Woman falls pregnant after weight loss jabs due to little-known side effect
After starting a course of Mounjaro weight loss injections, Natasha Jones never could have imagined that a little known side effect would result in an unexpected pregnancy, despite her being on the contraceptive pill
A mother who unexpectedly fell pregnant, despite being on the pill, has issued a warning to women who have been prescribed Mounjaro.
Wanting to feel healthier and more confident before trying for a third baby, Natasha Jones purchased Mounjaro injections online in April, as a weight management tool. The 26-year-old has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can cause irregular periods and difficulties conceiving. It had taken two years of trying before she welcomed her second child.
Wanting to wait a few years before having her third, Natasha, from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, was also taking the contraceptive pill every morning. She was therefore left "baffled" when, just six weeks after starting the jabs, a pregnancy test proved positive.
Natasha recalled: "I thought 'there's no way, how can I have PCOS which gives me struggles with conceiving and also be taking contraception on top of that. How can I fall pregnant?' I have PCOS so I have really irregular periods and nothing is regular so that's why I started taking the contraceptive pill on top of not wanting to have a baby right now.
"Me and my partner have two children already and always knew we'd love one more, but I am overweight. Being overweight and pregnant makes it difficult. I knew I didn't want to fall pregnant now but maybe in two or three years we could start trying.
"I've always struggled with my weight, dieting and trying to get to a good size and maintaining it. I wanted to be healthy and more confident and also so I could go on to have a healthier pregnancy in the future. I hoped I'd lose the weight so I went online and ordered the Mounjaro injections.
"I'd only done it for two weeks before falling pregnant. Every morning at the same time I take it. I wasn't taking it at the wrong time as I know stuff like that can affect how effective the pill is."
On May 6, the same day as her sixth weight loss injection, Natasha took an ovulation test that came back darker than usual. This prompted her to take a pregnancy test as a precaution, the result of which left her in "disbelief".
Natasha, who stopped taking the injections after learning she was pregnant, shared: "We weren't planning it so at first I was in disbelief. It really baffled me. When I was trying for my second daughter it took two years and the entire two years I was taking ovulation tests daily for months and I never, ever got a positive.
"Then there was more panic with taking the Mounjaro. I was like 'oh my goodness, something might go wrong or there might be something wrong with the baby or I might miscarry'. I rang the GP and they just said to me 'we don't have anything to tell you, you need to ring 111'. They pretty much said the same thing, 'there's absolutely no information on it'.
"All they said was 'if you start bleeding, you're probably miscarrying and to stop taking the Mounjaro'. I had that in my head anyway that I wouldn't carry on taking it."
Recent studies show that taking Mounjaro injections could "reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in overweight people who are advised to use non-oral forms", as per MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).
However, Natasha had no clue that the jabs could potentially reduce the effectiveness of her birth control, and is now urging other women to be aware of this potential side effect, and to take precautions. She revealed: "I don't remember reading anywhere or it wasn't made clear to me that Mounjaro can dilute your contraceptive pill and to take other precautions if you're not wanting a baby.
"There's a lot of people that really don't know that. It's just important that you're aware and not put in that position where you have to make a decision about whether you're going to continue a pregnancy. Or have that anxiety throughout the entire time that something could go wrong because you've taken that medication."
Because of her PCOS, Natasha was given an early baby scan due to her PCOS where doctors thankfully confirmed that her unborn baby is healthy. After getting over her initial shock, Natasha, who nine weeks pregnant, is now happy about her pregnancy, but is aware that many women may be in a very different boat.
She continued: "I am a lot happier now. I wasn't unhappy at first but it was just a shock that took over. I'm quite fortunate that I do want to be a mum again. Having a baby for me is great and we can have it now rather than in three or four years. There's still that constant [worry that] I was on [the weight loss jabs] and there were no studies for that.
"Until I've got that baby and they are fine and healthy and everything's gone smoothly, I'll still have that feeling in the back of my mind. I'm quite lucky I took that ovulation test because I wouldn't have known and I would've carried on with the Mounjaro and that could have caused a lot more problems."
A spokesman from Eli Lilly, the drug firm that makes Mounjaro, has issued the following statement: "Patient safety is Lilly's top priority, and we actively engage in monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety information for all our medicines.
"The Summary of Product Characteristics for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) explains that tirzepatide "has the potential to impact the rate of absorption of concomitantly administered oral medicinal products" and that the impact "is most pronounced at the time of tirzepatide treatment initiation."
"The tirzepatide Patient Information Leaflet pregnancy section states: This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as the effects of this medicine on an unborn child are not known. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine.
"It is recommended to use contraception while using this medicine. If you are a woman with obesity or overweight and are using oral contraceptives, you should consider also using a barrier method of contraception (e.g. a condom) or switching to a non-oral contraceptive method for four weeks after starting Mounjaro and for four weeks after each increase in dose."
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Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The ‘golden dose' of Mounjaro that experts warn could be deadly – as slimmers rave about it saving money
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A GROWING number of slimmers are trying to squeeze extra jabs out of empty Mounjaro pens in a risky bid to cut costs. The weight-loss injections, which can cost hundreds of pounds a month, are designed to deliver a fixed amount once a week, typically over four weeks. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Experts have warned against trying to get an extra dose from the weight-loss pens Credit: Getty But online users claim there's still a small amount of drug left after the final shot. They say the 'fifth' dose can be drawn out with a syringe for a bonus jab, dubbed the 'golden dose'. One TikTok user claimed the trick saved her a fortune. By getting five jabs from a four-dose pen, users reckon they can claw back £615 a year. The reports come after NHS England said only a small number of people will be able to get Mounjaro from their GP. It means most people will still have to pay for it privately. 'The drugs are expensive but weight loss is strongly desired, so as a commodity, these drugs are hotly sought-after,' said Professor Naveed Sattar, a cardiologist and obesity expert at the University of Glasgow, said. 'It's no surprise people are going to such extraordinary lengths," she told the inews. Medics say the DIY hack is dangerous and could lead to infection, overdose or death. "People are reading these tips on online forums and being tempted to use them to save money," said Professor Penny Ward, a pharmaceutical expert at King's College London. Women taking fat jabs need 'effective contraception' - as health chiefs warn of serious harm to unborn babies "But they're risking serious side effects from overdosing by doing this - as well as the potential to develop a life-threatening infection. "The potential to develop a life-threatening infection. It's not a good idea at all," she told MailOnline. Talk of the so-called 'golden dose' is also spreading on Reddit weight-loss forums. In one thread with more than 50 comments, a user wrote: "After four pumps of your uk injection pen they tell you to throw it away. "But there is an extra dose or thereabouts in the pen you can self inject with an insulin needle." Another replied saying: "Known much more on here as the fifth dose." 2 There's also the danger of taking too much Mounjaro, experts warn Credit: Alamy Slimmers have also taken to TikTok to rave about the 'discovery'. In one video, a nurse demonstrates how to use a needle to extract leftover medicine from the pen. She wrote: "I do not condone or encourage anybody to take their golden dose this is just what I am doing." Huge risks Professor Penny warned that this practice can be dangerous for "several" reasons. "These injections contain a slight overfill to ensure the full recommended dose is delivered each time," she said. "But by drawing this out with a separate syringe and using it as a so-called fifth dose, you're exposing yourself to serious risk of infection.' Once the pen has been used, it's no longer sterile, meaning any leftover liquid could be contaminated with harmful bacteria. Injecting it could lead to abscesses or, in extreme cases, life-threatening sepsis. The bigger the dose, the bigger the risk of pancreatitis Professor Penny Ward There's also the danger of taking too much. 'If you're using your own syringe, it's difficult to measure the correct amount - you may end up taking more than intended,' she warned. Overdosing on the jab can trigger nasty side effects like vomiting and diarrhoea, or in rare cases, pancreatitis - a serious and painful condition that may need hospital treatment. Around one in five cases result in serious complications, with up to 30 per cent proving fatal. The risk rises sharply with higher doses, as the drug can trigger digestive enzymes that begin attacking the pancreas itself. Symptoms include sudden, severe tummy pain, often spreading to the back, along with fever, nausea and a racing heartbeat. "The bigger the dose, the bigger the risk of pancreatitis," Professor Ward warned. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Mounjaro - dubbed the "King Kong" of weight loss jabs - works by mimicking hormones released by the body when you're full. This makes people feel fuller for longer and therefore less hungry. It appears to be to be more potent than Wegovy - another popular weight loss jab - causing about 20 per cent weight loss after a year's use, compared with Wegovy's 15 per cent. Mounjaro's active ingredient is tirzepatide, a lab-made compound that mimics two gut hormones - GLP-1 and GIP - which help control blood sugar and appetite. This is why it was initially approved to treat diabetes type 2, which happens when people can't control their blood sugar. But in December 2024, it was also cleared for use on the NHS for weight loss in people with a BMI of over 30, or over 27 plus one weight-related condition. 'Excess solution' should be 'discarded' If you notice there is a considerable amount of medication left in your pen after the last dose, Professor Penny added, it may mean that you're not using the injection properly. "Speak to your pharmacist about your technique, or check that you definitely have the right size syringe, as this can impact the amount of medication left over," she said. A spokesperson for Lilly - the drug's manufacturer - said users should not do this, as the remaining liquid may not be a full dose. 'It is important to note that there will be a residual amount of medicine left after the fourth dose," they said. "This does not correspond to a full dose." 'Any excess solution in the pen after use should be discarded.' Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, added: "Medicines are approved according to strict dosage guidelines. "Failure to adhere with these guidelines, such as tampering with pre-dosed injection pens, could harm your health or cause personal injury. "People should follow the dosing directions provided by their healthcare provider when prescribed weight-loss medicines and use as directed in the patient information leaflet."
The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
The ‘golden dose' of Mounjaro that experts warn could be deadly – as slimmers rave about it saving money
A GROWING number of slimmers are trying to squeeze extra jabs out of empty Mounjaro pens in a risky bid to cut costs. The weight-loss injections, which can cost hundreds of pounds a month, are designed to deliver a fixed weekly dose. But online users claim there's still a small amount of drug left after the final shot. They say it can be drawn out with a syringe for a bonus jab, dubbed the 'golden dose'. One TikTok user claimed the trick saved her a fortune. By getting five jabs from a four-dose pen, users reckon they can claw back £615 a year. The reports come after NHS England said only a small number of people will be able to get Mounjaro from their GP. It means most people will still have to pay for it privately - which can cost hundreds of pounds a month. 'The drugs are expensive but weight loss is strongly desired, so as a commodity, these drugs are hotly sought-after,' said Professor Naveed Sattar, a cardiologist and obesity expert at the University of Glasgow, said. 'It's no surprise people are going to such extraordinary lengths," she told the inews. Medics say the DIY hack is dangerous and could lead to infection, overdose or death. "People are reading these tips on online forums and being tempted to use them to save money," said Professor Penny Ward, a pharmaceutical expert at King's College London. Women taking fat jabs need 'effective contraception' - as health chiefs warn of serious harm to unborn babies "But they're risking serious side effects from overdosing by doing this - as well as the potential to develop a life-threatening infection. "The potential to develop a life-threatening infection. It's not a good idea at all," she told MailOnline. Talk of the so-called 'golden dose' is also spreading on Reddit weight-loss forums. In one thread with more than 50 comments, a user wrote: "After four pumps of your uk injection pen they tell you to throw it away. "But there is an extra dose or thereabouts in the pen you can self inject with an insulin needle." Another replied saying: "Known much more on here as the fifth dose." 2 Slimmers have also taken to TikTok to rave about the 'discovery'. In one video, a nurse demonstrates how to use a needle to extract leftover medicine from the pen. She wrote: "I do not condone or encourage anybody to take their golden dose this is just what I am doing." Huge risks Professor Penny warned that this practice can be dangerous for "several" reasons. "These injections contain a slight overfill to ensure the full recommended dose is delivered each time," she said. "But by drawing this out with a separate syringe and using it as a so-called fifth dose, you're exposing yourself to serious risk of infection.' Once the pen has been used, it's no longer sterile, meaning any leftover liquid could be contaminated with harmful bacteria. Injecting it could lead to abscesses or, in extreme cases, life-threatening sepsis. There's also the danger of taking too much. 'If you're using your own syringe, it's difficult to measure the correct amount - you may end up taking more than intended,' she warned. Overdosing on the jab can trigger nasty side effects like vomiting and diarrhoea, or in rare cases, pancreatitis - a serious and painful condition that may need hospital treatment. Around one in five cases result in serious complications, with up to 30 per cent proving fatal. The risk rises sharply with higher doses, as the drug can trigger digestive enzymes that begin attacking the pancreas itself. Symptoms include sudden, severe tummy pain, often spreading to the back, along with fever, nausea and a racing heartbeat. "The bigger the dose, the bigger the risk of pancreatitis," Professor Ward warned. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Mounjaro - dubbed the "King Kong" of weight loss jabs - works by mimicking hormones released by the body when you're full. This makes people feel fuller for longer and therefore less hungry. It appears to be to be more potent than Wegovy - another popular weight loss jab - causing about 20 per cent weight loss after a year's use, compared with Wegovy's 15 per cent. Mounjaro's active ingredient is tirzepatide, a lab-made compound that mimics two gut hormones - GLP-1 and GIP - which help control blood sugar and appetite. This is why it was initially approved to treat diabetes type 2, which happens when people can't control their blood sugar. But in December 2024, it was also cleared for use on the NHS for weight loss in people with a BMI of over 30, or over 27 plus one weight-related condition. 'Excess solution' should be 'discarded' If you notice there is a considerable amount of medication left in your pen after the last dose, Professor Penny added, it may mean that you're not using the injection properly. "Speak to your pharmacist about your technique, or check that you definitely have the right size syringe, as this can impact the amount of medication left over," she said. A spokesperson for Lilly - the drug's manufacturer - said users should not do this, as the remaining liquid may not be a full dose. 'It is important to note that there will be a residual amount of medicine left after the fourth dose," they said. "This does not correspond to a full dose." 'Any excess solution in the pen after use should be discarded.' Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, added: "Medicines are approved according to strict dosage guidelines. "Failure to adhere with these guidelines, such as tampering with pre-dosed injection pens, could harm your health or cause personal injury. "People should follow the dosing directions provided by their healthcare provider when prescribed weight-loss medicines and use as directed in the patient information leaflet." What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin.
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Fat jabs left me in agony – it hurt to even put a bra on but it was worth it to be thin & lose a stone in 4 weeks
Megan Houchen says the 'life-changing' jabs stopped her driving to McDonald's at midnight... but there was a price to pay BEAUTY IS PAIN Fat jabs left me in agony – it hurt to even put a bra on but it was worth it to be thin & lose a stone in 4 weeks Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BLINKING her eyes open, Megan Houchen felt like she had been hit by a bus - every bone in her body ached. But the 25-year-old hadn't been in a terrible accident - nor did she have one too many the night before - her agonising symptoms were all in the name of losing weight. 6 Megan Houchan woke up feeling like she had been 'hit by a bus' after taking Mounjaro Credit: Jam Press 6 She says she started taking the drug after years of unhealthy eating took its toll. Seen before Credit: Jam Press 6 Megan says the side effects were worth it and has since gone from 11 stone down to 10 and loves her new body Credit: Jam Press The customer service worker says she was hit with flu-like symptoms the day after she started on weight-loss jabs. The 25-year-old began taking Mounjaro last month after struggling to reign in her comfort eating, which saw her weight go up to 11st – overweight for her 5ft 1ins frame with a BMI of 29.1. 'I woke up feeling like absolute rubbish,' Megan, from County Durham, says. 'I felt like I'd been hit by a bus. 'My shoulders and neck were so sore and felt bruised like I'd done some sort of hardcore workout.' Megan wondered if she was coming down with the flu, and noted her lack of appetite and soreness around her shoulders – saying it even hurt to put a bra on. She adds: 'I had never heard anyone on Mounjaro talk about those symptoms so, at first, I didn't think it was causing it.' It was only when Megan went on TikTok that she found other people reporting similar symptoms after taking the medication. Luckily, she began to feel better the following day – and Megan says the initial side effects were well worth the trouble, as she has gone on to drop a stone in just four weeks. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons She says: 'My experience [since then] has been amazing. 'I know it's not the same for everyone but I've not really had any bad side effects [since the first day]. 'All of the food noise has gone – I don't really ever think about food or feel excited about food and it has suppressed my appetite a lot. 'I sometimes do miss my food a little because there's some days when I don't feel like eating a lot and then there's other days that I can manage three full meals. 'All in all my Mounjaro journey so far has been life-changing and the best decision I have ever made.' Megan started on Mounjaro after struggling with self-discipline and wanting to shed a few pounds. She says: "I had always been quite slim and ate what I wanted, and got in the mindset of 'I'm never going to put on weight because I've eaten what I wanted for ages'. "But about three years ago I noticed I was gaining more weight, and in the last year it all just caught up with me and I was the heaviest I'd ever been. 6 Megan, seen before, wanted to improve her figure before her holiday Credit: Jam Press 6 But she has dropped the excess weight since taking the fat jabs Credit: Jam Press "I would always have a takeaway or eat out Friday, Saturday and Sunday and then it started through the week – sometimes having a takeaway every night and sometimes even ordering takeaways for dinner at work. "It was becoming unhealthy. "My comfort foods would always be a takeaway – if I was sad, I'd always order to food to cheer me up, but afterwards I felt so bloated and looking in the mirror made me feel awful. "I'd even drive to McDonald's at midnight to get food if I couldn't sleep. I was dreading going on holiday and wearing a bikini but now I'm really looking forward to it because of the weight loss Megan Houchan 'I was struggling to lose that stubborn weight and I was struggling to keep myself disciplined. 'So, I started Mounjaro to get me out of all of those bad eating habits.' Megan says she was warned by her provider of the potential side effects, although she hadn't linked her symptoms the following day. And, with her symptoms quickly subsiding that same week, she has gone on to be thrilled with her results, dropping down to a healthier 10 stone. She added: 'I would definitely recommend it based on my experience. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. 'I recommended it to my dad and he has now started his journey and is going really well for him too. "Now, I feel more confident when I put outfits on to go out, and when taking photos." Megan says that her weight loss has had a positive impact on her mental health too. "I just feel much better in myself. "I was dreading going on holiday and wearing a bikini but now I'm really looking forward to it because of the weight loss. "I've had a lot of comments about it too. "People at work say they can really tell, on my face especially, and have said I look really well for it. "My family is always telling me that they can see such a difference. "My mum always comments on my weight loss and it makes me feel really good because some days I think 'Am I losing weight?' and sort of doubt myself – so it's nice to have reminders. "For other people to notice it makes me feel a lot more confident."
