We understand how deeply personal the decision to explore GLP‑1 injections can be, especially when you’re ready for meaningful change on the Gold Coast.
We often hear, “What can GLP‑1 injection weight loss do for me?” and “What side effects of GLP-1 injections should I watch for?” When you click to learn more, you gain clarity, reassurance and confident hope anchored in real science and compassionate care.
What Are the Benefits of GLP-1 Injections?
Benefits of GLP-1 Injections
GLP-1 injections offer a range of benefits beyond just weight loss. Here’s a detailed look at why these medications have become so popular:
- Significant Weight Loss: GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation. This leads to reduced hunger, increased feelings of fullness and a lower overall calorie intake, resulting in substantial and sustained weight loss.
- Improved Blood Sugar Control: Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications are highly effective at lowering A1c levels. They stimulate insulin release when blood sugar is high and suppress glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), helping to maintain stable glucose levels.
- Reduced Cardiovascular Risk: Clinical trials have shown that some GLP-1 agonists can significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in people with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.
- Better Metabolic Health: GLP-1 injections can lower your blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and decrease inflammation, contributing to overall better health.
- Sustained Results: For many people, one of the biggest challenges with weight loss is keeping the weight off. GLP-1 injections provide a long-term solution by helping to manage the biological drivers of weight regain, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
What Are the Side Effects or Risks?
- Common, mild effects — Many people experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, fatigue, dizziness, or injection-site redness, especially early in treatment.
- Less common but serious risks — There’s a small chance of pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, thyroid concerns, kidney injury, or worsening eye conditions. Recently inflammation of the liver has been described as well.
What Does Weight Loss With GLP-1s Look Like?
Here is a step-by-step overview of what you can expect when you start GLP‑1 injections with Dr Puhalla:
1) Comprehensive consultation
We assess your health history from as far back as you can remember. It may help you to give your GP permission to send us a copy of your medical records so nothing is overlooked. We also assess your medications and supplements, as well as your lifestyle factors, to confirm your suitability for this therapy. We then discuss and set realistic goals together with you.
2) Gentle dose adjustment
Your initial treatment begins with a low dose, which we will increase gradually in consultation with you. This helps minimise side effects and improves your comfort throughout the therapy. You will guide us on how you are coping, and our decisions will be based on this.
3) Ongoing monitoring
You will attend regular follow-up appointments to track your progress, allowing us to adapt your dosing based on the facts. We will continually support you and reinforce sustainable habits, measuring your progress based on:
- Energy levels.
- Sleep quality.
- Levels of mobility.
- And, lastly, weight loss.
4) Long-term planning
We help you reorganise your life and health through a maintenance program from early on. This will include focusing on lifestyle strategies that protect your weight loss and your cardiometabolic health.
Are GLP-1 Injections Right for You?
GLP-1 therapy is not a shortcut or a trendy TikTok craze. It is a clinical tool that makes progress more manageable. If you’re considering GLP-1 injection weight loss therapy on the Gold Coast, we’ll help you balance the benefits with the risks and build a personalised path forward that you can buy into and maintain.
Find out whether GLP-1s are suitable for you and how Dr Puhalla and his team of experts can support you on your journey to weight loss and overall improved health. Book your consultation today.
