What if weight loss injections do not relieve unexplained weight gain?

The response to an injection varies between people and may depend on the medicine, dose progression, timing, eating pattern, activity, sleep and other health conditions. Weight can also change because of fluid retention, constipation, thyroid or hormone problems, some medicines, or an underlying illness. Your clinician may check how long you have used the treatment, whether doses were missed, side effects, appetite changes and the pattern of weight change rather than a single reading.

Do not change the dose, combine injections or buy an unverified product. Keep a record of doses, symptoms, meals, activity and weight measured under similar conditions. Ask the prescriber to review medicines that can affect weight and whether blood tests or another assessment are appropriate. Continue agreed nutrition, movement and follow-up plans unless told otherwise. See [Unexplained Weight Gain](/symptoms/unexplained-weight-gain/) and [Weight Loss Injections](/treatments/medical-management/weight-loss-injections/) for background.

Get urgent help for severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, swelling of the face or throat, breathing difficulty, confusion or fainting. Contact your clinician promptly for marked weakness, signs of dehydration, yellowing of the skin, or a sudden unexplained change in weight with breathlessness or leg swelling.

Is the current medicine and dose appropriate? Could another medicine or health condition explain the gain? What measurements or tests should we use to assess progress? What should I do if side effects affect eating or drinking?