthcare providers recommend a minimum of 12 to 24 months on weight loss injections.
So, they're not meant to be taken for life and people might be prepared to come off them once they've reached a healthier weight.
However, one GP has revealed there are five common errors people make when stopping treatment.
While many worry about food noise returning and piling the pounds back on, there are ways to prepare.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has set out the five mistakes people make, adding: "Weight loss injections are still incredibly popular, but like any treatment, there’s a correct way to stop.
"From not amending diets to going cold turkey, there’s a range of common errors that could lead to weight gain."
Dr Grant warns that the sudden return of appetite after quitting weight-loss jabs can lead to poor eating habits and potential weight gain.
"To avoid this, people should communicate directly with their GP before ending any treatment plans. A medical professional can advise further on a potential tapering plan, while also providing dietary advice and lifestyle habits that can help reduce weight gain, once the treatment has finished," he added.
If you've not already built up a regular exercise regime while on weight loss jabs, Dr Grant recommends doing so.
"It’s common for people to neglect lifestyle changes, quickly leading to weight gain and stunting all progress obtained from the treatment," the medic said.
"I recommend aiming for around 30 minutes of exercise each day. This could be a walk, jog, cycle or a short trip to the gym."
Avoiding any changes to diets is a sure-fire way to regain weight lost throughout the treatment, Dr Grant warns.
He continued: "As appetite differs dramatically, once coming off the injections, it’s important for people to draw up a dietary plan, including structured meal times to avoid overeating.
"I also recommend a well-balanced diet including a variety of high-protein, fibre-rich and healthy fat foods. Instead of opting for crash diets, people should establish a well-structured diet that ensures they get all the essential nutrients to support well-being."
Stopping weight loss treatment too early is one of the most common errors people make.
"These drugs are designed to be used long-term - not doing so gives the body little time to adapt to the treatment. By adopting the treatment long-term, people can obtain all the benefits while reducing the risk of regaining weight once they come off these injections," Dr Grant added.
Of course, if you're experiencing uncomfortable side effects, you should contact your GP right away.
Dr Grant notes it's important to not create an unhealthy relationship when it comes to weight management.
However, tracking weight once treatment ends can help people adjust their routine to avoid losing progress.
He said: "Weight loss injections can be expensive, especially when utilised long-term. By monitoring weight closely, people can avoid losing value from the treatments while maintaining a healthier physique."
Dr Grant concluded: "Overall, these common mistakes act as a warning to anyone currently thinking about ending their weight loss treatment. While these injections are incredibly effective, not amending lifestyle habits or diet can have massive impacts on progress, often leading to regained weight."