Tips for Maintaining Health on Weight Loss Injections: Nutritional and Skin Recommendations from Our Experts

In the realm of weight loss medications, GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound, have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing properties. These drugs, containing the active ingredient semaglutide, mimic the hunger-busting peptide hormone GLP-1. However, as with any medication, they come with their own set of potential side effects.

One such side effect is sarcopenia, or muscle wastage. Rapid weight loss due to GLP-1 can put the body in a catabolic state, leading it to 'eat' lean muscle. To prevent muscle wastage, cosmetic physician Dr David Jack suggests maintaining a protein intake of one to 1.5 grams per kilo of bodyweight, emphasizing the importance of strength training, and considering an alternative drug like Saxenda, which may allow for more natural hunger signals between doses.

Another concern is hair loss. Consultant dermatologist and hair loss specialist Dr Ophelia Veraitch has noted that hair loss is increasingly becoming an issue for patients using GLP-1 drugs. Rapid weight loss can cause telogen effluvium, or shock-induced hair shedding. If genetically prone to thinning hair, using GLP-1 drugs can exacerbate and set off early hair loss. Real hair loss fixes for GLP-1 users may require prescription DHT-blockers such as spironolactone, or the topical hair growth drug Minoxidil.

The reduced desire to eat due to GLP-1 can also lead to malnutrition, with potential deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, protein, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), magnesium, and zinc. To avoid malnutrition, nutrition expert Dr Nikita Grover suggests prioritizing protein intake, eating plenty of fiber, taking a daily high-quality multivitamin and mineral, and regularly checking nutrient levels.

GLP-1 drugs can also affect the gallbladder. Elevated oestrogen levels can lead to gallbladder and bile dysfunction, and potentially gallstones. To support the gallbladder while using GLP-1 drugs, limiting saturated and trans fats, increasing fiber intake, and taking milk thistle, taurine, or ox bile supplements may be beneficial.

Patients on GLP-1 drugs may also experience a gaunt and haggard appearance, known as "Ozempic face." Aesthetic physician Dr Priya Verma suggests mitigating the impact of GLP-1-related weight loss on the skin and facial structure by going slow with weight loss, staying hydrated, incorporating collagen-supportive skincare ingredients, and considering non-surgical skin-regenerating treatments like dermal fillers, collagen-boosting polynucleotide jabs, collagen-stimulating fillers such as Sculptra and HArmonyCa, and laser skin tightening treatments like Endolift.

New figures from the British Association of Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) note an uptick in thigh lifts (+24%) and arm lifts (+13%), which could be a result of the rapid weight loss associated with GLP-1 drugs. Excess skin on the body can be an unintended result of using GLP-1, and there is very little that can be done to shift that apart from surgery.

It's important to note that going on a GLP-1 weight loss journey slowly, under the guidance of a specialist, is key to minimizing these side effects. Dr Ophelia Hair Vitamins Advanced, priced at £69, can help maintain adequate levels of important hair nutrients such as vitamins D and B12, folate, and zinc.

Experts including Stephan Martin, Chief Physician for Diabetology and Director of the West German Diabetes and Health Center in Düsseldorf, stated that side effects of Ozempic and similar appetite-suppressing medications can be reduced by achieving a slower but sustainable weight loss. It's a journey that requires careful planning, regular check-ups, and a balanced approach to nutrition and skincare.