Starting or stopping this drug can be risky. There’s plenty of research backing this, and Dr. Roberts DC from Heath Utah is actively working to help manage side effects. He has noticed various issues that some patients face.
One case he recalls is of a 16-year-old girl who came to him in severe pain. “She was in so much distress that even drinking water caused her abdominal pain,” Roberts explained. Despite using Semaglutide for just a short period, her pain lingered for six months after discontinuation. Thankfully, after receiving care, her pain improved in a few weeks, but interestingly, she didn’t lose any weight during that time.
Unfortunately, not all patients have the same outcome. Some face more serious and prolonged symptoms.
Serious side effects of starting GLP-1 Agonists
As noted in a New York Post article, there have been about 10,000 serious reactions reported to the FDA since 2018, with these medications linked to 162 deaths. Disturbingly, this number rose by 40% recently, likely due to increased usage.
Roberts shares, “The truth is that the risk of death from these medications is probably similar to many other common drugs. This highlights that all medications come with inherent risks.” A study from 1997 indicated that doctors often don’t fully inform their patients of these risks, so Roberts urges individuals to educate themselves and weigh all options before starting a new medication.
The Semaglutide label includes potential side effects such as:
- Pancreatitis
- Thyroid tumors, including cancer
- Severe gastrointestinal issues, like stomach paralysis and intestinal blockage
- Bloating, constipation, nausea, and vomiting
- Acute kidney injury
- Hypoglycemia
- Gallbladder disease, such as gallstones
- Allergic reactions
- Vision changes
- Rapid heartbeat
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
More recent studies have identified additional worrisome side effects not listed on the drug’s label. For instance, a 2024 study in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that up to 60% of weight lost on Liraglutide could be lean muscle, potentially weakening physical function and slowing metabolism. “Essentially, for every three pounds lost, nearly two may come from muscle,” Roberts notes.
Another study published in JAMA Ophthalmology in 2025 reported an approximate threefold increase in the risk of sudden vision loss known as non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.
Additionally, a 2025 Medscape article highlighted findings from FAERS analysis showing issues like loss of smell, altered taste, ringing in the ears, voice changes, hearing impairments, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Stopping GLP-1 Agonists: Expect weight regain
If you’re considering stopping GLP-1 agonists, brace yourself for what might follow. Research published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism showed that two-thirds of participants regained their weight within a year after discontinuing the injections.
Further research indicated that the weight regained had a higher fat-to-muscle ratio, which could lower metabolism and increase metabolic dysfunction.
“Those coming off these drugs need to realize this likely outcome to manage it,” Roberts emphasizes. He suggests that if individuals view the medications as a way to kickstart better health instead of a solution, they could maintain their weight loss effectively.
How to maintain weight loss after the shots
“First, understand there’s no quick fix for achieving optimal health and weight,” Roberts advises. “You might have lost some weight from the injections, but it will likely return unless you adhere to fundamental health principles.”
Next, it’s important to identify any underlying health issues affecting weight. “Problems such as depression, hormone imbalances, or digestive issues can play a significant role,” Roberts points out. At Health Utah, identifying these issues is a priority.
Patients undergo a specialized non-invasive body scan that assesses their physiological state, stress levels, fatigue, risk factors, and possible underlying conditions.
Before any appointment at Health Utah, patients fill out a questionnaire designed to highlight potential health problems. This questionnaire, developed from Roberts’ extensive experience, typically aligns well with the scan results. He uses both tools in a 40-minute consultation with each patient.
Then, it’s essential to address any identified health concerns with a tailored care plan, which might include therapies, supplements, and coaching.
Lastly, creating a personalized, healthy, and sustainable food plan is crucial. Roberts argues, “The effectiveness of the shots partly comes from reducing your calorie intake. However, they ultimately fail like most diets because calorie reduction cannot be sustained long term. Your metabolism responds by slowing down.” At Health Utah, they don’t cut calories or eliminate food categories; instead, they customize diets based on individual needs.
“By following these steps, you can likely maintain any weight lost while using the shots and improve your overall health, which is something the injections alone cannot provide,” Roberts concludes.
Special offer
In any weight loss journey, having support from family and friends can be invaluable. Research suggests that individuals are almost twice as successful in losing weight when they have a partner.
Health Utah is currently offering a popular weight loss package for $59 for two people. You and a friend can get tested, receive a detailed report, complete the questionnaire, and have a consultation with Dr. Roberts. Normally, the scan costs $300 for one person.
To schedule your appointment, contact (801) 609-3478 or visit Health Utah today.
