Weight loss injection side effects: What you need to know

Balz Schürmann

About the author: Balz Schürmann (CEO)
Balz Schürmann is the founder of skin689 and shares his in-depth knowledge about effective skincare for cellulite in our journal. As the developer of the innovative active ingredient CHacoll®, he brings many years of experience in formulating highly effective cosmetic products "Made in Switzerland." His expertise is based on a deep understanding of the causes of visible skin changes—and how to effectively address them.

Imagine sitting in your doctor's office, holding a weight-loss injection for the first time. The promise sounds enticing: finally losing weight without constant hunger. But while success stories dominate the media, one important question often remains unanswered: What side effects can occur?

The popularity of weight-loss injections containing active ingredients like semaglutide or liraglutide has exploded in recent years. Understandably so, since who doesn't want to lose weight effectively? However, as with any medical procedure, education is key to safe use. This article will tell you everything you need to know about possible side effects – from harmless occurrences to serious complications.

The most important points in brief:

  • What are the most common side effects? Gastrointestinal problems dominate the side effect profile of the weight-loss injection. Nausea, in particular, affects almost every second user.
  • Could dangerous complications also occur? Rare but serious risks such as pancreatitis or kidney problems require immediate medical attention. You should be aware of the warning signs.
  • What happens after stopping the injection? Hunger returns and many regain weight. Without accompanying lifestyle changes, the yo-yo effect is a real risk.
  • Are there safe alternatives to weight loss injections? Natural methods such as dietary changes and targeted skincare can offer more sustainable results without side effects.

The most common side effects of the weight loss injection

Gastrointestinal problems

Most patients using weight-loss injections containing active ingredients such as semaglutide or tirzepatide report gastrointestinal problems. Nausea occurs in approximately... 44 percent The user experiences this and it is therefore the most common side effect (Center for Health, 2024). This unpleasant side effect is particularly noticeable at the beginning of treatment and when the dose is increased.

Vomiting and diarrhea are also among the documented reactions of the body to the medication. The slowed gastric emptying, which contributes to the desired feeling of fullness, can simultaneously lead to abdominal pain and bloating. In many patients, these symptoms subside after a few weeks, once the body has become accustomed to the active ingredient.

Other common accompanying symptoms

In addition to gastrointestinal issues, users report fatigue and exhaustion, which can impair their quality of life. Headaches occur in approximately... 14 percent of the treated patients (Frankfurter Rundschau, 2023). These can range from mild to moderate and usually respond well to conventional painkillers.

Dizziness is another side effect that can occur, especially during rapid movements or when standing up. This is often related to changes in blood sugar levels and reduced food intake. Adequate fluid intake and slow changes of position can help.

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Rare cases in which side effects may occur

Pancreatitis and gallbladder problems

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) is one of the rare but serious risks of weight-loss injections. Warning signs include severe, persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Immediate medical attention is necessary if such symptoms occur.

Gallbladder problems, including gallstones and cholecystitis, can also occur. The risk is increased in overweight or obese individuals who lose weight rapidly. Pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after fatty meals, should be taken seriously.

Further serious complications

Kidney problems, including acute kidney failure, have been observed in rare cases, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney disease or severe fluid loss due to vomiting and diarrhea. Adequate hydration is therefore essential during treatment.

Allergic reactions can range from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylactic reactions. Thyroid changes, including an increased risk of thyroid tumors, have been observed in animal studies. Whether this risk also exists in humans is still unclear (Frankfurter Rundschau, 2023).

Who should not take the weight loss injection?

Absolute contraindications

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are absolute contraindications. The active ingredients can harm the unborn child and can be passed on to the infant through breast milk. Women of childbearing age should use a reliable method of contraception during treatment.

Certain pre-existing conditions also preclude its use. These include a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Use is also contraindicated in cases of known hypersensitivity to semaglutide, tirzepatide, or liraglutide.

Relative contraindications

People with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis should not use these medications for weight loss. Special caution is advised for those with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.

In patients with impaired renal or hepatic function, the indication must be carefully reviewed and the dosage adjusted if necessary. Close medical monitoring is essential in these cases.

What happens when you stop taking the weight loss injection?

Physical changes

After discontinuing the weight-loss injection, the natural feeling of hunger usually returns within a few weeks (Oviva, 2024). The appetite-suppressing effect of the medication diminishes, and many patients report increased hunger and cravings.

Weight regain after discontinuing the medication is observed in most users. Studies show that without accompanying lifestyle changes, the lost weight often returns completely. The yo-yo effect can even lead to the final weight being higher than the starting weight.

Strategies for the period after treatment

A sustainable change in diet during treatment is crucial for long-term success. Patients who combine obesity medication with non-drug measures are better able to maintain their weight after discontinuing the medication (Center for Health, 2024).

Regular physical activity should be a regular part of your daily routine. A mix of endurance and strength training helps keep your metabolism active and maintain muscle mass. High-quality nutritional supplements or special skincare products, such as [product name], can also be used as alternative support. Firm Skin Tummy & Hips Cream from skin689 to help support skin tightening and reduce local fat deposits.

"These results are remarkable! The Tummy and Hips Cream stimulates collagen synthesis, strengthens the dermal/epidermal junction, significantly reduces lipogenesis (new fat formation), and decreases the differentiation of fat cells into fat storage tissue." – Prof. Dr. Sven Gohla

Managing side effects during treatment

Practical tips for relief

Small, frequent meals can help reduce nausea and vomiting. Avoid fatty, highly spiced, or very sweet foods, which can worsen symptoms. Increasing the dose slowly gives the body more time to adjust.

The timing of the injections can make a difference. Some patients tolerate the injection better in the evening, others in the morning. Experiment with different times under medical supervision. Ginger or peppermint tea can help relieve nausea.

When to see a doctor.

If side effects persist or worsen, medical advice should be sought. Warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or signs of an allergic reaction require immediate medical attention.

Document all side effects in a diary. Note the time, duration, and intensity of the symptoms. This information will help your doctor to optimize your treatment or decide on alternative therapy options.

Managing side effects during treatment

Practical tips for relief

Small, frequent meals can help reduce nausea and vomiting. Avoid fatty, highly spiced, or very sweet foods, which can worsen symptoms. Increasing the dose slowly gives the body more time to adjust.

The timing of the injections can make a difference. Some patients tolerate the injection better in the evening, others in the morning. Experiment with different times under medical supervision. Ginger or peppermint tea can help relieve nausea.

When to see a doctor.

If side effects persist or worsen, medical advice should be sought. Warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or signs of an allergic reaction require immediate medical attention.

Document all side effects in a diary. Note the time, duration, and intensity of the symptoms. This information will help your doctor to optimize your treatment or decide on alternative therapy options.

Natural alternatives for weight loss

Proven non-drug methods include a balanced, calorie-reduced diet combined with regular exercise. Intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, or low-carb approaches have proven successful for many people. The choice should suit your lifestyle.

High-quality nutritional supplements can support metabolism and promote a feeling of satiety. The holistic approach with CHacoll®, the patented active ingredient in skin689 products, offers an innovative way to locally tighten skin and support body contouring. Firm Skin Tummy & Hips Cream It can be applied specifically to problem areas such as the stomach and hips, thus complementing a healthy lifestyle.

Summary: Key points at a glance

  • The most common side effects are gastrointestinal problems such as nausea (44%), vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Other typical accompanying symptoms: fatigue, headaches (14%) and dizziness
  • Rare but serious risks: pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney failure
  • Absolute contraindications: pregnancy, breastfeeding, certain thyroid diseases
  • After discontinuation: Return of hunger and usually weight gain.
  • Success depends on accompanying lifestyle changes.
  • Medical supervision is essential throughout the entire treatment.
  • Natural alternatives such as dietary changes and targeted skincare can offer more sustainable results.

Balz Schürmann

Anti-cellulite cream


Balz Schürmann

Anti-cellulite cream

The side effects of weight-loss injections range from frequent gastrointestinal problems to rare but serious complications such as pancreatitis. A particularly critical issue is that the lost weight usually returns completely after discontinuation – a classic yo-yo effect. The decision for or against this treatment should therefore be carefully considered and always made under medical supervision. Sustainable alternatives such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and targeted skincare with innovative active ingredients like CHacoll® can offer more successful long-term approaches to weight loss and body shaping. skin689 works. – even without the risks of drug treatments.

Sources:

zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/bibliothek/abnehmen/abnehmen-uebersicht/abnehmspritze
fr.de/wissen/abnehmspritze-mit-zusatzwirkungen-92499779.html
lifeline.de/medikamente/semaglutid-id196131.html

Veröffentlicht am: 17. December 2025
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Frequently asked questions about side effects of weight loss injections

What are the disadvantages of weight loss injections?

Weight-loss injections cause unpleasant side effects for most users, and the lost weight usually returns completely after discontinuation. Further disadvantages include the high cost (often not covered by health insurance), the long-term dependence on the medication for weight maintenance, and potential long-term risks that are not yet fully understood.

Who should not take the weight loss injection?

Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN syndrome type 2 must not use the weight-loss injection. Its use is also contraindicated in cases of type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe gastrointestinal disease, or known hypersensitivity to the active ingredients.

Which weight loss injection has the fewest side effects?

All approved weight-loss injections (Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro) show a similar side effect profile, although individual tolerability varies. Studies have shown that tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is sometimes better tolerated and more effective, while lower doses generally cause fewer side effects – but also result in less weight loss.

When do side effects of the weight loss injection begin to appear?

Most side effects, particularly nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort, typically occur within the first few days to weeks after starting treatment or increasing the dose. In many patients, these symptoms improve significantly after 4-8 weeks, once the body has become accustomed to the drug.

What happens if you stop taking the weight loss injections?

After discontinuing the medication, the natural feeling of hunger returns within 2-4 weeks, and most patients regain the lost weight. Without accompanying dietary changes and an exercise program, the final weight is often even higher than the starting weight (yo-yo effect).

Can the side effects of the weight loss injection last long-term?

Most side effects disappear completely within a few weeks after discontinuation. Long-term effects, such as possible thyroid changes or impacts on the pancreas, are still being researched – if symptoms persist after discontinuation, a doctor should definitely be consulted.

What serious side effects can the weight loss injection cause?

In rare cases, acute pancreatitis can occur with the use of the weight-loss injection. Patients with type 2 diabetes or diabetes mellitus who are taking medications containing semaglutide or tirzepatide are particularly at risk. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or delayed gastric emptying occur more frequently but usually subside after some time. If symptoms persist or severe upper abdominal pain occurs, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Are there any interactions with other medications?

Yes, the weight-loss injection can affect the absorption of oral medications due to slowed gastric emptying. Special caution is advised in the following cases:

  • Blood sugar lowering medications (risk of hypoglycemia)
  • thyroid hormones
  • Contraceptives (possibly reduced effectiveness)
  • Drugs with a narrow therapeutic window