
Side-effects of fat jabs are transforming the dating scene – and ‘reshaping' our sex lives
For the 1.5 million Brits already on them, many are likely to be shedding the pounds, and fast.
Advertisement
1
Weight loss jabs are shaking up people's sex and dating lives
Credit: Getty
While new studies suggest they may make people healthier, by slashing the risk of
But that's not all - these so-called 'fat jabs' could be changing the way we flirt, date and have sex too.
According to a survey by the Kinsey Institute, at Indiana University in the US, nearly half of people using GLP-1 drugs said the meds had changed their sex lives - for better, or worse.
Some users reported feeling a serious boost in desire, feeling sexier naked, and noticing better performance in the bedroom.
Advertisement
But it wasn't all good news, others said their
"There's a very nuanced story to tell here," Dr Justin Lehmiller, one of the study's authors said.
"How these drugs impact your sex life will depend on a variety of factors, including dosage, speed of weight loss and changes to fitness habits.'
The research conducted with DatingNews.com polled 2,000 single adults in the US, aged 18 to 91.
Advertisement
Most read in Health
Of those, 8 per cent, just 160 people, said they'd used weight-loss jabs like Ozempic or Wegovy.
Among those users, nearly 60 per cent said the
Feeling Full Naturally: Top 5 Foods That Act Like Weight Loss Jabs
They reported a range of benefits, from getting more matches on dating apps to feeling confident enough to ask people out.
Nearly one in six users said they had bought new clothes to show off their bodies, while others noticed exes reaching out, sparked by their transformations.
Advertisement
Around 13 per cent felt more confident posting photos online, and 12 per cent said they were going on more dates.
Sexual desire increased for 18 per cent of users, but 16 per cent experienced the opposite effect.
Similarly, 16 per cent felt more comfortable naked, while 14 per cent felt less so.
Improvements in sexual function were reported by 16 per cent, but 12 per cent said their sexual performance had worsened.
Advertisement
Men see the biggest difference
Men in particular reported more pronounced shifts, both positive and negative.
They were twice as likely as women to say their libido had increased, they were happier with their bodies, and that their sexual function improved.
Yet they were also more likely to report decreased libido and sexual difficulties.
Despite the boost in confidence many felt, 60 per cent of men admitted to worrying about being judged or shamed for taking these medications, compared to 35 per cent of women.
Advertisement
Dr Amanda Gesselman, another study author, added: 'GLP-1 use is rising among single adults and it's starting to influence more than just how people look and feel about themselves.
Read more on the Irish Sun
"These shifts have the potential to reshape how people build intimacy in today's dating landscape.
"For example, as users report reduced appetites and lower interest in alcohol, the classic dinner-and-drinks date may give way to new ways of connecting.'
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 patient.info, 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
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Mounjaro users discover ‘very easy' mistake that's stopping them from losing weight – as experts reveal simple fix
THEY have taken the nation's waistlines by storm, helping thousands shed pounds and trim inches. So-called fat jabs have been dubbed a "miracle" - helping turn the tide on the obesity epidemic. But, users of one jab - dubbed Advertisement 2 Some Mounjaro users have reported they are failing to shed the pounds Credit: Alamy 2 Extreme calorie cutting while on weight loss injections can cause the body to go into 'emergency conservation' mode, experts say Credit: PA Annabelle Welch, an aesthetics practitioner in Sevenoaks, Kent, said she has witnessed clients on Mounjaro stop losing weight - and suspects it is because they are eating too little . Annabelle said, in a shared to TikTo k: "If you're not fuelling your body with enough calories day to day your metabolic rate will drop, and your body will begin conserving fat rather than burning it." The clip, which at the time of publishing has been viewed by over 400,000 people, attracted hundreds of comments from social media users, some of whom also claim to have stopped losing weight on the drugs. Advertisement One commenter, who admitted to eating just one meal a day, wrote: "I've been on it for six weeks and I've lost no weight." It is prescribed mainly for people with Though Annabelle isn't a prescriber, her experience reflects what some experts are now warning about. They say that extreme calorie cutting while on weight loss injections can cause the body to go into 'emergency conservation' mode. Advertisement Dr David Huang, director of clinical innovation at weight loss service "It also makes the weight loss very unsustainable in the long term, and there can be a bounce-back effect when patients re-feed.' GP-approved tips to really lose weight safely - and keep it off This means if you eat too little for too long, your body will slow down the number of calories it burns, holding onto fat to conserve energy - which can stop weight loss. It means that when you start eating normally again, the weight can pile back on quickly. "The purpose of the jabs is to lose weight healthily and sustainably," Dr David says. Advertisement WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR WEIGHT LOSS JABS ON THE NHS? NHS eligibility for weight loss injections has expanded but still lags behind the number who could potentially benefit from taking them. Wegovy, medical name semaglutide, is only available for weight loss through specialist weight management clinics. Patients are typically expected to have tried other weight loss methods before getting a prescription. They may be eligible if their body mass index (BMI) is higher than 30, or higher than 27 if they have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. Mounjaro, known as tirzepatide, is also available from GP practices but currently only to patients with a BMI of 40 or higher (or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background) plus four weight-related health conditions. The medicines are currently being rationed to the patients most in need. NHS watchdog NICE estimates that more than three million Brits will ultimately be eligible. The GLP-1 injections are prescribed separately by GPs for people with type 2 diabetes, and patients should discuss this with their doctor. "The goal is not starvation, which can have negative effects on brain, bone, muscles and long-term health. "These meds help suppress appetite, but also seem to reconfigure the brain to avoid unhealthy habits and prioritise better foods." Clinical Pharmacist Kiran Jones of Restrictive diets can worsen side effects SO what's the goal? Dr David recommends calculating daily calorie needs using a BMR calculator, then reducing that number by 600 to 800 calories. This method uses your weight, height, and gender to set a moderate calorie deficit, helping you lose weight safely without triggering your body's emergency conservation mode. Advertisement But rather than focus solely on calories, he urges patients to prioritise nutritional intake, especially: Protein: at least 1.2g per kilo of body weight Micronutrients such as Vitamin D, B12, Folate, and Calcium Guidance from This is in line with NHS weight loss advice. It says: "There's no single rule that applies to everyone, but to lose weight at a safe and sustainable rate of 0.5 to 1kg a week, most people are advised to reduce their energy intake by 600 calories a day." But pharmacist Kiran does not recommend calorie counting while on the jabs. Advertisement 'We advise patients to eat three meals a day plus a healthy snack or two, with a focus on lean protein, wholegrains, fruit and vegetables, ideally in a rainbow of colours. "We're not big fans of calorie-counting. It often becomes a chore and doesn't reflect the quality of food on someone's plate. But for people who want a starting point, we suggest reducing daily intake by around 500 calories compared to what they were eating pre-treatment, and only tracking this for the first few weeks." ZAVA warn that overly restrictive diets can worsen side effects, such as bloating and indigestion, and stall results. Instead, people on the jab are encouraged to eat nutrient-dense meals, avoid spicy or fizzy foods that can irritate the stomach, and consider adding probiotics like yoghurt or kefir to support digestion. Other simple habits, like taking a 10-minute walk after meals and staying well-hydrated, can also help Mounjaro users get better results from their treatment. Advertisement What to eat on Mounjaro It's not just about consuming fewer calories, it's about eating the right kinds of foods to ensure that you're nourishing your body properly Building a healthy relationship with foods rich in nutrients is key to sustainable weight loss and management. A restrictive diet is not recommended on Mounjaro. In the early stages of treatment, it is strongly advised to nourish your body with nutrient-dense meals so that you receive the essential energy sources you need at a time of lifestyle adjustment. Breakfast : Avocado and poached eggs on rye bread or sourdough toast, blueberry and banana smoothie, easy overnight oats Lunch : Chicken salad, falafel with crunchy vegetables served in a wholemeal pitta, hearty vegetable and lentil soup Dinner : Salmon and broccoli pasta Snacks : Fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, low-fat Greek-style yoghurt or kefir (fermented dairy drink packed with probiotics) Source: ZAVA


The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Are YOU one of the ‘missing millions' at risk of heart attacks due to undiagnosed silent killer – the 4 signs to know
MILLIONS of Brits have undiagnosed high blood pressure and are at risk of heart attacks and strokes, the British Heart Foundation warns. The charity said more than 125,000 deadly emergencies could be prevented in the next decade if doctors tracked down people unaware they are at risk. 1 High blood pressure becomes more common with age (stock image) Credit: Getty It estimates five million people are not getting the right treatment. The BHF estimates 16million people – about a third of adults – have it, but around half are not getting treatment and five million don't even know they have it. Untreated, it is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes and accounts for about half of them. Chief medical officer Professor Bryan Williams said: 'This is a powder keg for the nation's future health. 'Making sure these people are identified and treated is critical. 'Huge gains can be made by reimagining how we detect and treat common risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure. 'But at the moment, millions of people are still living undiagnosed with these conditions, which raise the risk of serious illness such as heart attack and stroke.' Most read in Health Heart diseases are the leading cause of death in the UK, on a par with cancer. High blood pressure usually does not cause any symptoms but it is easily detected with routine health checks. What is high blood pressure and what is a normal reading? Some people do show signs of illness and they can include: Headaches Blurred vision Nosebleeds Chest pains How to lower blood pressure Persistent high blood pressure (hypertension) puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs and it can raise your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Here's how to reduce it. Reduce salt Adults are recommended to limit their salt to 6g per day (around one level teaspoon) to avoid health consequences including high blood pressure. The top tip is to swap out table salt, according to the Salt Substitute and Stroke Study, replacing it with a reduced sodium and added potassium alternative. Cut down on alcohol Excessive boozing can narrow the blood vessels, which raises the risk of hypertension. Official drinking guidelines advise that people should not regularly drink more than 14 units a week to keep health risks from alcohol low. Get moving Exercise is good for the heart and the blood vessels. Although the guidelines recommend 150 minutes of activity per week, if you're currently very inactive, just a walk to the shop every day is better than nothing, and you can work up from there. Studies suggest that isometric exercises - when you hold the body in one position without moving, such as a wall squat or plank - are best for lowering blood pressure. Stop smoking Smoking cigarettes is a killer. It makes the arteries sticky and narrow, which can cause blockages. While smoking is not a direct cause of high blood pressure, it can cause an instant rise to pressure, heart rate and reduce the amount of oxygen that gets to the body's cells. Skip coffee Sadly, caffeine can cause a short, but dramatic increase in your blood pressure - even if you don't have high blood pressure. Therefore cutting back on coffee is recommended as a lifestyle tip for those with hypertension. Lose weight The above tips can help you to lose weight, which is beneficial because being overweight in itself is a risk factor for hypertension. Being overweight forces your heart to work harder to pump blood around your body, which can raise your blood pressure. The only way of knowing whether you have high blood pressure is to have a blood pressure test. All adults over 40 years old are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years.


The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Tesco urgently recalls THREE lunch favourites over fears of diarrhoea & vomiting as shoppers warned ‘do not eat'
TESCO has urgently recalled three lunch favourite over fears of diarrhoea and vomiting. Shoppers were warned "do not eat" as the popular products were pulled from shelves across the country. 4 Tesco has urgently recalled three lunch favourite over fears of diarrhoea and vomiting Credit: Getty 4 Chicken and Chorizo Pasta 285g, with use by dates July 24 and July 25, have been removed from stores Credit: Tesco 4 The Feta and Semi Dried Tomato Pasta was also affected Credit: Tesco 4 Shoppers were urged to return their Basil Pesto and Semi Dried Tomato Pasta Credit: Tesco The supermarket giant recalled three of their Tesco Pasta Salads over possible salmonella contamination. Affected product batches include Tesco Basil Pesto and Semi Dried Tomato Pasta 225g with a use by date of July 24 2025. The Tesco Chicken and Chorizo Pasta 285g with use by dates July 24 and July 25 have also been removed from stores. Finally shoppers have been urged to ditch their Tesco Feta Semi Dried Tomato Pasta 290g with the use by date July 24. Read More The notice added: "If you have purchased the affected date code of the above product, please do not eat it. "Instead, return it to any Tesco store for a full refund. "No receipt is required. No other Tesco products are affected by this recall." Most read in The Sun Cases hit a record decade high in 2024, soaring by almost a fifth in a single year to over 10,000 cases. But separate data this week revealed cases in the first quarter of 2025 were even higher than 2024, with some 1,588 cases logged between January and March 2025, up on the 1,541 reported over the same period in 2024. Aldi urgently recalls £3.29 freezer essential over dangerous disease that affects 1 in 100 of Brits Children under 10 years old were particularly affected, accounting for 21.5 per cent of cases. Salmonella can cause a sudden bout of fever, The bacteria attacks the gut lining, damaging cells and stopping the body from soaking up water. This is what leads to the painful cramps and nonstop diarrhoea as the body flushes out the water it couldn't absorb. Most people recover without treatment, but in rare cases it can turn deadly. Around one in 50 sufferers go on to develop a serious Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of complications. Salmonella lives in the guts of animals and humans and spreads through contaminated poo. How to stay safe The most effective way of lowering your risk of Salmonella involves adherence to the '4 Cs' of food hygiene: 1. Cleaning Thoroughly wash hands before and after handling any foods – especially raw meat. It's also essential to keep workspaces, knives and utensils clean before, during and after preparing your meal. 2. Cooking The bacteria that causes Salmonella infections can be inactivated when cooked at the right temperature. In general, foods should be cooked to an internal temperature above 65C - which should be maintained for at least When re-heating food, it should reach 70C or above for two minutes to kill any bacteria that have grown since it was first cooked. 3. Chilling Raw foods – especially meat and dairy – should always be stored below 5°C as this Leftovers should be cooled quickly and also stored at 5C or lower. 4. Cross-contamination To prevent Salmonella passing from raw foods to those that are already prepared or can be eaten raw (such as vegetables and fruit), it's important to wash hands and clean surfaces after handling raw meat, and to use different chopping boards for ready-to-eat foods and raw meat. Most Salmonella infections are mild and will go away in a few days on their own. But taking the right steps when storing and preparing your meals can significantly lower your risk of contracting it. Food can get tainted if it's grown in dirty water, handled with grubby hands, or touches surfaces exposed to animal waste. This contamination can occur at any stage, from farm to fork, including irrigation with contaminated water, poor hygiene during harvesting, or cross-contamination during packaging. That's how fresh produce like tomatoes, especially when eaten raw, can end up crawling with the bug. Salmonella can cling to fresh produce like tomatoes, and research suggests their texture makes them more prone to holding onto the bacteria. The risk is even greater because tomatoes are often eaten raw, unlike cooked food, which would usually kill off any bugs. It's also commonly found in raw eggs, undercooked chicken and unwashed salad leaves. Once salmonella gets onto a kitchen counter, chopping board or knife, it can survive for up to four hours, long enough to infect anything else that touches it. This comes after another major supermarket issued an urgent recall this week. The recall affects a popular ready meal from Waitrose. It could pose an allergy risk as some packs have been misplaced and could contain undeclared allergens. The Waitrose Indian Takeaway for 2 was recalled because "some packs have been mispacked with spring rolls, which contain sesame and soya, which are not mentioned on the label" the This poses a The recall affects the following products: Waitrose Indian Takeaway for 2 Pack size: 1412g Use by: 25 July 2025 Customers have been urged not to consume the product. Waitrose's recall notice instructs customers: "Do not consume. Package up item. Return the product to your local Waitrose and Partners Branch for a refund." It can be returned to your local Waitrose and Partners branch for a full refund. Your product recall rights PRODUCT recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods. As a general rule, if a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action. But it's often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk. If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer's website to see if a safety notice has been issued. When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you - the customer - to register the appliance with the manufacturer as if you don't there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault. If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety noticed issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer. They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice. In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full refund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected. You should not be charged for any recall work - such as a repair, replacement or collection of the recalled item.