Pharmacies warn of unsustainable demand for weight loss medication
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I'm a hormone expert - this is why some people's sex drive goes through the roof when they take Mounjaro
A hormone expert has revealed a bizarre side-effect of weight loss jabs: they might send your sex drive soaring. Originally developed for diabetes, blockbuster drugs like Mounjaro are now famed for helping users shed weight rapidly by suppressing appetite. But it seems they may also be fuelling a surge in libido. Dr Shashi Prasad, a GP and expert in women's health, said while side-effects such as nausea and even organ damage have been widely reported, changes in sexual desire remain less understood. 'Sexual desire is such an important aspect of somebody's well-being and this is still a relatively new treatment,' she said. 'We are increasingly finding that it's having an impact on people's libido—and it's not all to do with self-esteem.' Dr Prasad explained that one possible reason for the effect is that body fat causes chronic, low-level inflammation—a key factor behind many obesity-related health issues, including reduced sex drive. Mounjaro works by mimicking a gut hormone called GLP-1, which is released after eating to regulate blood sugar and suppress hunger. Dr Prasad said Mounjaro may cause libido to sky rocket because of how it impacts a certain brain chemical Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. As well as signalling the pancreas to produce more insulin, GLP-1 tricks the body into thinking it is full—stopping patients from overeating and triggering weight loss. More than 1.5 million patients in the UK are now paying for private Mounjaro prescriptions, as well as a similar drug called Wegovy. Some notice a change in their drinking habits, with many saying they no longer want alcohol. And this may give another clue to the apparent libido-boosting effect of the jabs, according to Dr Prasad. She explains that whilst alcohol affects the part of the brain that controls inhibition—explaining why people often feel less anxious and more confident after a drink—it can dampen sex drive. 'Alcohol is a very addiction-based behaviour,' Dr Prasad explained. 'It has a suppressive effect on our emotions, releasing inhibition which can make some people more sexually inclined. 'But, sexual desire is more than that. Remember, alcohol is a depressant, so whilst you may feel more confident after a drink, physiologically alcohol actually suppresses sexual desire.' A change to body image and the resulting boost in confidence does also play a part, she adds. Researcher shows that women between the ages of 20 and 59 who had sex less than once a week were at a 70 per cent increased risk of death within five years Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'We know that body image, self-esteem and confidence definitely play a huge role in sexual desire—and this psychological boost associated with weight loss is a very big element.' But some users have reported the opposite effect—finding they want to have sex less frequently. This may be because the drugs suppress the production of dopamine—the feel-good chemical the brain produces in response to pleasurable experiences. 'Our brains produce dopamine in response to anything that brings us pleasure, whether that's food, alcohol, cigarettes, socialising or sex,' says Dr Alexis Bailey, a neuropharmacologist at City St George's university in London. 'The leading theory is that GLP-1 injections helps dampen these dopamine surges.' According to Dr Prasad, this can cause a significant drop in sex drive, resulting in users feeling more confident in their new bodies but not wanting to have sex. She added that losing a lot of weight over a short period of time can also affect hormone balance, as can a restricted diet, by reducing levels of sex hormones testosterone and estrogen that are crucial for sexual desire. Dr Prasad encouraged users to have a discussion with their doctors if they are concerned about their sex drive. She said: 'This should help you get to the root cause of the problem. A drop in sex drive could simply be the result of fatigue caused by being in a calorie deficit. 'Or it could mean that your dose is too high and the drug is significantly affecting your nervous system and dopamine production.' Either way, Dr Prasad said: 'Make sure you're eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet with plenty of fibre and protein and exercising regularly—this will trigger the release of endorphins and may improve sexual desire.' She is now urging health officials to conduct more research into this aspect of the drug, and encouraging more open and honest conversations about sex and weight loss. 'Sexual desire is such an important aspect of someone's identity—it is very important to flag this up and encourage patients to have a discussion with their doctor.' Her advice comes amid growing concern over a global sex crisis—or rather, lack of sex crisis. One recent survey revealed more than a quarter of people living in the UK are having less sex than they used to, with one in six admitting they haven't got frisky the entire year. Last month, researchers at the University of Manchester, also revealed women who have sex at least once a week are the happiest in their relationships. Their study showed that 85 per cent of women who had sex once a week described themselves as 'sexually satisfied'. In contrast, only 17 per cent of women who had sex less than once a month reported the same level of relationship bliss. Sex and intimacy have been linked to several health benefits, including improving the condition of your heart, reducing stress and even boosting mental health.
Scottish Sun
18 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I lost three stone in just 10 weeks on Mounjaro, but suffered with an instant side effect that won't budge
Read on for more side effects of using weight loss jabs NO WEIGH I lost three stone in just 10 weeks on Mounjaro, but suffered with an instant side effect that won't budge Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN has revealed that she has lost three stone in just ten weeks thanks to weight loss jabs. Kayleigh Akister, from Lancaster, took to social media to share her weight loss transformation. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Kayleigh Akister revealed her weigh tloss journey using Mounjaro Credit: Facebook 2 Despite being thrilled with her new weight, there was one side effect she couldn't budge Credit: Facebook She wrote: "After 10 weeks I have lost 3 stone." Taking to social media, she shared images of herself before her weight loss wearing a beige floor-length dress. She revealed that she initially weighed 14.5st and had gone down to 11.5st. But now, Kayleigh looked much smaller and happier as she wore a silky, figure-hugging dress that showed off her new body. While Kayleigh was thrilled by the weight loss, she had experienced one setback. She revealed that since being on the weight loss jab, her hair had become thin and was falling out. Kayleigh added: "But (I) started with hair loss, it feels so thin anyone else have this and what will help please?" Unfortunately, hair loss is listed as a common side effect of Mounjaro. This can be heightened with losing weight at a fast pace. Telogen effluvium is a form of alopecia that is temporary and caused by sudden changes in the body (like weight loss). I've lost nearly 6 stone in 9 months on fat jabs - trolls call me 'lazy' & say it's the 'easy way out' but I don't care It causes hair follicles to enter the resting phase and shedding phase of the hair growth cycle. Kayleigh's post was shared to the Facebook group, mounjaro ozempic wegovy weight loss support, and people were quick to share their tips on combatting hair loss on the drug. One person wrote: "Congrats on your success!! Hair loss is common with weight loss, especially a lot of weight loss in a short time. Make sure you're getting your protein, drinking water and taking a multivitamin." Another commented: "My hair is so bad. I don't know how I'm not bald already! I'm doing everything I can to stop the shed but nothing seems to be working!" "You look amazing. I believe losing weight too quickly will cause some hair loss," penned a third. Meanwhile, a fourth said: "I take collagen and biotin and it definitely helps me." "Try taking collagen supplements, they've really strengthened my hair and nails! My skin looks younger too. Been on them 2 months,' claimed a fifth Someone else added: "Bloody hell, well done. 16 weeks and a whopping 1 stone down."
The Sun
18 hours ago
- The Sun
I lost three stone in just 10 weeks on Mounjaro, but suffered with an instant side effect that won't budge
A WOMAN has revealed that she has lost three stone in just ten weeks thanks to weight loss jabs. Kayleigh Akister, from Lancaster, took to social media to share her weight loss transformation. 2 She wrote: "After 10 weeks I have lost 3 stone." Taking to social media, she shared images of herself before her weight loss wearing a beige floor-length dress. She revealed that she initially weighed 14.5st and had gone down to 11.5st. But now, Kayleigh looked much smaller and happier as she wore a silky, figure-hugging dress that showed off her new body. While Kayleigh was thrilled by the weight loss, she had experienced one setback. She revealed that since being on the weight loss jab, her hair had become thin and was falling out. Unfortunately, hair loss is listed as a common side effect of Mounjaro. This can be heightened with losing weight at a fast pace. Telogen effluvium is a form of alopecia that is temporary and caused by sudden changes in the body (like weight loss). I've lost nearly 6 stone in 9 months on fat jabs - trolls call me 'lazy' & say it's the 'easy way out' but I don't care It causes hair follicles to enter the resting phase and shedding phase of the hair growth cycle. Kayleigh's post was shared to the Facebook group, mounjaro ozempic wegovy weight loss support, and people were quick to share their tips on combatting hair loss on the drug. One person wrote: "Congrats on your success!! Hair loss is common with weight loss, especially a lot of weight loss in a short time. Make sure you're getting your protein, drinking water and taking a multivitamin." Another commented: "My hair is so bad. I don't know how I'm not bald already! I'm doing everything I can to stop the shed but nothing seems to be working!" "You look amazing. I believe losing weight too quickly will cause some hair loss," penned a third. Meanwhile, a fourth said: "I take collagen and biotin and it definitely helps me." "Try taking collagen supplements, they've really strengthened my hair and nails! My skin looks younger too. Been on them 2 months,' claimed a fifth Someone else added: "Bloody hell, well done. 16 weeks and a whopping 1 stone down." What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do: Evaluate Your Caloric Intake Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try: Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help). Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight). Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy. Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval) If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may: Pause dose increases or lower your dosage. Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss. Strength Training & Exercise To prevent muscle loss: Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week. Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga. Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst). Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued. Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience: Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Consider Further Medical Guidance If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss.
