Weight loss shots: Research indicates dangers from starting and stopping | KSL.com
New research shows that weight loss injections can be dangerous when patients start them and when they stop. Dr Roberts DC from Health Utah treats many patients who come in with side effects from these drugs. He works with people of different ages and backgrounds. Some recover fast, but others suffer long lasting symptoms.
One patient was a 16-year-old girl who began taking Semaglutide. She soon developed intense abdominal pain and could not even drink water without discomfort. She had only taken the drug for a short time, yet the pain continued for six months after she stopped. She came to Health Utah in that condition. Her symptoms eased within a few weeks under care. She did not lose any weight during the entire period. Other patients have more severe problems that last longer.
Since 2018, about 10,000 serious or life-threatening reactions have been reported in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. Reports also show that these injections were linked to 162 deaths. The number of deaths rose by about 40 percent over a recent six month period as more people began using the drugs.
Dr Roberts says the risk of death is not higher than many common drugs. He explains that all medications carry possible danger. He also says many doctors do not fully discuss risks with patients. A study from 1997 showed that doctors often fail to explain possible side effects. For this reason, he encourages patients to read, compare choices, and make informed decisions before taking a new drug.
The official Semaglutide drug label lists many side effects. These include pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, severe digestive problems, stomach paralysis, intestinal blockage, nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, vision changes, allergic reactions, gallbladder disease, kidney damage, rapid heartbeat, low blood sugar, and suicidal thoughts.
More recent research identified additional concerns not on the label. A 2024 study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that up to 60 percent of weight lost on Liraglutide was lean muscle. Losing muscle can lower metabolism and weaken physical strength. Dr Roberts explains that for every three pounds a patient loses, about two pounds may come from muscle, not fat.
Another study from 2025 in JAMA Ophthalmology found about a threefold increase in sudden vision loss known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. A 2025 Medscape report using FDA data also found reports of loss of smell, changes in taste, tinnitus, hearing problems, voice changes, and acid reflux.
The problems do not end when patients stop taking the injections. Research in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism tracked 327 people who stopped treatment. They gained back two thirds of the weight they had lost within one year. Another study published on Sciencedirect found that the regained weight had a higher fat-to-muscle ratio, which slows metabolism and increases metabolic problems.
Dr Roberts says patients who stop the shots must understand how likely this rebound is. If they treat the drug as a short phase rather than a complete solution and then follow key steps, they can keep the weight off and continue improving.
The first step is accepting that no drug can replace basic healthy habits. The body responds to the way it is treated. Weight lost with injections will return unless a person changes lifestyle and daily habits.
The second step is to look for underlying conditions that make weight loss difficult. Dr Roberts lists hormone issues, depression, poor sleep, insulin resistance, gallbladder problems, liver stress, gut bacteria imbalance, toxins, and nutrient shortages. Health Utah begins every case with a detailed scan and a questionnaire. These tools reveal patterns in stress levels, organ function, and potential causes. After reviewing both, Dr Roberts meets with each patient for a 40-minute consultation.
The third step is to address each health problem through a personalized plan. Treatment can include supplements, hypnotherapy, coaching, and other therapies. The fourth step is to create a custom eating plan. Health Utah does not cut calories, ban food groups, count points, or force extreme diets. They design a food plan based on the patient’s needs. Dr Roberts explains that the shots lower calories, which also lowers metabolism. This is why weight usually returns once the drug stops.
Health Utah offers a special package to support patients who want to lose weight in pairs. People tend to succeed more when they have help from a partner. A British study found that men and women nearly doubled their progress when they worked with someone. The current offer is $59 for two people. The package includes the scan, the 17-page report, the proprietary survey, and a consultation.
Patients who follow these steps can keep the weight they lost and improve their health in ways the injections alone cannot.
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