The recent launch of weight loss drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) on the NHS has created a media frenzy. Headlines promise rapid fat loss, a reduced appetite, and a miracle solution for obesity. But is this too good to be true?
If you’re considering using this injection-based treatment to lose weight, pause and read this first.
This blog post explores why relying on these drugs alone is unsustainable, how they fail to address the root causes of weight gain, and what to do instead if you want lasting results.
1. 🧪 What Is the NHS Weight Loss Drug?
The new drug approved by the NHS, known as Wegovy or Ozempic (semaglutide), is an injectable medication originally designed for type 2 diabetes. It suppresses your appetite, making you eat fewer calories.
While this might sound like a dream come true, it’s important to ask:
What happens when you stop taking it?
2. 🎢 Rapid Weight Loss = Rapid Regain
Most users regain the weight they lost within a year of stopping the medication. Why? Because:
- You never learned how to eat well consistently
- Your exercise habits didn’t improve
- You didn’t address emotional eating or lifestyle factors
- Your metabolism adapts, meaning you burn fewer calories long-term
So, while the scale may go down quickly, it rarely stays there unless your habits change.
3. 💸 The Hidden Costs (Financial and Psychological)
Although it’s available through the NHS, long-term access is limited. If you want to continue taking it after NHS funding stops, you’ll face costs upwards of £200–£300/month privately.
Worse, you risk:
- Becoming psychologically dependent on medication
- Feeling like you’ve “failed” if you regain weight
- Delaying the real lifestyle changes you need to succeed
4. 🧠 No Fix for the Root Cause
Obesity isn’t just about eating too much — it’s a complex mix of lifestyle, behaviour, mindset, hormones, sleep, and environment. No injection fixes all that.
People often:
- Struggle with stress or emotional eating
- Lack proper education about nutrition
- Feel intimidated or lost in the gym
- Live with unsupportive routines or environments
Medication numbs the appetite but doesn’t fix any of these underlying issues.
5. 💪 The Sustainable Alternative: Education, Support, and Empowerment
Real, lasting weight loss comes from building new habits, learning what works for your body, and creating a balanced lifestyle that you can enjoy.
That’s exactly what I help my clients do.
With personal coaching, we focus on:
- Creating a calorie deficit without feeling starved
- Training in ways that build strength and confidence
- Developing simple, sustainable nutrition
- Staying accountable with ongoing support
Final Thoughts:
There’s no shame in wanting a quick fix — we all want results fast. But when it comes to your health, the fastest way often leads you in a circle.
If you’re serious about losing weight and keeping it off, skip the needle and invest in the process, not the shortcut. Your future self will thank you.
⚠️ Common Side Effects of NHS Weight Loss Drugs Like Wegovy
While these medications may help suppress appetite in the short term, they come with a long list of potential side effects — many of which can significantly impact your quality of life:
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Stomach pain or bloating
- Headaches
- Fatigue or low energy
Less Common but Serious Risks:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder issues (including gallstones)
- Increased risk of thyroid tumours
- Kidney problems
- Low blood sugar (especially in those with diabetes)
These side effects aren’t just unpleasant — they can interfere with daily life, work, and workouts. And often, the solution is to stop taking the drug… which leads many back to square one.
🤯 Psychological and Emotional Toll
Even if you lose weight on the drug, it can create a false sense of dependence. You may start to believe that:
“I can’t lose weight without this.”
This mindset is dangerous and undermines your confidence and autonomy. Long-term change should empower you — not make you reliant on medication.
✅ Want a Better Alternative?
If you’re tired of yo-yo dieting, unsustainable fixes, or waiting for a magic solution — let’s talk. I help people take back control of their weight in a way that fits real life, not just short-term plans.