A rising trend in weight loss treatments is sparking concern among health experts.
British Olympian Sarah Lindsay, a former speed skater and now celebrity personal trainer, is sounding the alarm about the potential dangers of popular weight loss injections like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
While these injections are often used for shedding pounds, Lindsay warns they may lead to serious nutritional deficiencies and health issues.
The Hidden Dangers of Weight Loss Jabs
Lindsay, who trains high-profile clients such as Piers Morgan, Ellie Goulding, and Matt Healy, believes that the widespread use of weight loss medications is creating a new problem: malnutrition.
These injections, also known as GLP-1 drugs, work by slowing down digestion, which in turn reduces appetite.
While this may help with weight loss, Lindsay fears it could lead to harmful consequences, including muscle loss and even the return of scurvy—a disease linked to Vitamin C deficiency.
She explains that scurvy, a condition caused by a lack of fruits and vegetables, was common among sailors in the 16th to 18th centuries who had limited access to fresh produce.
Over two million sailors died from this disease, which highlights how essential vitamins are to our overall health.
In the case of weight loss jabs, Lindsay’s concern is that people may not be getting enough of these essential nutrients.
The Impact of Abuse and Overuse
While Lindsay acknowledges that individuals with certain health conditions may benefit from GLP-1 medications, she is particularly worried about the abuse of these drugs.
“The level of abuse now is rife—thin people wanting to become even thinner,” she says.
In her work as a personal trainer, she has seen clients suffering from side effects like extreme fatigue, digestive issues, and severe hair loss.
These symptoms, she warns, are often the result of being malnourished due to excessive use of weight loss injections.
Lindsay’s main concerns are the long-term effects of muscle loss and the potential for severe malnutrition, which could contribute to the rise of diseases like scurvy.
She urges caution when considering the use of these injections for weight loss, particularly when not medically necessary.
Scientific Concerns About Weight Loss Drugs
Lindsay isn’t the only one raising concerns about the safety of weight loss drugs.
Dr. Ben Bickman, a professor at Brigham Young University, has also warned about the potential dangers of GLP-1 medications.
He believes these drugs could lead to widespread frailty due to the loss of muscle and bone mass.
In a clinical trial, participants who used semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, not only lost fat but also saw a significant decline in lean muscle mass.
In addition to physical side effects, Dr. Bickman points out that some users have reported feeling mentally fragile.
He notes that Ozempic not only curbs cravings for food but also dampens desires for other pleasures, such as sex and social activities.
This mental impact is something many users may not anticipate when starting the medication.
Long-Term Effects and the Risk of Weight Regain
One of the most concerning aspects of weight loss drugs like Ozempic is their long-term effectiveness.
Dr. Bickman highlights that many users experience weight regain after about two years of using the medication.
While these drugs may initially reduce cravings, the effects tend to wear off over time.
As the body adapts, cravings for food—and sweet treats, in particular—return, leading many users to quit the drug.
Interestingly, studies show that around 70% of people stop using Ozempic after two years.
This, Dr. Bickman suggests, is when many individuals begin to regain the weight they lost, often ending up heavier than they were before they started the medication.
A Word of Caution
Despite these concerns, Dr. Bickman isn’t entirely opposed to weight loss drugs.
He believes that when used correctly and under proper supervision, these medications can be effective.
However, he stresses that the dosage is crucial, and patients should be closely monitored for any negative effects.
Typically, adults with type 2 diabetes start with a low dose of Ozempic and gradually increase it.
However, for weight loss patients, the doses can go up to 2mg per week, which may be more than what the body can handle without consequences.
In the end, while weight loss injections may offer a quick solution for some, they come with significant risks that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Whether it’s scurvy, muscle loss, or the mental toll, it’s important to consider the long-term implications before opting for these treatments.
