Obesity and Weight Management

Weight-Loss Injections (GLP-1): Who Can Use Them?

How GLP-1 based weight-loss injections work, who is eligible, side effects and why medical supervision matters.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Demirci3 min read
Weight-Loss Injections (GLP-1): Who Can Use Them?

Weight-loss injections are mostly GLP-1 receptor agonists or newer dual GLP-1/GIP agonists, given daily or weekly under the skin. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, they are also effective for obesity.

How They Work

They increase satiety and reduce hunger, slow stomach emptying and enhance glucose-dependent insulin release. Dr. Demirci studied liraglutide outcomes at the Gülhane Obesity Centre and was an investigator in the international SELECT and SOUL semaglutide trials.

Who Is Eligible?

Generally adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or more, or 27 kg/m² or more with a weight-related condition, who have not reached their goals with lifestyle changes alone.

Who Should Not Use Them

People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN-2, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those needing careful assessment such as previous pancreatitis or eating disorders.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, usually during dose increases. Less commonly gallstones and pancreatitis. Unregulated products bought online carry serious risks — use only under medical supervision.

Frequently asked questions

Will I regain weight when I stop?

Without ongoing lifestyle measures, much of the weight may return; treatment duration and maintenance should be planned with your doctor.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Demirci
Written and medically reviewed byAssoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim DemirciInternal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism · Güven Hospital, Ankara

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