Weight loss injections are often front page news, whether it's speculation about which celebrity has used them, or dramatic stories about potential side effects. Away from the headlines, these medications can be lifechanging for the millions of people in the UK using them to help reduce appetite, curb cravings and improve health. With research showing measurable weight loss followed by improvements in blood sugar control and blood pressure. Of course, no medication is without its drawbacks. And while it's important not to get caught up in scare stories, there ARE some genuine side effects. The good news? Many of these issues can be linked to nutrient deficiencies that can be addressed with the right support. That's why interest in taking a GLP-1 supplement is growing, as more people look for simple ways to top up what they may not be getting enough of while using weight loss jabs.
Why you might consider taking a GLP-1 supplement:
One of the reasons injections like Mounjaro and Ozempic work so well is that they help you feel fuller for longer. They mimic the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite, meaning many users then naturally eat smaller portions and snack less throughout the day. A must to lose weight, but if you're not eating as much, this can also make it more difficult to obtain all the nutrients you need.
In fact, research shows around 22% of patients using these weight-loss drugs developed deficiencies within one year of taking them, and the most common nutrient to develop low levels of is vitamin D. So you can see why a GLP-1 supplement is becoming a must if you want to make sure you’re covering all bases when your diet has changed dramatically.
Many of the common side effects reported by people using GLP-1 injections, like tiredness, low energy, hair thinning and muscle weakness, can often be linked to drops in the amount of nutrients they are getting. Here's what to consider taking to help target these symptoms:
Looking for a GLP-1 supplement? Here’s what to try:
1. B12 – could help to support energy and concentration:
If you’ve started using weight-loss injections and noticed your energy levels aren’t quite what they used to be, you’re not alone. Because your appetite has decreased, you're probably consuming less foods that naturally provide vitamin B12, mainly found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy.
Vitamin B12 is essential for your cells to produce energy, and also plays a crucial role in nervous system and brain function. Don't get enough and you might experience symptoms like fatigue, poor concentration and brain fog. Other common signs include pins and needles, forgetfulness, a sore tongue, mouth ulcers and even changes to your sense of taste. In other words, while your weight-loss medication may be helping you shed excess pounds and reduce long-term health risks, a vitamin B12 deficiency could leave you dealing with a whole new set of unwelcome symptoms. Don't panic though, taking a GLP-1 supplement with vitamin B12 may help support your energy levels and reduce the risk of deficiency as your food intake decreases.
Our B12 Plus Patch offers an easy peasy way to top up your vitamin B12 levels. Because the active ingredients are delivered gradually over the eight hours you wear the patch, it provides steady support throughout the day. Many customers find it particularly useful when they're feeling tired or sluggish. One word of warning though: because it's an 'energy vitamin' B12 is best taken during the day rather than at bedtime, unless you're planning a late night!
2. Iron:
Feeling more tired than before you started using weight loss injections? Low iron levels could be one reason why. Because GLP-1 medications reduce appetite, many people naturally eat smaller portions and may cut back on iron-rich foods such as red meat, seafood, beans and leafy green vegetables.
Iron is essential to help your body produce haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around your body. Without enough, your muscles and brain may not receive the oxygen they need to function well. Common symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath and difficulty concentrating. You may also notice that exercise feels harder than it used to, or you're feeling wiped out after everyday activities.
To help you get back on track, taking an iron GLP-1 supplement. Our Iron Plus Patch offers a simple and convenient way to top up with no stomach upset, something you could really do without if your weight loss injections are aready causing digestive issues. Pop one on to help stay energised without having to worry about feeling sick or constipation.
3. Vitamin D:
Vitamin D deficiency is already incredibly common in the UK. With many people struggling to maintain healthy levels, particularly during the autumn and winter months. If you're eating less while taking a GLP-1 medication, your intake of vitamin D-rich foods such as oily fish, eggs and fortified foods may decrease even further.
Often referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, muscles and immune function. Low levels have also been linked to fatigue, low mood, muscle weakness and becoming ill more often. So if you've been feeling more sluggish, achy or run down than usual, vitamin D could be worth adding as a GLP-1 supplement.
Our Vitamin D3 Patch provides a fuss-free way to top up your levels all year round. Helping support your immune system, mood and muscle function whether the sun is shining or not. And it doesn’t matter how much sunscreen you wear either!
4. The best GLP-1 Supplement for hair, skin & nails:
One side effect that has attracted a lot of attention if you’re using weight-loss injections is hair thinning. While this can be upsetting, experts generally believe it's more likely to be linked to rapid weight loss and changes in diet than the medication itself.
If you’re losing weight quickly, your body can prioritise essential functions over processes like hair growth. In addition, eating less can mean you're getting lower amounts of the nutrients you need for healthy hair, like biotin, and zinc. As a result, you might notice increased shedding, thinner hair or weaker, drier skin and nails.
The reassuring news is that this type of hair loss is often temporary, and topping up the nutrients your body needs with a GLP-1 supplement could help you get your crowning glory back to its best again. Our Biotin Plus patch can help to support healthy hair, skin and nails while you're losing weight. To find out more on the best supplements for hair skin and nails read our blog here.
5. Magnesium:
Once you’ve started losing weight you might want to exercise more. But if you're pushing yourself harder than usual and struggling with muscle aches, poor sleep or feeling generally run down, magnesium could be worth adding to your GLP-1 supplement stash too.
Low magnesium levels can contribute to these kind of symptoms and even trigger headaches and worsen feelings of stress or tension. Not exactly ideal when you're trying to feel your best and make healthy lifestyle changes.
Topping up your magnesium levels could help to support relaxation, recovery AND sleep. Our Tri-Mag Complex contains the 3 most bioavailable types of magnesium in one handy patch. So it’s ideal for boosting your levels without having to take multiple supplements. Plus, it won’t trigger nausea or diarrhea like oral magnesium tablets can. A must if your weight-loss jabs are already causing stomach upsets.
6. Omega-3:
When you're eating less, it's not just calories that decrease. Healthy fats are often one of the first things to disappear from your diet too. If you're skipping nutrient dense food like oily fish, you could be missing out on important omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3s are best known for supporting heart health, but they also play an important role in brain function and mood regulation. Not getting enough can result in symptoms like poor concentration, low mood, dry skin and increased inflammation.
Research suggests that three quarters of UK adults already struggle to consume enough omega-3-rich foods, making it even more important to consider if your diet changes. Adding omega-3 as a GLP-1 supplement is an easy way top up and support your heart and brain health. The Omega-3 Plus patch is here and is packed with both EPA and DHA. Both readily absorbed Omega-3s which can directly support heart, brain, eye and joint health.
