Stopping or starting this medication can pose serious risks. Research supports this claim, and Dr. Roberts DC, from Heath Utah, is actively working to manage and prevent these side effects. He has observed a variety of issues patients face.
In one instance, a 16-year-old girl came to his clinic suffering from intense pain. “She couldn’t even drink water without severe abdominal distress,” Roberts stated. Remarkably, even though her use of Semaglutide was brief, her pain lingered for six months after she ceased injections. By the time she sought my help, I was fortunate to see her pain resolve within a few weeks. Interestingly, she hadn’t lost any weight throughout the entire experience,” he added.
Unfortunately, not all cases end so positively; some individuals endure more severe or persistent symptoms.
Serious side effects of starting GLP-1 Agonists
The New York Post outlined that since 2018, approximately 10,000 severe or life-threatening reactions have been documented in the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System. Tragically, healthcare professionals and manufacturers have linked these injections to 162 deaths, with this figure surging by 40% within a recent six-month period as usage increased.
Roberts commented, “The risk of death from these medications is likely comparable to that of several commonly used drugs. This highlights the inherent dangers associated with any medication.” A study from 1997 unfortunately showed that doctors often neglect to inform their patients about these risks. Hence, he urges patients to be proactive, understanding the risks and exploring all options before starting any medication.
The Semaglutide label outlines several potential side effects:
- Pancreatitis.
- Thyroid tumors, inclusive of cancer.
- Severe gastrointestinal issues such as stomach paralysis and intestinal blockage.
- Bloating, extreme constipation, nausea, vomiting.
- Acute kidney injury.
- Hypoglycemia.
- Gallbladder diseases, including gallstones and inflammation.
- Allergic reactions.
- Vision changes.
- Rapid or pounding heartbeat.
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
More recent research has uncovered additional troubling side effects that are not indicated on the label. For instance, a 2024 study published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism revealed that up to 60% of weight lost on Liraglutide may come from lean muscle, which can hinder physical function and slow metabolism. “Essentially, for every three pounds lost, nearly two may come from muscle,” Roberts remarked.
A 2025 study in JAMA Ophthalmology highlighted a roughly threefold increase in the risk of sudden vision loss known as non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.
Additionally, a 2025 article from Medscape pointed out findings related to issues such as anosmia (loss of smell), dysgeusia (altered taste), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dysphonia (voice changes), hearing impairments, and gastroesophageal reflux disease revealed through FAERS analysis.
Stopping GLP-1 Agonists: Be ready for weight regain
For anyone contemplating discontinuing GLP-1 agonists, it’s crucial to mentally prepare for what’s likely to occur. A study noted that about 327 participants regained two-thirds of their weight within a year after stopping the injections.
Further research reported in Sciencedirect suggested that the regained weight often has a higher fat-to-muscle ratio, which can lead to a slower metabolic rate and enhance metabolic dysfunction. “Patients must recognize this near-certainty if they want to manage it,” Roberts explains. “If those discontinuing the medications view them as a means to kickstart healthier habits rather than relying solely on them, they can maintain and even continue weight loss if needed.”
How to maintain weight loss after the shots
“The initial step is acknowledging that there’s no quick fix for achieving optimal health and weight,” says Roberts. “The principles of health cannot be bypassed with medication. While the shots may help with temporary weight loss, returning to old habits will likely lead to regain, often more than what was lost.”
The next step involves identifying any underlying health issues contributing to persistent weight challenges. Roberts mentions factors like depression, insomnia, hormonal imbalances, gut health, liver and gallbladder problems, insulin resistance, and deficiencies. At Health Utah, pinpointing these underlying concerns is a priority.
Patients undergo a specialized body scan to assess overall health, stress, fatigue, and potential risk factors. Before each visit, they complete a unique questionnaire designed to uncover these underlying issues, developed from Roberts’ extensive experience and research. The correlation between the scan results and questionnaire is nearly always accurate and guides his 40-minute consultations.
Next is addressing any identified health conditions through tailored care strategies, which might include therapies, supplements, coaching, and more.
Finally, creating a personalized, health-promoting dietary plan is critical. “The shots work partly by reducing calorie intake, but they often fail in the long run because cutting calories slows metabolism,” Roberts explains.
At Health Utah, they don’t resort to calorie counting, nor do they eliminate entire food groups. Instead, they tailor nutrition plans to fit individual needs.
“Follow these steps, and you may be able to sustain the weight loss achieved during medication and also improve your overall health—something the shots can’t accomplish,” Roberts concludes.
Special offer
In any weight-loss journey, support from friends and family is crucial. Research from a British study indicated that individuals tend to achieve better weight loss results when partnered up.
Health Utah is currently offering a popular weight-loss package at a discounted price, allowing two people to receive evaluations, including a 17-page report, a survey, and a consultation. Normally, a single scan would cost significantly more.
To schedule your appointment, reach out to Health Utah today.
