It’s the question I hear most right now: “What’s the deal with Ozempic?” Whether at dinner parties in North London or overheard on the Tube, GLP-1 weight loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are the trend everyone’s talking about. But do they really work and what happens when you stop?
As a personal trainer in North London, I’ve seen more and more clients asking about these drugs. Here’s what you need to know before considering them.
What are GLP-1s?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone your body naturally releases after eating. It helps regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. GLP-1 drugs mimic this hormone, meaning food empties from the stomach more slowly, insulin works more effectively, and hunger signals in the brain are reduced.
For many, this means something they’ve never felt before: genuine appetite control. Meals feel satisfying, cravings fade, and overeating becomes far less likely. Unsurprisingly, studies show weight loss in the region of 15% or more of body weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
Who are they for?
GLP-1s aren’t a quick fix for anyone looking to drop a dress size. They’re prescribed to adults with type 2 diabetes or obesity, and sometimes to those who are overweight with health conditions such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea.
That said, they’re now also available privately in the UK at a price that keeps rising. While they can be powerful tools, they’re not intended for cosmetic weight loss alone.
Certain groups – pregnant women, people with a history of specific cancers, or those with pancreatitis – are generally advised against them.
What is the appeal?
The biggest draw is how GLP-1 injections change the experience of eating. Many describe it as the first time food stopped controlling their lives. Smaller meals feel sufficient, snacking urges vanish, and weight loss follows.
Other health benefits often appear too: better blood pressure, improved blood sugar, and lower cholesterol. For some, the results can be life-changing.
Take one example: a client’s mum with two badly damaged knees. She needed surgery, but had to lose weight first – a near-impossible task when movement was limited. GLP-1 medication broke the cycle, helping her shed enough to qualify for surgery. With new knees and greater mobility, she can now exercise and potentially keep progressing in a sustainable way.
The challenges
The picture isn’t all rosy. Side effects are common, especially early on: nausea, constipation, bloating, or diarrhoea. Foods once loved – coffee, alcohol, greasy meals – may suddenly lose appeal.
From a fitness coaching perspective , the bigger issue is muscle loss. Because appetite drops so sharply, many people eat less protein and do little resistance training. Yes, the scales move but not all of it is fat. This can leave you weaker, with a slower metabolism, and more prone to regaining fat later.
And then there’s the rebound. Once people stop GLP-1 drugs, hunger hormones surge, satiety hormones fall, and metabolism remains suppressed. Studies show that within a year, many regain two-thirds of the weight they lost. This isn’t about willpower, it’s biology fighting back.
Holding onto results
This is where lifestyle matters most. GLP-1s may open the door, but they don’t hold it open forever. To maintain results, three things are essential:
1. Resistance training
Building and protecting muscle keeps metabolism strong and energy high. Pair this with adequate protein, ideally 1.6–2.2g per kg of body weight daily, to protect lean tissue.
2. Habit formation
Appetite suppression gives a golden opportunity to establish habits. Portion control, meal planning, and balanced nutrition become easier when hunger is under control. Once set, these habits remain even if the drug is stopped.
(See our blog on motivation and consistency for more.)
3. Transition planning
For some, long-term medication is best (similar to blood pressure tablets). For others, a tapered exit with stronger lifestyle support works better. Either way, success means having a plan before appetite and cravings return.
The DFT takeaway
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are a breakthrough in weight loss. They can transform lives, but they’re not a magic bullet. They come with costs, side effects, and the challenge of keeping results once medication stops.
That’s where lifestyle takes over. At Dynamic Fitness Training, my role is to provide the foundation these drugs can’t: building muscle, eating well, and creating habits that last.
If you’re considering GLP-1s or want to lose weight without them, I can help you achieve results that stick. Book a free consultation today and start your journey.
