Frequently asked questions about weight loss
Weight loss often brings a number of questions and uncertainties, which is completely natural. On this page, our doctor Jason Joe Baker will answer the frequently asked questions.
Can I take it on holiday?
Answer: Yes, absolutely. As the pen contains liquid, it must be placed in a bag in your hand luggage together with other liquids and screened separately at the airport
Should it be kept in the refrigerator?
Answer: Pens that have not been opened should be stored in the refrigerator (2–8°C). Pens that are in use can be stored for a maximum of 1 month at room temperature (below 30°C) or in the refrigerator (2–8°C). Store the pen with the cap on to protect it from light. Note that the injection solution must not be used if it is cloudy or coloured.
Can I reuse the needles?
Answer: The needles can only be used once. Reusing the needles increases the risk of infection at the injection sites. It is therefore not recommended to use them more than once.
Can I get a subsidy for the medicine?
Answer: No, unfortunately you can no longer do so
How do I get a new prescription?
Answer: When your dose needs to be increased, you must call the secretariat for a new prescription for the next dosage.
Are blood tests taken in connection with starting weight loss medication?
My weight has plateaued – what do I do?
Answer: Most people experience periods when their weight does not change. The best advice is to be patient. After a few weeks, the weight usually starts to change again.
I have taken Saxenda before – can I switch to Wegovy
Answer: Yes, we recommend switching to Wegovy, as it is more effective and at approximately the same price. However, you must have a new telephone consultation – as it must be taken in a slightly different way than Saxenda.
What is Mounjaro?
Will I lose muscle/muscle mass?
Answer: Yes, some muscle loss can occur during weight loss, as the body can use muscle tissue as an energy source, especially if you do not get enough protein or exercise. Strength training and adequate protein intake can help preserve muscle mass.
I feel dizzy, what do I do?
Answer: Dizziness can be a sign that you are not getting enough calories, nutrients, or fluids. It can also be due to low blood sugar. Make sure to eat regularly and drink enough fluids. If the problem persists, you should contact a doctor, as it can also be due to other things that are not related to the weight loss.
How much water/fluid should I drink?
Answer: It is generally recommended to drink around 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day, but this can vary based on activity level, temperature and your body size. Drink 1.5–2 litres of water per day and otherwise listen to your body’s signals of thirst.
Should I exercise at the same time?
Answer: Yes, exercise is an important part of healthy weight loss and general health. It not only helps to burn calories, but can also preserve muscle mass and improve your well-being.
Should I take vitamins/vitamin supplements?
Answer: If your weight loss programme is very restrictive, you may risk getting too little of certain nutrients. When taking weight loss medication, you generally eat less and there is a risk that you get too little of certain vitamins, such as vitamin D and B vitamins. It is therefore recommended to take supplements of these as long as you are losing weight, but you can also focus on eating products that contain these, such as meat and fatty fish.
I am experiencing a changed menstrual cycle?
Answer: Weight loss can affect your hormones and thus your menstrual cycle. It is not uncommon to experience irregularities, but if the problem persists, you should speak to a doctor.
I have become drier in the mouth than normal (dry mouth)?
Answer: This may be due to drinking too little fluid, so make sure to drink enough water throughout the day. It can also be a side effect of the weight loss medication and this can be counteracted by, for example, chewing gum or drinking something with flavour. If the problem persists, it is a good idea to consult a doctor.
I have started to have more headaches, head pain or migraine than normal?
Answer: Headache can occur as a result of dehydration, low blood sugar or as a reaction to dietary changes. Ensure regular intake of fluids and possibly small snacks. Generally, however, the most common cause is tension in the neck and back, but it is also a rare side effect of weight loss medication. If the headache persists, you should contact your own doctor.
I have started to become constipated or have a hard stomach?
Answer: Changes in diet, especially reduced intake of fibre, can lead to constipation. Increase your intake of fibre from fruit, vegetables and whole grains and drink plenty of water. Constipation can also be relieved with Magnesia or HUSK. If you have been constipated for a longer period, the intestines often need supplementation with, for example, HUSK or magnesia for 1–3 weeks afterwards to keep them going.
How do I taper down or discontinue weight loss medication?
I have started to have more frequent loose stools or diarrhoea?
Answer: Weight loss programmes, especially those involving major changes in dietary composition, can trigger diarrhoea. You can try to consume more dietary fibre and possibly supplementation with HUSK. If you have more than 3 bowel movements per day for more than 2 weeks, you should contact your own doctor to investigate whether it may be caused by specific bacteria or other intestinal disease. Weight loss medication can in rare cases also cause diarrhoea and loose stools, but the stools should return to normal when you stop taking it. If you are taking weight loss medication and have had loose stools more than 3 times per day for 2 weeks and do NOT have a fever, you can also try stopping the weight loss medication to see if it helps.
After my weight loss, I have started to have more frequent abdominal pain?
Answer: Depending on how severe the pain is, how often it occurs, where it is located and whether you have a fever, it can be caused by several different things
- The most common: Mild to moderate pain that comes and goes, located around the navel and feels rumbling, may be due to constipation or diarrhoea (especially if you also have a fever). This can be caused by constipation, gastric infection (especially if you also have a fever), inflammatory bowel disease, or side effects of weight loss medication.
- The less common: Moderate to severe pain that comes and goes, located in the right side of the abdomen below the ribs, may be caused by gallstones, for example. Unfortunately, it is sometimes seen that significant weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones. If you believe you are having pain attacks due to gallstones, you should contact a doctor
- The rare: Severe pain that persists, located in the upper part of the abdomen and radiates to the back, may be caused by acute inflammation of the pancreas, for example. This is, however, a rarer condition but requires immediate treatment at a hospital. Therefore, call a doctor if you have these symptoms.
- The less common: Moderate to severe pain that comes and goes, located in the right side of the abdomen below the ribs, may be caused by gallstones, for example. Unfortunately, it is sometimes seen that significant weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones. If you believe you are having pain attacks due to gallstones, you should contact a doctor
My hair has become thin? (Hair loss)
Answer: Hair loss can be a sign that you are lacking nutrients, which can occur with rapid or extensive weight loss. With significant weight loss, your hair follicles can go dormant and pause hair production, making it slightly thinner. Make sure to get sufficient protein and possibly take vitamin supplements to limit this. When your weight has stabilised, the hair follicles should become active again and start producing hair again.
I am more tired than usual? (Fatigue)
Answer: It is common to feel tired when you cut down on calories. When you are losing weight, the body wants to conserve energy, which feels like fatigue. If the fatigue is severe and prevents you from functioning in your daily life, or if it persists even though you are not losing weight, you should contact your doctor. It may be a sign of side effects from the weight loss medication or other health problems.
I have started having more frequent heartburn or acid reflux?
Answer: Weight loss can change your body’s way of digesting food, and in some cases it can lead to heartburn or acid reflux. Consider whether it may be due to changes in your diet. Avoid spicy, fatty and highly acidic food, as this can worsen these symptoms. Eat smaller portions and avoid lying down immediately after meals. It can also be a side effect of weight loss medication, but if it persists and causes pain in the upper part of the abdomen or throat, you should contact your doctor. It may be necessary to treat the condition, which can also be caused by a hiatus hernia or a bacterial infection (Helicobacter).
What happens to my sleep apnoea when I lose weight?
Answer: People who suffer from sleep apnoea and lose weight may experience an improvement in their symptoms, as weight loss can reduce pressure on the airways and make it easier to breathe at night. However, if you have sleep apnoea, it is important to continue following your doctor’s instructions and treatment.
- Alcohol, smoking, sleeping medication and strong pain-relieving medication can worsen sleep apnoea, so if you consume these things, you may not experience improvement with weight loss.
- If you use CPAP at night, it may be a good idea to have a new sleep study if you have lost more than 10 kg and have maintained the weight loss for some time.
Is it easy to maintain weight loss once you have lost weight?
Answer: Maintaining weight loss can be a challenge for many, as it requires long-term changes in lifestyle and eating habits. Success often requires sustained effort, including regular exercise and a healthy diet.
- Support from family, friends or professionals can also be crucial for maintaining weight. We recommend contacting a dietitian for good advice on how you can best maintain your weight based on your lifestyle and wishes.
- Studies show that it takes the body at least a year to adjust to a new weight. Before then, the body will fight for you to gain weight again, as the body is not designed to lose weight, but to maintain a weight or gain weight.
- If you have lost weight with weight loss medication, we recommend that you continue the treatment so that your weight is reasonably stable for at least a year before you stop completely. However, you can try to reduce your dose.
- Most people who stop weight loss medication immediately after significant weight loss will regain all of it and sometimes a little more. Therefore, we recommend that you continue the medication for at least a year while your weight is stable, and taper off rather than stopping abruptly.
How long does it take before the body has adjusted to weight loss?
Answer: The time it takes for the body to adapt to weight loss can vary greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the amount of weight loss, how quickly the weight was lost, the individual’s metabolism and changes in physical activity and diet. Studies show that it takes the body at least one year to adapt to a new weight. Before then, the body will fight for you to gain weight again, as the body is not designed to lose weight, but to maintain a weight or gain weight. It is also worth noting that the body’s metabolism can change in an attempt to adapt to the lower energy requirement, which can make it more difficult to lose further weight or to maintain the weight loss in the long term. A gradual approach to weight loss with a focus on permanent lifestyle changes often promotes better adaptation and maintenance of the weight loss. We recommend that you contact a dietitian for help in maintaining the weight loss.
How long does it take before the body has adapted to weight loss?
Answer: When you lose weight, a number of physiological changes occur in the body. To minimise the negative consequences of changes in metabolism, it is recommended to aim for gradual weight loss, increase physical activity (especially strength training to build muscle mass, which can increase metabolism) and focus on a nutritious and varied diet. Consultations with a dietitian can provide support and guidance through the weight loss journey.
Reduced risk of chronic diseases:
A more efficient metabolism can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain forms of cancer.
- Fat burning:
To lose weight, the body must burn more calories than it takes in. This leads to the body beginning to break down stored fat to obtain energy, which results in weight loss. However, the body will also break down proteins, i.e. your muscles. To limit how much muscle mass you lose, it is therefore recommended that you ensure you get plenty of protein in your diet (approximately 1.5 g per kilo you weigh, e.g. 180 g if you weigh 120 kg). - Changes in metabolism:
In response to weight loss, the body’s metabolism can change. Some people experience a reduction in metabolism, as the body tries to conserve energy during calorie deficit. When you lose weight, especially if the weight loss is rapid or achieved through very restrictive diets, your body’s metabolism can become slower. This happens because the body becomes more efficient at using energy in an attempt to preserve its energy reserves. This can feel like fatigue, and some people become more sensitive to cold. The consequences of a reduced metabolism include:
– Weight loss plateau:
It can become more difficult to lose further weight after an initial weight loss, as the body uses fewer calories for basic functions. However, this can be remedied by exercise. If you wish to lose more weight, it is recommended to seek advice from a dietitian or personal trainer.
– Weight gain:
People with a slower metabolism may find that they gain weight more easily again, even with a moderate calorie intake, because the body uses fewer calories - Satiety/hunger hormones:
Weight loss can lead to changes in the levels of certain hormones that regulate appetite and feelings of hunger, including leptin (which helps regulate energy balance and suppress appetite) and ghrelin (often called the “hunger hormone”). Normally, with weight loss, the amount of hunger hormones increases and we become hungrier. However, weight loss medication usually counteracts the effect of hunger hormones. - Muscle loss:
Without sufficient exercise and protein intake, the body will also begin to break down muscle tissue for energy, which can lead to loss of muscle mass. It is therefore recommended that you ensure a high protein content in your food, preferably up to approximately 1.5 g per kilogram of body weight. If you weigh 120 kg, you should ideally consume 180 g of protein during the course of a day. - Health improvements:
Weight loss can result in improvements in various health indicators, including blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipid levels (composition of fats in the blood), which reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain forms of cancer. - Adaptive thermogenesis – changes in heat production:
Another process is what is called adaptive thermogenesis, where the body produces less heat to reduce energy expenditure in response to weight loss. This can make it harder to lose weight and maintain it. However, this should normalise once the weight has been stable for a longer period, for some up to a year or more. The reduced heat production is sometimes confused with the fact that when you lose fat mass, you also lose insulation. Due to less fat layer in the skin, you retain less heat and become cold more quickly. - Improved insulin sensitivity:
Weight loss can improve the body’s ability to use insulin effectively, which is particularly important for people with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. - Reduced risk of chronic diseases:
A more efficient metabolism can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain forms of cancer.
I have started to experience increased libido?
Answer: When you are overweight, some people may have less desire for sex due to lower self-esteem and self-confidence, but also due to a number of physiological reasons. If you lose weight, this can reverse and thereby increase your desire for sex. Men may have reduced production of the male sex hormone testosterone due to being overweight, which for some can be a reason for reduced libido. Some men also experience that it can be more difficult to maintain an erection and complete intercourse. With weight loss, you may therefore experience that your libido increases because self-confidence and self-esteem improve, but also due to hormonal and physical changes.
I have started to have less libido?
Answer: For most people, libido increases when you lose weight. However, you may also be more tired during weight loss, which can reduce desire. For those who are on weight loss medication, side effects such as nausea and constipation can reduce libido.