The Side Effects of Weight Loss Medication

Weighing the Risks: A Guide to Mounjaro and Wegovy Side Effects

Mounjaro is considered safe for people who are eligible to be prescribed it. Like all prescription medications, it has been through rigorous clinical testing and would not have been approved for use if there were any major concerns around its safety. This said, you may have come across some scare stories in the media. Although Mounjaro is a good choice for many people, it certainly isn’t for everyone. Using it the wrong way can be dangerous, especially if it’s not been prescribed by a registered healthcare professional.

Common Side Effects (Gastrointestinal Issues)

For both Mounjaro and Wegovy, side effects observed are primarily related to the slowing of the digestive system. These are generally manageable, especially as your body adjusts to the medication, but they are frequently reported:

• Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhoea: These are the most common GI issues.
• Sulphur Burps (Eggy Burps): These unpleasant, sulphur-smelling burps are often reported and are caused by hydrogen sulphide gas building up as food sits longer in the stomach.
• Constipation and Abdominal Pain: Often occur as the medication slows down digestion.
• Other General Symptoms: Headache, fatigue, and dizziness.

 

Serious, Though Rare, Health Risks

While the vast majority of patients manage the common side effects, regulatory bodies in the UK and Europe have highlighted several serious, though less common, risks that require constant monitoring:

• Pancreatitis and Gallbladder Issues: Both Mounjaro and Wegovy have been linked to an increased risk of acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and gallbladder problems like gallstones. This is a potentially life-threatening complication.
• Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar): Mounjaro and Wegovy lower blood sugar levels. If these medications are used alongside other diabetes treatments (like insulin or sulphonylureas), there is an increased risk of hypoglycaemia, which can cause confusion, dizziness, and in severe cases, be dangerous.
• Kidney Injury (Dehydration Risk): Severe vomiting or diarrhoea caused by the medication can lead to rapid dehydration, which can, in turn, contribute to acute kidney injury.

There are a few other known issues that are being investigated such as acute pancreatitis and speculation around thyroid tumors.

 

Always Seek Professional Guidance and Supervision

Mounjaro and Wegovy are breakthrough treatments, but they are not “quick fixes.” They are powerful tools that must be used under continuous medical supervision.

A gold-standard treatment program requires:

• Clinical Eligibility: Ensuring you meet all clinical criteria regarding BMI and co-morbidities.
• Continuous Clinical Care: Your clinician helps manage potential side effects, adjusts your dosage safely during titration, and answers any medical questions.
• Lifestyle Integration: The best results are achieved only when medication is combined with structured support focused on diet, nutrition, and physical activity.

Your health professional will ensure you are effectively weighing the benefits of these medications against their potential complications, making adherence to prescribed use and open communication paramount.
Please compare weight loss providers to get the best treatment for you.

 

List of Sources
Source
Source
New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205–216. Source