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Why is weight loss with injections receiving increasing attention?
Weight management has gained increasing attention in recent years, as we are learning more and more that being overweight is rarely just about eating too much or moving too little. For many people, hormones, insulin sensitivity and the body’s natural feeling of fullness play an important role. Injections such as Ozempic and Saxenda support these processes by reducing appetite and helping the body recognise when it has had enough. As a result, people tend to eat less naturally, without the constant battle with hunger. For those who have tried countless diets and lifestyle programmes over the years without lasting results, this can feel like a turning point. Not because weight loss suddenly becomes effortless, but because the body finally starts to cooperate instead of working against you.
At the same time, weight loss with injections raises many questions and uncertainties. How safe is long-term use? What happens when you stop the injections? And who is this approach really suitable for?
At IKARIA Clinics, we see that injections are only truly effective when they are part of a medically guided programme. Without insight into your hormones, lifestyle and metabolic health, the results are often temporary. Many people start out highly motivated, but struggle when proper guidance is missing or expectations are unrealistic.
That is why clear, honest information is essential. In this blog, we answer the most frequently asked questions about weight loss injections, so you can gain a clear, realistic and medically grounded understanding of what this treatment may mean for your health.
Table of contents
What do we mean by weight loss with injections?
Weight loss injections involve medication that is given through a small injection under the skin and helps influence appetite and the feeling of fullness. The most commonly used medications are Ozempic and Saxenda.
These medicines mimic the GLP-1 hormone, a naturally occurring hormone in the body that plays a role in regulating hunger, satiety and blood sugar levels. As a result, people tend to feel full more quickly after eating, and this feeling lasts longer. Portions naturally become smaller, and the urge to snack in between meals often decreases.
Weight loss does not occur because the body burns more calories, but because calorie intake is consistently lower. For many people, this makes the approach more sustainable than strict dieting.
It is important to understand that weight loss injections are not a stand-alone solution. While injections can change hunger signals, they do not automatically address underlying factors such as stress, poor sleep or long-standing eating habits. Without proper guidance, there is a real risk that old patterns return, especially once the injections are stopped.
For this reason, medical guidelines emphasise that injections are only effective when used as part of a broader approach. This includes nutritional guidance, lifestyle support and regular medical monitoring. Weight loss injections work best when they are used as a tool to support lasting behaviour change, not as a replacement for it.
How much weight can you lose with Ozempic?
The amount of weight someone loses with Ozempic can vary significantly from person to person. Clinical studies show that, on average, people lose around 10 to 15 percent of their body weight over the course of about a year. For someone weighing 100 kilos, this often means a weight loss of around 10 to 15 kilos. Most people notice the clearest effects during the first few months. Appetite decreases, the feeling of fullness comes sooner, and episodes of overeating occur less frequently. This makes it easier to maintain a calorie deficit without constantly feeling deprived. It is precisely this effect that makes Ozempic appealing to many people.
At the same time, it is important to have realistic expectations. Not everyone achieves the same results, and the effect can differ from one body to another. Factors such as starting weight, hormonal balance, insulin sensitivity and lifestyle all play an important role. Some people lose more weight than average, while others see more modest results. This is why doctors do not focus solely on the number on the scales. Muscle mass, energy levels and overall health are equally important measures. Weight loss injections are only truly successful when they contribute to a healthier body and a better quality of life — not just a lower number on the scale.
How much weight can you lose in three months with injections?
During the first three months of weight loss with injections, many people experience a relatively rapid drop in weight. On average, people lose around 5 to 10 percent of their body weight during this period. At a body weight of 90 kilos, this usually means a loss of approximately 4 to 9 kilos.
This early progress occurs because the appetite-reducing effect of the injections is often noticeable within the first few weeks. People tend to eat smaller portions, feel full more quickly, and have less urge to snack or eat in response to emotions. This creates a natural calorie deficit, without the need to follow a strict diet.
Although these early results can be motivating, caution is important. Losing weight too quickly increases the risk of muscle loss, fatigue and deficiencies in essential nutrients. This is why weight loss with injections is preferably built up gradually.
Doctors do not only monitor body weight, but also physical signals, muscle strength and, in some cases, blood values. The first three months are primarily an adjustment phase, during which the body learns to adapt to a new hormonal balance. The goal is not to lose as much weight as possible as quickly as possible, but to lay a sustainable foundation for continued weight loss.
What is the most effective injection for weight loss?
The question of which injection is best for weight loss does not have a single, straightforward answer. Ozempic and Saxenda are the most commonly used options, but they differ in how they work and how they are taken.
Ozempic is usually injected once a week and has a strong effect on appetite and the feeling of fullness. Saxenda is administered daily and often works in a more gradual way. Which injection is most suitable depends on personal factors such as medical history, sensitivity to side effects and practical preferences. What works well for one person may be less suitable for another.
Weight loss injections therefore require a personalised approach. Some people tolerate Ozempic well, while others experience more side effects such as nausea or stomach discomfort and respond better to Saxenda. The frequency of injections can also influence how manageable the treatment feels over time.
For this reason, it is essential that the choice is always made together with a doctor. A careful, individual assessment helps prevent disappointment and unnecessary side effects. It is not about finding the “best” injection in general, but about making the right choice for each individual body and personal situation.
What are the costs of weight management with injections?
The cost of weight loss injections varies depending on the medication used and the treatment plan. On average, monthly costs range between €150 and €300. In most cases, these treatments are not reimbursed when the sole goal is weight loss.
Only in specific medical situations, such as type 2 diabetes, may Ozempic sometimes be covered by basic health insurance. For many people, this means that weight loss injections require a personal financial investment. That is why it is important to have clear insight in advance into the total costs and the expected duration of the programme.
Cost should never be viewed separately from safety and effectiveness. Treatments without proper medical supervision may appear cheaper at first, but they carry clear risks. Regular check-ups, careful dose adjustments and guidance around lifestyle are essential to minimise side effects and maintain results.
Weight loss injections involve more than simply using a medication. They are part of a medical programme in which health must remain the central focus. Investing in high-quality medical guidance reduces the risk of relapse and helps protect long-term health.
Can I get Ozempic through my GP?
Many people wonder whether it is possible to access weight loss injections through their GP. In the Netherlands, GPs usually prescribe Ozempic only for people with type 2 diabetes. When weight loss is the sole goal and there is no diabetes diagnosis, GPs tend to be cautious. This is because national GP guidelines recommend lifestyle interventions as the first step. In addition, Ozempic is officially registered as a diabetes medication, which limits its use for treating overweight alone. As a result, many people do not receive a prescription from their GP when their primary aim is weight loss.
This does not mean that medical guidance is not possible. In specialised clinics, weight loss injections are more often used as part of a broader medical programme. This approach looks at hormonal factors, metabolic health and previous weight loss attempts. Your GP can still be involved, for example through consultation or referral, but is usually not the sole provider of care. This type of structured approach allows for better monitoring and helps prevent injections from being used in isolation, without a clear and supportive strategy.
What are the possible downsides and risks of Ozempic?
Although weight loss injections can be effective, there are also potential downsides. The most common side effects include nausea, a feeling of fullness, stomach discomfort and, in some cases, vomiting. These symptoms often occur in the early stages of treatment or when the dosage is increased. For many people, these side effects ease over time, but not everyone tolerates the medication equally well. In some cases, stopping the treatment is necessary to prevent persistent symptoms or potential health issues.
In addition, there is a risk that weight may return after stopping Ozempic. Because the medication suppresses hunger, previous eating habits can resurface once the injections are discontinued. Without lasting lifestyle changes, the effects are often temporary.
This is why guidance is essential. Weight loss injections are only sustainable when they are combined with attention to behaviour, nutrition and daily routines.
What happens when you stop using weight loss injections?
Stopping weight loss injections requires a clear and well-considered approach. As the injections are gradually reduced, appetite may slowly return. This increases the risk of weight gain, especially if old eating patterns start to take over again.
Research shows that, without lasting lifestyle changes, part of the lost weight may return within a year. This does not mean that stopping will automatically lead to failure, but it does underline how important preparation is for maintaining long-term results.
A well-designed programme therefore focuses on behaviour change and eating patterns from the very start of treatment. This helps the body relearn how to respond to normal hunger and satiety signals without medication.
In this way, weight loss injections become a temporary support rather than a long-term dependency. By tapering off in a controlled manner and paying close attention to lifestyle, results are far more likely to be maintained over the long term.
Is losing 20 or 30 kilos with injections realistic?
Many people hope to achieve significant weight loss with injections, such as losing 20 or even 30 kilos. In some cases, this is possible, especially for those with a higher starting weight. However, it requires time and consistency. Even with injections, reaching this amount of weight loss in a healthy way often takes one to two years.
Losing weight more quickly increases the risk of muscle loss, hormonal imbalances and fatigue, which can ultimately slow progress rather than support it.
For this reason, the focus is not only on the end goal, but also on the process itself. Weight loss injections can help lower the initial threshold, but long-term success requires guidance and meaningful lifestyle adjustments. Those who are willing to make lasting changes to their behaviour and daily routines significantly increase their chances of achieving stable results and better overall health.
Conclusion: how IKARIA Clinics can support you with weight loss injections
Weight loss injections can be a valuable tool for people who feel stuck with their weight and overall health. At the same time, they are not a quick or easy solution. Success depends on proper medical guidance, insight into hormonal processes and close attention to lifestyle.
Without this combination, the effects are often temporary. That is why it is important not to view injections in isolation, but as part of a broader picture of health and wellbeing.
At IKARIA Clinics, we look beyond simply prescribing injections. We combine medical analysis, hormonal assessment and personal guidance into one integrated programme. The goal is not just weight loss, but restoring balance within the body.
Weight loss injections are used thoughtfully and carefully, with close attention to safety and long-term sustainability. In this way, we work together towards a healthier body and results that can be maintained over time.
Are weight loss injections covered by health insurance?
In most cases, weight loss injections are not covered by health insurance when the sole aim is weight loss. Medications such as Ozempic and Saxenda fall outside basic insurance cover when they are used for weight loss without a medical indication. Only in cases of type 2 diabetes may Ozempic sometimes be reimbursed, as it is officially registered for that condition. This means that many people need to cover the costs themselves. That is why it is important to have a clear understanding in advance of the monthly costs and the expected duration of the programme. With medical guidance, what is and is not reimbursed is always discussed transparently.
Can anyone start weight loss injections?
Not everyone automatically qualifies for weight loss injections. Whether this treatment is suitable depends on several factors, such as BMI, medical history, current medication use and hormonal balance. People with certain medical conditions or a higher risk of side effects may not be eligible. Motivation also plays an important role. Weight loss injections require a willingness to adjust lifestyle and eating habits alongside the treatment. During a medical intake, it is carefully assessed whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks. This helps ensure that treatment is only started when it truly suits the body and the individual situation.
How quickly do you notice the effects of weight loss injections?
Most people notice the effects of weight loss injections within a few weeks. Appetite often decreases, and a feeling of fullness tends to occur more quickly after meals. This usually leads to smaller portions and fewer snacking moments. Visible weight loss often follows within one to two months, depending on starting weight and eating patterns. The pace varies from person to person and is not a fixed measure of success. What matters most is giving the body time to adjust. Medical guidance helps monitor progress and ensures the pace remains healthy and balanced.
Do you need to use injections for life?
Weight loss injections are usually intended as temporary support rather than a lifelong treatment. The aim is to develop healthier eating habits and daily structures during the treatment, so results can be maintained after stopping. When injections are stopped abruptly without proper preparation, appetite may return and weight gain can occur. This is why a gradual tapering phase is often combined with guidance on nutrition and lifestyle. In this way, the body relearns how to respond to normal hunger and satiety signals. Injections are therefore a tool within a broader programme, not a permanent solution.
Is losing weight with injections safe?
With proper medical guidance, weight loss injections are safe for many people. As with all medications, side effects such as nausea or stomach discomfort can occur, particularly in the early stages. These symptoms are usually temporary and often ease as the body adjusts or when the dosage is adapted. Regular monitoring is important to identify any side effects early and to ensure the treatment remains safe. Without medical supervision, the risk of incorrect use or ignoring warning signs increases. That is why weight loss injections are best used within a professional, medically guided programme.
