Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

Side Effects of GLP-1 Shots

<p>It’s hard not to be curious about <strong>GLP-1 shots</strong> these days. From <strong>Ozempic</strong> and <strong>Wegovy</strong> to <strong>Mounjaro</strong> and <strong>Zepbound</strong>, these branded injectables have become the talk of the town, especially among people who have struggled with their own bodies. To be honest, I understand the buzz. I, myself, have tried Ozempic. Having experienced food addiction, when something seems to help quiet food noise, support blood sugar, and move the scale after many failed attempts, it felt like the breakthrough I’ve been praying for.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785476780139Side Effects of GLP-1 Shots.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><p>But the important context here is <strong>support.</strong> <strong>These shots are not magic pills, nor are they overnight solutions</strong>. In the <a href="https://www.nejm.org/do/10.1056/NEJMdo006027/full/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">STEP 1 clinical trial on semaglutide</a>, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, adults with obesity or overweight were given the medication <strong>alongside lifestyle intervention—not in place of it.</strong> The same goes for tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, which showed significant weight-loss results in the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35658024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial</a>, but under medical supervision and with clear patient criteria.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>The Shot Isn’t the Whole Story</strong></div><p>GLP-1 medications help the body respond differently to hunger, fullness, and blood sugar. This is why they can be life-changing <strong>for people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or weight-related health conditions. </strong>But if you take them <strong>without understanding your body, your labs, your medical history, and your actual need, you may be signing up for a journey you are not fully prepared for.</strong></p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785477246680Side Effects Ozempic.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><p>The most common side effects are digestive, especially during dose increases. I personally experienced these while I was on Ozempic. Since it slows digestion and keeps you feeling fuller longer, eating too fast has serious consequences. In the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02026-4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">two-year STEP 5 semaglutide study</a>, gastrointestinal issues were among the most common side effects. In the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35658024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SURMOUNT-1 tirzepatide study</a>, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation were also reported. For many patients, these symptoms are mild to moderate, but I know some people who felt too uncomfortable on it; they had to stop treatment.</p><p>This is where a doctor’s guidance comes in. A good doctor will not just hand over a prescription and tell you to go for it, nor will s/he cross out this option automatically and vilify it. <strong>T</strong><strong>hey should check your biological health baselines, other medications, pregnancy plans, family history, nutritional choices, and whether you have symptoms that may worsen while on the drug.</strong> <strong>The dose also matters.</strong> Going up too fast, combining it with the wrong medicines, or ignoring vomiting and dehydration can turn a manageable side effect into a serious problem.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>What Are You Risking?</strong></div><p>The risks are not meant to scare you (some fortunate patients have immunity), but they’re worth knowing. The <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?query=WEGOVY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wegovy prescribing information</a> lists warnings for pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney injury due to dehydration (hydration is an important factor when on these medications), increased heart rate, and a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in animal studies. The <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e6da837c-0da0-41d6-973c-5559bf764367" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ozempic prescribing information</a> also includes warnings on pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy complications, kidney injury, gallbladder disease, and thyroid C-cell tumors. No wonder individuals with a history of thyroid problems aren’t qualified to take the jabs.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785477480860GLP-1 Side Effects.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><p>For tirzepatide, the <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?query=MOUNJARO" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mounjaro prescribing information</a> and <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=487cd7e7-434c-4925-99fa-aa80b1cc776b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zepbound prescribing information</a> carry similar warnings. If you are taking insulin or certain diabetes medications, low blood sugar can also become a concern.</p><p><strong>Another important thing: the weight may come back when the medication stops.</strong> In the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9542252/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">STEP 1 extension study</a>, participants regained a substantial amount of the weight they lost after stopping semaglutide. The <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10714284/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SURMOUNT-4 trial </a>showed the same reality with tirzepatide: continued treatment helped maintain weight loss better than stopping. This shows that obesity is often a chronic condition, not a quick fix, and that individuals who choose to take them on commit to a total lifestyle change if they want the long-term benefits of a slimmer body.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>The Best Way to Go About It</strong></div><p>If you really need GLP-1 treatment,<strong> the best way to begin is with honesty.</strong> Be honest about your <strong>health goals, your eating habits, your medical history, and why you want it in the first place.</strong> If you have obesity, type 2 diabetes, or weight-related concerns like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or metabolic issues, these medicines may be a valid option—under proper expert care.</p><p>As I always say, <strong>you have to respect the medication should you commit to it.</strong> Use it as support to start your health journey, but you must carry your own weight, too (pun intended). <strong>Prioritize protein, hydration, strength training, and sleep. </strong>Rapid weight loss without muscle-building can leave you weaker, not healthier. <strong>Be careful with untested or compounded versions online, too.</strong> Some products may not go through the same safety, quality, and effectiveness review as approved medicines. Always ask for a Certificate of Authenticity (COA), lab reports, and legitimacy of sources. </p><p>At the end of the day, GLP-1 shots are not the enemy, and neither are they the miracle cure social media sometimes makes them out to be. They are tools—powerful ones—that need the right hands, the right reason, and the right monitoring.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785477807428Ozempic Side Effects 2.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><p>As for me, I quit Ozempic because of the side effects, but I switched and discovered that tirzapatide gave me the best results. I’ve lost 40+ pounds being on the drug, and it has drastically improved the quality of my life. Needless to say,<strong> I clocked in the work. I started lifting weights, improved my nutrition, and took care of myself overall. </strong><strong>If your body genuinely needs help, there is no shame in getting it. </strong>Just don’t let a trend decide for you. Your wellness deserves more than the hype. <strong>It deserves care, patience, and a plan that actually loves your body back.</strong></p>

<p>These medications aren't magic pills or overnight weight loss solutions. They may come with health risks, too.</p>

These medications aren't magic pills or overnight weight loss solutions. They may come with health risks, too.

Side Effects or Possible Health Risks of Taking GLP-1 Shots Like Ozempic

People

Fashion

Beauty

Wellness

Travel

Culture

Living

Food

Weddings

Wellness

Side Effects or Possible Health Risks of Taking GLP-1 Shots Like Ozempic

Danah Gutierrez

Published July 31, 2026 02:00 PM PHT

|

Updated July 31, 2026 02:06 PM PHT

Read More:

Wellness

GLP-1

Side Effects of GLP-1 Injections

Mounjaro Side Effects

Ozempic Side Effects

Wegovy

Tirzepatide

Weight Loss Medications

Weight Loss Injections

Safe Weight Loss

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

Metro.Style is your go-to destination for all things chic and stylish—featuring the latest in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, celebrity news, and inspiring stories. It's your curated guide to living your best life.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.