Weight loss injections: The new hype against obesity – advantages and risks!

Weight loss injections: The new hype against obesity – advantages and risks!

There is a breath of fresh air in the fight against obesity: weight loss injections such as Wegovy® and Mounjaro® have been approved in Germany since 2023 and are enjoying increasing popularity. The focus is particularly on the story of Alexandra Maurer, who struggled with a body mass index of over 30 and a dress size of 46 in the summer of 2025. After starting her treatment in the Obesity Center at Konstanz Hospital, she lost a remarkable 14 kilograms within a few months. But how do these syringes actually work and what are the advantages and disadvantages?

About half of Germans are overweight, and the new medications offer a new way to lose weight. But what makes weight loss injections so attractive? The active ingredient semaglutide, contained in Wegovy®, can cause weight loss of over 20%, while tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro®, was even more effective in studies. Unfortunately, using these injections alone is often not enough to ensure lasting success. These could be helpful in losing weight, but integration into a comprehensive therapy remains crucial.

Risks and side effects

As with many medications, there are downsides to weight loss injections. Side effects such as nausea, constipation and gastrointestinal problems can occur, and in rare cases there is even a risk of serious illness. The cost of these medications is another hurdle: up to 4,000 euros per year must be budgeted for the treatment, although health insurance companies only cover the costs under certain conditions, such as diabetes. This causes frustration for many patients as they often have difficulty accessing the medication they need - diabetes patients are particularly affected.

The way the weight loss injections work is exciting: they mimic the intestinal hormone GLP-1, which stimulates insulin production, inhibits the release of glucagon and thus strengthens the feeling of satiety. This is supported by the delay in gastric emptying, which delays feelings of hunger for longer. Tirzepatide has the advantage that it also activates the GIP receptor, which leads to a

can contribute to targeted reduction of body weight and improved blood sugar regulation.

Availability and access

In Germany, the demand for these weight loss syringes is continually increasing, which unfortunately means that many pharmacies do not always have them available. The counterfeit products that are circulating pose an additional risk. Interestingly, there are also new developments on the horizon, such as research into triple agonists such as retatrutide, which may provide even more effective solutions in the future.

In summary, it remains to be said that weight loss injections are a promising option in obesity therapy - and not just for people with diabetes. Still, the path to a healthy weight often requires more than just the injection. A combination of medical care, a healthy diet, and regular exercise should be a priority to achieve long-term results. Side effects, high costs and an unclear future are challenges that need to be overcome. But as you can see, there is hope and courageous steps in the right direction.

You can find more information on this topic at South Courier, Nutrition Radar as well as Overweight.