​Weight Loss Jabs: Should You use Them?

You’ve probably heard about them.

Ozempic. Wegovy. Mounjaro.

Originally created for managing Type 2 diabetes, these jabs are now being marketed as fast-track solutions for weight loss.

And it’s fair to say they’ve exploded.

Celebrities are using them. Friends are asking about them. People who are not overweight are curious too.

So should you take them?

Let’s break it down.

They can be life-changing... for the right people

For individuals with serious long-term health issues, who are clinically obese and struggling to make progress, these medications may be a useful intervention.

They help reduce appetite, slow digestion, and can lead to significant weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.

In these cases, they might be the bridge someone needs to avoid future health complications.

But the truth is that most people don’t need them.

If you’re carrying a few extra kilos, finding it hard to be consistent, or just frustrated that the scales won’t budge, a jab probably isn’t the solution.

Not when:

• You’re not walking regularly
• You’re not strength training
• You’re not eating enough protein
• You’re skipping meals and snacking late at night
• You’re drinking more than you think
• You’re overestimating how active you are

And that’s just the short list.

If any of those hit home, there are dozens of things to try before medication.

The side effects are no joke

The common ones? Nausea, constipation, fatigue, vomiting.

The long-term ones? We don’t fully know yet.

Some early studies suggest possible issues with the pancreas when used long-term.

And one of the most overlooked effects is muscle loss.

When people lose weight fast and don’t strength train or eat enough protein, they lose muscle as well as fat. That means a slower metabolism and a higher risk of regaining the weight later.

The big one: you still have to change your habits

Even if the jab helps you lose weight, you’ll still need to:

• Eat better
• Move more
• Sleep well
• Reduce stress
• Train consistently

And here’s a great question someone in the gym industry posed to me recently:

If you were taking these injections, what changes would you make to support them?

Would you:

• Walk more?
• Plan your meals better?
• Do 2 to 3 strength sessions a week?
• Cut back on alcohol?
• Get to bed earlier?
• Drink more water?
• Track your habits?

Then why not try those things first?

You might be surprised at what happens when you get those basics right.

Final word

There’s no judgement here.

For some people, weight loss medication might be the right call. But it’s not a magic fix. It still requires lifestyle change. And for most people, it’s not necessary.

What is necessary?

Building strength. Creating good habits. And learning how to train, eat, and live in a way that’s sustainable.

That’s what we help people do here at Evolutis.

If you want support with that, our 6 Week Kickstart is a great place to begin.

Apply here: kickstart.evolutis.ie

See you in the gym.

David “Side Effects May Include Getting Stronger” Knowles