What are the disadvantages of weight loss medication?
Find out what disadvantages there are for you when taking weight loss medication
When you start taking weight loss drugs, you might experience side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and fatigue. These are some of the most bothersome side effects of the treatment.
Weight loss medication causes side effects
The benefits of taking weight loss drugs are clear to most people. The main advantage is, of course, weight loss – and the health and body optimization benefits that come with it. The disadvantages are a bit more complex. There are side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and dizziness. Side effects are always individual, and it is difficult to predict how severely you will be affected. You need to try it out.
Side effects can affect quality of life
For some people, the side effects become so severe that they affect their quality of life. It is clear that it is exhausting for both mood and mind to walk around with nausea and diarrhea for a long time. If the side effects become very bothersome and do not seem to subside after a few weeks, it may be necessary for some people to discontinue the treatment with weight loss medication. Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict how you will react to the medication, so there is nothing to do but be patient and try it out.
For some, the effect itself may also feel like a kind of side effect. With a significantly reduced appetite, you may no longer be able to enjoy a nice meal at a restaurant consisting of several courses. Some also lose their desire for sweets and react very strongly to discomfort when consuming sugary foods. If you previously enjoyed desserts and sweets, it can be difficult not to be able to eat a piece of cake in the pleasant company of loved ones.
Fear of needles
Weight loss medication is taken as an injection, and you have to inject yourself. Some people will find this overwhelming, and it may take time to get used to. For some, the discomfort becomes so great that they have to give up the treatment with weight loss medication.
If you are one of those who find it very difficult to inject yourself, we recommend that you sit down while injecting yourself and consider whether you can enlist the help of a close relative. Sometimes it is easier if another person you trust handles the injection.
The high price of weight loss medication is also a disadvantage
Get answers to typical questions about weight loss medication
The most common side effects of weight loss drugs include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, dizziness, and fatigue. The intensity and duration of side effects are individual, and not everyone experiences them to the same extent.
Yes, for some, the side effects can be so severe that they negatively affect the quality of life. Especially long-term nausea and diarrhea can be exhausting. If the side effects are persistent and bothersome, it may be necessary to consider stopping the treatment.
Reduced appetite and altered taste experience can make it so that you can no longer enjoy a nice meal or dessert as before. Some also experience discomfort when consuming sugary foods, which can affect social gatherings and traditions around food.
Fear of using needles for self-injection can be a barrier for some. It is recommended to stay calm, practice in safe surroundings, and possibly ask a relative for help until you become more comfortable with the process.
Yes, weight loss drugs can be a significant financial expense, typically costing up to 3,000 kroner per month. The medication is not eligible for subsidies, which further increases the financial burden for many patients.
As of 2024, there are generally no subsidies for weight loss drugs. Only in very rare cases, where the treatment is considered life-saving, can individual subsidies be granted upon a doctor’s application. Most patients will not fall into this category.
It is important to understand that weight loss drugs are not a standalone solution for overweight or obesity. To achieve the best results and maintain weight loss in the long term, the medication should be combined with a general lifestyle change that includes healthier eating habits and increased physical activity.
When you stop taking weight loss drugs, it is crucial to have established healthy habits in diet and exercise to avoid weight gain. Continuous attention to a healthy lifestyle is necessary to maintain weight loss.