January has long been known as the month of fresh beginnings and big goals. For some it might be academic or work ambitions, while others will have health and weight goals in mind.
And while this month is a big one when it comes to trying to eat healthier, it will also be a core time for lots of people embarking on their GLP-1 journeys.
For those who have already been taking the weight loss injections for some time, around two-thirds are expected to be restarting their medication after taking a break or reducing their dosage over the festive period.
If you fall into the latter category, a weight loss expert and pharmacist has shared an important message before you restart your medication.
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Prior to the festive period, superintendent pharmacist at the weight loss programme CheqUp, Aaron Arman, advised against halting GLP-1 injections without consulting a doctor over concerns it could lead to 'rebound high blood sugar and rapid weight regain'.
"Patients may also underestimate how disruptive a stop-start approach can be to long-term treatment goals," he said.
“These medicines work by regulating appetite, digestion and glucose control, so suddenly stopping them removes those protective effects and can make it harder to re-establish healthy routines.
"Patients who pause their medication may also experience stronger side effects when restarting, as the body needs time to adjust to the medication again.”
However, if you did decide to pause your weight loss programme, the weight loss expert has some very important advice for how to restart your medication safely in the new year, all while minimising any side effects.
The first, and arguably most vital point, is not to double up on any missed doses to 'catch up'.
"These medicines build up in your system over time, so taking more will not speed up weight loss but will increase the risk of side effects," Arman said.
It's also important to check your pen has been stored correctly and safely before using it again.
This means it needs to have been stored in the fridge between 2 and 8°C, and you should ensure the liquid is clear and doesn't have any bits or cloudy discolouration. If it does have any of these things, do not use it.
If you're on Wegovy (semaglutide) and you've missed one or two doses, and it has been less than five days since your last scheduled infection, the pharmacist says 'you can usually take your dose as soon as you remember and then go back to your normal weekly day,' however 'if more than five days have passed, skip the missed dose and wait until your next scheduled injection.'
Meanwhile, if you're on Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and you have missed one or two doses and it is within four days of when you were due to inject, you can usually take the dose as soon as possible and then return to your usual weekly schedule.
"If more than four days have passed, skip the missed dose and wait for your next regular injection day," Arman adds.
However, if you've missed three or more weeks of doses, you should always get back in touch with your pharmacist or GP before restarting your medication.
"They may advise you to restart on a lower dose or adjust your plan to reduce the risk of side effects," he explains.
And finally, if you do notice any side effects when you restart your medication, you should let your GP or pharmacist know as soon as possible, especially if they feel stronger than when you were on the medication previously.
Emma Rosemurgey