The best day to take your fat jab if you want to party, lose fat fast, dodge side effects or ace that job interview

Scottish Sun

10 hours ago

Plus, we reveal the 7 'very easy' fat jab mistakes stopping you from losing weight - and check if you're eligible for free injections on the NHS
JABBY DAYS The best day to take your fat jab if you want to party, lose fat fast, dodge side effects or ace that job interview
MORE people than ever are taking weight loss jabs - but not everyone is seeing the same results.
Experts now say that when you take these so-called 'miracle' drugs is key, impacting not only your slimming success but your chances of nasty side effects too - and even your future career prospects too.
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If you're struggling to shed the pounds on fat jabs, it could be that you're not taking them at the right time
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'Fat jabs' work by mimicking GLP-1 - a natural hormone that helps to regulate appetite, making you feel fuller for longer.
They're currently being used by more than 1.5million people in the UK.
Most medication is bought privately, costing £150 to £300 a month. But from June 2025, Mounjaro became available on the NHS to severely obese patients with weight-related health conditions.
While these injections are effective - studies show Mounjaro can help users lose up to 23 per cent of their body weight over 72 weeks - they aren't without their flaws.
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Nausea, constipation, headaches and vomiting are all common side effects, which can massively interfere with day-to-day life.
Plus, jabs can't stop you from eating unhealthy foods. And many people are complaining that they simply aren't shedding pounds like they had expected.
Well, experts reckon you can schedule your jabs to boost your chances of fat loss and limit the impact side effects may have.
Professor Franklin Joseph, who prescribes Mounjaro and Wegovy to patients at Dr Frank's weight loss clinic, tells Sun Health: 'For many people, the jab works best when they are used in a way that supports the users' lifestyle.'
Make your weight loss jabs work for you with this expert advice…
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If you want to lose fat fast…
KEEN to speed up your weight loss? Then taking your jab at the right point in the week could help.
Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons
While there isn't published evidence that timing your injection around certain days turbocharges fat loss overall, Prof Franklin says: 'In the real world, patients do report that their appetite control is strongest in the first few days following the injection.
'This is especially noticeable in the early stages of a patient's journey as the dose is gradually being built up to a point where they experience appetite control at the same level throughout the week.
'Psychology is also likely to play a role in this scenario.'
So for maximum quick results, take your jab a few days before you want to look and feel your slimmest.
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If you're looking to lose weight fast, patients have reported their appetite control being strongest in the first few days following the injection
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You can also amp up your weight loss simply by eating healthy foods and exercising.
'Weight loss injections help control appetite, but they don't override poor eating habits entirely,' Prof Franklin says.
'If you're still reaching for ultra-processed foods high in sugar and fat, it can stall progress.
'The best results come when you pair the jab with high-fibre, protein-rich meals.
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'Include oats, lentils, wholegrain bread, lean proteins (such as chicken, fish, turkey and eggs) and lots of vegetables.
'These keep you full, support your energy and help avoid the dreaded blood sugar crashes.
'Avoid greasy takeaways, creamy sauces and heavily fried food.'
In terms of exercise, you don't need to go overboard; a brisk 30-minute walk most days can boost your weight loss results.
'Resistance training helps to preserve muscle while losing fat,' the expert adds.
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'But don't overdo it; aim for consistency, not exhaustion.'
If you have a high-stress life…
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Chronic stress raises levels of the stress hormone and can trigger cravings
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WORK deadlines, social plans, family commitments and general life admin can take their toll, leaving you stressed.
This often leads to comfort eating - not exactly ideal when you're trying to lose weight.
Prof Franklin says: 'Chronic stress raises levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can interfere with weight loss and trigger cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods.
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'Even on jabs, stress eating can sneak in.
'If you always feel hungriest on certain days - maybe midweek when stress peaks or on weekends when routines go out the window - taking your injection a few hours before hunger tends to hit can make it easier to stick to your goals.'
Try stress-relieving tactics too. Breathing exercises, walks in nature and even 10 minutes of journaling can help to calm your nervous system.
If you have a job interview…
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Avoid scheduling a dose before a job interview if you want to feel your best
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WANT to be on top form for a high-pressure interview? Or perhaps you're due to give a presentation and want to feel your best?
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Well, it's best to avoid scheduling your dose just beforehand.
'Instead, shift your jab to a different day that week,' says Prof Franklin.
'Some people feel a little off for a few hours after the injection. Nausea, tiredness or brain fog are common at first.'
Although jabs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro should be taken every seven days, there are times when readjusting your routine due to certain events might mean you end up leaving it slightly longer than that until your next jab.
Don't panic; Prof Franklin says that this won't undo your progress.
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'The key is consistency over time,' he adds.
'If you miss a dose by a few days, take it as soon as you remember or can, and return to your normal schedule the following week.
'Just avoid stacking doses or taking it too close together.'
The 7 fat jab mistakes stopping you losing weight
WHILE weight loss jabs have been hailed as a breakthrough in helping tackle Britain's obesity crisis, some users say they're missing out on their waist-shrinking powers - and it could be down to some simple mistakes...
POOR PENMANSHIP
Many people don't correctly use the injection pen, according to Ana Carolina Goncalves, a pharmacist at Pharmica in Holborn, London.
Make sure to prime your weight loss pen correctly, as per the instructions. If nothing comes out, try again, and if it still doesn't work, switch the needle or ask a pharmacist for help.
It's also recommended to rotate injection sites between the abdomen, thigh and upper arm to avoid small lumps of fat under the skin.
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
Make sure you're using the jabs on the most effective day of your schedule.
For example, taking the jab right before a takeaway or party won't stop you from indulging, says Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy and weight loss expert at Chemist4U.
Weight loss injections need time to build up in your system, so if you're planning for a heavier weekend, inject your dose mid-week.
MAKING A MEAL OF IT
You may not feel the urge to overeat at mealtimes due to the jabs. But skipping meals altogether can backfire, says Dr David Huang, director of clinical innovation at weight loss service Voy.
If a person is extremely malnourished, their body goes into emergency conservation mode, where their metabolism slows down.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A key mistake using weight loss jabs is not eating the right foods.
As well as cutting out sugary drinks and alcohol, Dr Vishal Aggarwal, Healthium Clinics recommends focusing on your protein intake.
DE-HYDRATION STATIONS
Dehydration is a common side effect of weight loss injections. But it's important to say hydrated in order for your body to function properly.
Dr Crystal Wyllie, GP at Asda Online Doctor, says hydration supports metabolism, digestion, and can reduce side effects like headaches, nausea and constipation.
MOVE IT, MOVE IT
It can be easy to see the jabs as a quick fix, but stopping exercising altogether is a mistake, says Mital Thakrar, a pharmacist from Well Pharmacy.
Exercise helps maintain muscle mass and help shape the body as you lose weight, which may be crucial if you're experiencing excess skin.
QUIT IT
While there's the tendency to ditch the jabs as soon as you reach your desired weight, stopping them too soon can cause rapid regain.
Mr Thakrar recommends building habits like healthier eating during treatment for sustaining results.
If you want to let your hair down at the weekend…
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Schedule your weekly injection earlier in the week if you like to go out on the weekend
IF you've got a social few days lined up - perhaps a wedding or dinner with old friends - you might want to enjoy yourself without thinking about weight loss.
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Dr Zoe Lees, medical writer at MedExpress with a PhD in metabolic medicine, says: 'If you tend to drink alcohol or eat out at the weekend, it may be helpful to schedule your weekly injection earlier in the week, for example on a Monday or Tuesday.
'Timing your jab earlier can reduce the chances of potential side effects interfering with your weekend plans.'
But, Prof Franklin adds: 'If you're on a weight loss journey to get healthier, you should adjust your mindset not your meds.
'You're not on a restriction plan, you're on a transformation journey.
'Weight loss injections help you tune into true hunger, so trust your body - eat when you're hungry and stop when you're satisfied, even if it is at a celebratory meal.
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'Take a few bites, savour the flavours and enjoy the experience without overindulging.'
And remember: regular overeating or drinking heavily can undo a lot of progress.
'If you're skipping for longer periods, such as holidays, please don't do this without medical advice,' he adds.
If you're worried about overeating at the weekend…
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Injecting on a Thursday might make people feel more in control during weekend social events
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AFTER a 'good' week, it's easy to fall off the bandwagon at the weekend and undo your weight loss progress.
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While on the one hand you might want to forget about dieting and enjoy your days off, you may be someone who is actually worried about the excess calories you know you're likely to consume.
'Injecting on a Thursday might help some people feel more in control during weekend social events,' says Dr Lees.
'These medications reduce appetite and slow digestion, providing steady appetite suppression throughout the week.
'While some people may notice stronger effects shortly after their injection, this varies from person to person and is most noticeable early in treatment or when increasing the dose.'
But, do be careful as it might increase the chance of side effects disrupting any weekend plans - so keep that in mind if you're someone who suffers from nausea or stomach issues.
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If you have debilitating side effects…
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Try taking your injection ahead of a rest day if side effects leave you feeling uncomfortable
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THE list of potential side effects from fat jabs is long.
Some of the most common include nausea, diarrhoea and fatigue, but users also report stomach pain, constipation, dizziness, heartburn, bloating and hair loss.
These side effects should lessen over time as the body gets used to the medication, Dr Lees says.
'These symptoms are usually more common when treatment is first started or when the dose is increased,' she adds.
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If side effects leave you uncomfortable and unable to live life normally, try taking your injection ahead of a rest day, such as the evening before a day off or the start of the weekend.
'This gives a buffer to manage any side effects in the early stages of treatment or when moving up a dose,' says Dr Lees.
'Over time, as your body adjusts, you may not need to plan around time off as much.'
When you do experience side effects, there are a few things you can do to feel more comfortable.
'If you feel nauseous or bloated, stick to bland, easily-digested foods like plain yoghurt with a few slices of banana,' Prof Franklin says.
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'Ginger tea or peppermint can ease nausea and small sips of water throughout the day can help.
'Don't force food. Instead, eat slowly, and only when you're hungry.'
If you're a shift worker…
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If you're a shift worker, the best timing is whatever fits naturally into your routine
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YOU may be unsure when to take your weight loss jab if your work schedule is all over the place.
But Dr Lees says that the most important thing is keeping a consistent injection day each week, which fits into your shift pattern, rather than an exact time of day.
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'For example, you might inject in the morning one week and in the evening the next, as long as it is still seven days apart,' she adds.
'Some shift workers may choose to inject on their first day off, when they have time to rest if side effects crop up.'
Ultimately, the best timing is whatever fits naturally into your routine and is easy to remember.
What if you're a night shift worker?
'There is no evidence that injection timing affects sleep or energy differently in night shift workers,' reassures Dr Lees.
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'Any changes in energy or sleep are usually indirect. For example, nausea can disrupt sleep and reduced calorie intake might cause fatigue.
'These effects depend on the dose and individual response and not what time of day you inject.'