Tell us: what have you never quite understood about weight loss drugs?
Originally developed for diabetes, these medications are now being prescribed for weight management. But the science, ethics, and long-term effects of these drugs are still being explored.
In a new video series on our It's Complicated Youtube channel, we're investigating the major questions behind some of today's most confusing topics – and weight loss drugs are at the top of that list.
What do these medications actually do to the body? Who should take them, and who decides? Are they reshaping how we think about obesity, health, and personal responsibility? We'll be speaking with experts to better understand the science and the social impact, and we want to make sure we're answering the questions you have.
What have you never quite understood about weight loss drugs? Maybe you're unsure how they work, or you're curious about side effects, access, or stigma. Maybe you've tried them, are thinking about it, or feel overwhelmed by the hype. Whatever your question, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form below to share your thoughts. Your questions could help shape our reporting and be featured in the show.
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South Wales Argus
2 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Mounjaro prices double as weight loss jab popularity soars
US-based Eli Lilly says a 5mg dose will nearly double from £92 to £180 from September 1, while a 15mg pen will rise from £122 to £330. A Lilly spokesperson said: 'Following a review, Lilly will increase the UK list price for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) from 1 September to address pricing inconsistencies compared to other developed countries, including in Europe. We have reached an agreement with the NHS to ensure continued supply and patient access." The statement continues: 'While Lilly does not determine the prices that private healthcare providers set, we are working with them to maintain patient access. The UK was one of the first countries where Lilly launched Mounjaro, and our priority was to bring it to patients as quickly as possible during a time of limited supply of GLP-1 RA treatments for type 2 diabetes. 'At launch, Lilly agreed to a UK list price that is significantly below the European average to prevent delays in NHS availability." More than 1.5 million people in the UK are believed to be using weight-loss medication each month, with most buying the jabs from private pharmacies. Mounjaro users report surprising side effect - pharmacists share their tips — Bucks Free Press (@bucksfreepress) August 8, 2025 This comes as the Government has joined forces with Eli Lilly in a bid to tackle obesity. The move could see patients accessing care at pharmacies or by using online platforms. The £85 million programme from Eli Lilly and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has been designed to look at how obese patients can access weight management care more easily. This includes through community services, in pharmacies and online. Using these tools, eligible patients could be treated 'in a matter of months', according to Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Under the agreement, the Government will contribute up to £50 million in UK-wide investment. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly will back the programme with £35 million, and NHS organisations will be able to apply for a share of the funding. Recommended reading: Mounjaro warning as pens ruined by heatwave temperatures This comes as users are risking having to throw away perfectly good Mounjaro pens as they have overheated in the recent heatwave. Improper storage of Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro during a heatwave could destroy the active ingredient in these jabs, potentially wiping out their effects entirely, even if the medication looks completely normal. 'We recommend treating your weight-loss pen the same way you'd treat insulin or any critical medication,' says Danielle Brightman, Clinical Director at Numan. 'When in doubt, don't risk it. Speak to a healthcare professional and arrange a replacement.' 8 tips to protect Mounjaro and other weight-loss injections during hot weather Use a medical-grade cool bag. Transport your pen in a proper, insulated container designed for sensitive medications. Don't use improvised ice packs that might freeze the pen by accident. Never leave your pen in hot places. Even 10 minutes in a parked car or on a sunny kitchen counter could expose it to damaging heat if out of its delivery packaging or unrefrigerated. Always check the environment before setting it down. Store below 30°C once in use. Once opened and if not refrigerated, keep your pen in a shaded, ventilated area, away from heat sources, windows, and radiators. If you live in a flat or home without air conditioning, keep the pen in a bedroom or hallway that doesn't heat up from direct sun. Avoid storing near exterior walls if the property retains heat. Follow the usage timeline carefully. The storage instructions between medications. Wegovy after first use can last 6 weeks below 30 degrees then needs to be disposed of, whereas Mounjaro has a shorter time of 30 days below 30 degrees before needing to be disposed of. Stick to that timeframe, and if you're unsure whether it's still safe, consult your provider. Use a fridge thermometer at home. Fridge temperatures can fluctuate, especially in older models or over-packed shelves. A simple digital fridge thermometer can help ensure your pen is always stored between 2–8°C before first use. Planning to travel? Use airline-friendly cooling cases. If you're flying or taking long journeys, consider TSA-approved insulated medication pouches with cooling gel packs. Always store the pen in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage, as cargo holds can get hot or cold. Set storage reminders on your phone. If you're prone to forgetting where you left your pen, set daily reminders to check if it's stored properly, especially during heatwaves or while travelling. Don't store near appliances or steam sources. Keep pens away from kettles, toasters, ovens, dishwashers, and anywhere that might experience sudden heat or humidity, especially in small kitchens or shared spaces. Injections like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are now widely used across the UK for appetite control and sustainable weight management. But despite their growing popularity and increasing availability now through the NHS, most patients don't realise the strict temperature guidelines that must be followed to keep these drugs effective. 'We speak to patients every day who are using GLP-1s for the first time,' says Danielle. 'With temperatures set to soar again this summer, it's crucial we raise awareness about safe medication storage. Heat damage isn't always obvious, but it can have a huge impact on effectiveness and safety."
STV News
3 hours ago
- STV News
Price of 'life-changing' weight loss drug could triple within weeks
The price of a 'life-changing' weight loss drug could double or even triple in the UK by the end of the month, prompting fears that it will push more people into the black market. The manufacturers of Mounjaro announced overnight on Thursday that the UK price for the medication could increase by up to 170% from September 1. Manufacturer Eli Lilly said the increase will bring the price of the drug in the UK more in line with other countries. Ailish Jamieson, from Glasgow, is one of thousands of Scots taking the drug to improve her health and quality of life. After being on steroid medication for ten years, she said her BMI had gone up to 46. She said she was morbidly obese and struggling to lose weight on her own. STV News Ailish Jamieson lost ten stone on Mounjaro. 'It's given me a new lease in life,' Ms Jamieson said. 'I climbed Ben Nevis. I would never in a million years have been able to do that before.' Ms Jamieson, who already pays £160 a month for the medication, is now concerned that the price increases are going to make the medication inaccessible to many people. She said: 'I feel very privileged that I've been able to pay for this medication. 'Now I fell like… should you be able to put a price on living a healthy life?' Jackie Partridge, clinical director at Dermal Clinic in Edinburgh, agrees that the cost increases are going to have a big impact. With more than half a million people across the UK taking Mounjaro, Ms Partridge has branded the price increases 'really worrying'. 'Ultimately, people who have chosen to go on this after a full medical assessment [have done so] because it's improving their quality of life and health. To then have an even bigger barrier put in the way with pricing I think is really sad.' Heather Stringer, from Kincardine, is also worried about the price increases. The 41-year-old used Mounjaro to lose more than nine stone, and she's still on the medication to manage her obesity and other related symptoms. STV News Heather Stringer lost nine stone on Mounjaro. 'I'm going to really need to rethink that now, and rethink whether I need to come off the medication,' she said. 'It's already a huge financial undertaking as a mum with two kids. Now, it's going to be even more of a stretch and think it'll be the case for a lot of people.' She added: 'It's been lifechanging and I don't say that lightly. It's given me confidence, but it's also changed my health outcomes. Undoubtedly, I think I've added years to my life taking this medication.' But she said the 'massive' price rises are going to send more people into the black market. 'That is really risky,' she added. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I have Ozempic vulva. It's the latest bizarre side effect of the miracle jabs no one talks about - and there's one treatment that can fix it
It's a miracle drug that has revolutionised weight loss for millions. But now some women are reporting that taking GLP-1 injections, more commonly known by brand names like Ozempic and Mounjaro, has produced an unsightly and uncomfortable side effect.
