Weight Loss Drug Safety: What You Need to Know Before You Start

Medical weight loss is becoming more and more popular – and for good reason. Many people experience significant results with medications that support weight loss. But one question should always come first: Are weight loss medications safe?

At Valida Health, we prioritize safety and professionalism. That's why it's important for us to provide you with thorough information before you start treatment.

Common side effects – and how to deal with them

As with all medications, weight loss medications can cause side effects, especially during the initial phase. The most common ones – especially with GLP-1-based medications – are:

• Nausea

• Mildly decreased appetite

• Stomach pain or discomfort

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Fatigue at the start of treatment
  

For most people, the side effects subside after a few weeks. In case of persistent discomfort, we will adjust the dosage or treatment plan so that you get the most benefit with the least discomfort.

We take all symptoms seriously and ensure that you always have access to healthcare advice along the way.

Why blood tests and health checks are crucial

Weight loss medication should never be used without supervision. It is essential that your treatment is monitored on an ongoing basis with:

• Control blood tests

• Weight and health monitoring

• Dosage adjustments as needed
  

At Valida Health, we follow a fixed follow-up program that ensures that the medication works optimally – and that no side effects occur that require adjustment. This is precisely where we differ from solutions where you are left alone with the treatment.

Medical weight loss should not be done alone

Medical weight loss works best when it is part of a holistic approach. It is not a substitute for lifestyle changes – but a tool to make the journey more manageable and effective.

We work with a focus on:

• Long-term behavior change

• Healthy diet and exercise

• Mental well-being and support

• Personal advice and security
  

This is where the real effect occurs: When the medicine supports a healthier lifestyle, and does not try to replace it.

Valida Health's approach to safety and security

At Valida Health, we take responsibility – both for your health and for the process. This means that:

• You will be thoroughly assessed before we start treatment.
• All courses include regular health checks and blood tests.
• You have regular contact with healthcare professionals
• We adjust the treatment based on your needs and response.
• You get support for lifestyle changes, not just medication

We only use approved preparations, and we never compromise on quality and professionalism.

Here are four scientific sources on medical weight loss relevant to Valida Health's method. All show positive results and support the holistic approach:

1. Semaglutide (Wegovy) – STEP 5: 2-year clinical study

• Reference & findings: In the STEP 5 study, published in Nature Medicine, adults with overweight or obesity achieved -15.2% average weight loss over 104 weeks, compared to placebo.

• Brief description: Treatment with semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly resulted in significant and sustained weight loss (<-15% after 2 years) without significant weight regain. Participants also experienced improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

• Relevance: Supports Valida Health's combined strategy of medication and follow-up for long-term results.

• Source

2. Semaglutide – systematic review & meta-analysis

• Reference & findings: A meta-analysis showed an average weight loss of ‐11.85% in people without diabetes with semaglutide treatment, compared to placebo.

• Short description: Based on four RCT studies with a total of 3,613 people, the analysis showed that semaglutide is both safe and effective as a weight loss treatment - with expected, mild side effects.

• Relevance: Strengthens the documentation for the treatment and shows efficacy without serious side effects – ideal for your patient information.

• Source

3. Tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) vs Semaglutide – NEJM head-to-head study

• Reference & findings: In a 72-week randomized study, tirzepatide showed a weight reduction of approximately 20%, compared to 14% with semaglutide.

• Short description: In the study, 32% of those treated with tirzepatide achieved ≥25% weight loss – significantly better than with semaglutide (~16%).

• Relevance: Highlights Valida Health's access to the latest, most effective medicines and documents your ability to deliver top-tier treatment.

• Source

4. Retatrutide – new 3‑hormone receptor‑agonist

• Reference & findings: Retatrutide, presented in NEJM, resulted in “substantial reductions in body weight” over a 48-week study among adults with obesity.

• Brief description: This new class of treatment combines three hormone receptor agonists and has shown promising effects on weight loss in obese participants.

• Relevance: Emphasizes Valida Health's position as a clinic that actively follows and offers treatment with the most advanced medical options.

• Source

Confirmation of Valida Health's method

These studies all show that GLP-1-based drugs – and newer combination therapies – can:

1. Create significant and sustained weight loss (up to 15–20% over 1–2 years)

2. Supported by low and manageable side effects

3. Combine with lifestyle intervention for safe and long-lasting results

Ready to take the next step?

If you are considering weight loss with medication and would like to do it safely and structured, you are always welcome to contact us at Valida Health.

Read more about our treatment process here