Weight loss jabs won't help you shift the pounds if you're still doing these things
With Mounjaro being rolled out at GPs down south, experts have listed the reasons why people getting the jabs may still not lose weight
As the NHS down south begins rolling out weight-loss injections through GPs, demand is expected to rise sharply. However, with only around 220,000 patients eligible over the next three years, access may not be as easy as many expect.
One particular injectable drawing significant notice and media coverage is Mounjaro, or Tirzepatide, to give it its medical name, initially developed for the management of type 2 diabetes.
The medication has been licensed in the UK for obesity treatment since November 2024, earning acclaim for its effectiveness in facilitating substantial weight loss. Other injectable treatments include Wegovy and Nevolat.
"While Mounjaro is an effective medication for weight loss, it's normal to encounter a plateau at some point," Dr. Crystal Wyllie at ZAVA explained.
"With the NHS rollout still limited, many people won't qualify straight away, so understanding your full range of options is crucial.... working closely with your doctor is key to finding the safest and most personalised approach."
As Mounjaro becomes more widely available, experts at ZAVA want to remind users what to expect, why it might not always work as expected, and how to avoid common setbacks.
Incorrect medication use or dosage
Mounjaro's effectiveness often increases as you move up the dosage ladder, ZAVA healthcare providers advise. The medication is typically titrated slowly to reduce side effects, eventually reaching maintenance doses of up to 15mg per week.
If you're still on a lower dose or haven't advanced as recommended, your weight loss may be limited. Consistency is crucial. Skipping doses, delaying titration, or not following your provider's schedule can reduce the medication's impact.
Many people don't feel the full effect until 8–12 weeks in, so patience and adherence are key. You should give Mounjaro at least three months before judging its effectiveness.
If you're experiencing side effects, it's absolutely fine to remain at a lower dose for longer. Step up more slowly if you're not tolerating side effects well, there's no need to push through discomfort.
You can always increase the dose later once your body has adjusted. Comfort and tolerability are just as important as consistency for long-term success.
Poor diet and lack of exercise
Weight loss jabs don't override the fundamental rule of weight loss - you must burn more calories than you consume. Even with a smaller appetite, eating more than your body needs will still cause progress to stall.
Healthy diet tips:
Be strict with calorie tracking until portion control becomes second nature
Aim for a calorie daily deficit to lose weight steadily
Prioritise whole foods over high-sugar, high-fat processed options
Follow a diet tailored to your needs, and explore healthy recipe ideas to stay on track
Stay hydrated and limit alcohol
Stress and sleep issues
Chronic stress and poor sleep are major weight loss blockers. Stress increases cortisol, a hormone linked to fat retention, especially around the abdomen.
Sleep deprivation increases ghrelin (hunger hormone) and decreases leptin (fullness hormone), making you more likely to overeat and less likely to move.
You're also more impulsive and less motivated when sleep-deprived, making it harder to stick to your diet and exercise routine. Prioritise stress management techniques (like mindfulness or journaling), and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Health conditions and medications
Medical issues such as PCOS, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or insulin resistance can all interfere with weight loss. Similarly, certain medications (like antidepressants or steroids) may cause weight gain or inhibit fat loss.
If weight loss stalls despite doing everything right, consult your GP to rule out or address any underlying conditions. If you have a known medical condition, keep on top of your routine reviews and inform your GP or specialist about any weight loss treatments you're using. Follow-up helps ensure your treatment plan remains safe and effective.
Unrealistic expectations
Weight loss is a long-term process. Initial drops (often water weight) can be misleading. Progress will slow, and that's okay. Avoid comparing yourself to others or obsessively checking the scale.
Focus on consistency, not speed. Your journey is unique, and sustainable weight loss takes time.
Lack of support
Motivation by itself often isn't enough. Without support from those who understand your goals, the journey can feel lonely and overwhelming. Lean on friends and family who encourage you.
Join online communities or local support groups, including NHS-recommended programs.
Consider working with a dietitian or coach for personalised guidance and accountability Before beginning any weight loss treatment, please consult your GP or healthcare professional. These treatments may not be suitable for everyone.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
21 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Mum shares horror pictures after son gets henna tattoo on Bali holiday
Black henna is a growing problem and what could start off as a pretty pattern on your skin can actually leave you with gruesome burns and scarring as one mum outlined online A mum has warned of the dangers of black henna after showing the horror images of her son's temporary holiday tattoo. The parent, from Sydney, Australia, showed off the after effects of the artwork from the family trip to Bali. She shared the images to Facebook group Bali Bogans, detailing how her child received the tattoo in Seminyak. His arm broke out in a red, raised reaction seven days later. Holidaymakers are finding out the hard way that not all 'henna' ink is the same, and it can actually leave you with gruesome burns and scarring. The mum spoke about the dangers, and urged others to be sure what they're getting. 'My kiddo got a henna tattoo at Seminyak beach and had this reaction,' she wrote alongside the photos on the page. READ MORE: 'I've used £19.50 Elizabeth Arden cream since I was 40 - no one can believe I'm 80' 'It happened about a week later once we got back home thank goodness. It may not happen to you but just wanted to share anyway.' 'He has never had a reaction like this before. It's spreading but no pain and just incredibly itchy,' The boy was prescribed cream, antibiotics and is now taking antihistamines, she added. Another parent added her own experience on the facebook group after her child suffered something similar. 'She was prescribed cortisone when we got back to Australia … healed nicely but left a white marking of the tattoo for a month or so," the woman said. 'Sadly I don't think I have ever seen a positive post about henna tattoos in Bali. Reactions like this are common unfortunately.' NHS advice on black henna tattoos Black henna can be very dangerous, the NHS specifically warns against its use thanks to a chemical in the liquid which can be incredibly harmful to skin. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is legally allowed to be used in hair dyes within the EU, but this usage is strictly controlled. But black henna often contains high levels of PPD and, when applied to the skin, can cause chemical burns or allergic reactions. Advice on the official website reads: "If you see a shop or stall offering to paint black tattoos onto your skin, don't be tempted to get one. "It could leave you scarred for life and put you at risk of a life-threatening allergic reaction. "Often called "black henna" or "neutral henna" tattoos, these patterns painted onto your skin are readily available abroad. They may also be available in the UK, at festivals and fairs, and to buy online. "But the black paste used in these temporary tattoos may contain high levels of a chemical dye so powerful and toxic that it is illegal to use it on the skin in this way." How do you know if it's safe to use? Check the colour. Real henna is generally safe for the skin and has a red, orange or brown tint to it. Dr Chris Flower, director general of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association. says that everyone should be suspicious of black "tattoos". "Real henna is never black, but is orange-brown," he explains. "Any very dark temporary tattoo should be treated with caution." He says there are rules to follow. If there is a list of ingredients, check for PPD and do not use the product if it contains this If in doubt, always stay away.
The Guardian
31 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Superdrug plans to add more stores as demand for weight-loss drugs soars
An increase in demand for weight-loss drugs, including Mounjaro and Wegovy, as well as demand among its generation Alpha customer base for beauty products is driving expansion at Superdrug. The retailer plans to add 25 more stores to its 800-plus strong chain this year as well as extending existing outlets, despite troubles across the high street that have led to the closure of hundreds of stores at its rival Boots and downsizing at chains from Poundland to River Island. Superdrug is bouncing back from difficult times during the pandemic as demand for its weight-loss services soared almost 300% in the first half of this year compared with last year. While many of the drugs are ordered online via its private GP service, the retailer is looking at how it can adapt and expand in-store services to cater to demand so that its team of nurses can offer help with the potential side-effects such as hair loss, for example. More serious issues, including problems with the pancreas, have also been flagged in some cases. 'For us it is good that people are getting healthier and fitter and that is really important,' said Simon Comins, the chief commercial officer at Superdrug, but those taking the drugs may want 'social interaction in store' to help discuss any issues they encounter. Superdrug, once the downmarket and dowdy rival to Boots, is also capitalising on the growth in the beauty market and its appeal to gen Alpha – people born from 2010 onwards – who are looking for in-store experiences as they head to the high street after school and on weekends. The retailer has made a conscious effort to gain youth appeal, catering to the generations influenced by TikTok and Instagram. Its latest gambit is the 'beauty playground' – tables kitted out with testers of the latest hot products, mirrors and ring lights for flattering social media snaps designed to appeal to tweens and teens. 'Generation Alpha is our focus,' says Comins, touring the first of 30 planned beauty playgrounds in the group's Westfield store in Stratford, east London. 'They often come as a 'squad' and they like the opportunity to touch and feel the products.' As much as clicking [to buy] on TikTok is easy and convenient, people want to browse in real life.' Even on a hot June lunchtime, a steady stream of young women are posing in front of the mirrors and testing out the products. The store has been extended by taking over two neighbouring outlets to give more space for experiences including a brow and nail bar, and piercing service. It is part of efforts to draw shoppers into physical stores rather than just buying online. Other services that have been tried include barbers and hairdressers and trained hundreds of pharmacists who can offer free consultations on skin conditions such as acne – the kind of service it may be difficult to access via a GP. Comins says Superdrug has a team that scans social media to pick up on the latest popular brands and has brought many into store including Geek & Gorgeous, Starface acne stickers, BPerfect cosmetics and the colourful Daise body care range appeals to tweenagers. Industry insiders say the demand for beauty and cosmetics brand has even diverted spend from toys and other traditional products bought by not-quite teenagers. Liz Tan, a senior strategist at the trends advisory firm WGSN, says 'Zalpha', the fringe generation that threads between gen Z and Alphas, are leading the beauty craze 'having grown up immersed in social media, with influencers and creators promoting beauty products online. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion 'Beauty brands are also increasing, building and establishing brand awareness, affiliation and emotional connection through digital playgrounds in gaming worlds like Roblox,' she says. These youngsters are also getting into skincare regimes at a much younger age then previous generations as 'health-conscious Millennial parents emphasise routine building as part of their daily lives'. Alex Beckett, senior research director at market research firm Mintel, adds that young consumers are prompting their parents to spend. 'Thanks to their exposure to social media, YouTube and Netflix, gen Alphas are exposed to trends and dopamine-raising crazes intended for older adults, and they're emulating them – essentially becoming hyper-informed consumers at an early age.' For its older customers, Superdrug's push into weight-loss services comes as thousands of patients in England are from this week able to access weight-loss jabs via their family GP. But the NHS rollout is limited to 220,000 people with the 'greatest need' and many more people are prepared to pay for private access, so demand from high street and online chemists is expected to continue. Recent figures from its rival Boots also indicated strong growth in pharmacy sales – up 5.4%, while its online service increased sales almost 15% in the three months to end 31 May, although the group did not break out the contribution from weight-loss drugs. Analysts at GlobalData said the chain was benefiting from demand for treatments for skin conditions such as acne, as part of a wider trend – being encouraged by government policy – towards visiting the pharmacy before trying the GP. Superdrug, which is owned by the Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings, is expanding after Debenhams – once one of the leading beauty retailers in the UK – left the high street and House of Fraser and John Lewis have closed stores.
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Measles outbreak in Knowsley as vaccine rates drop
A borough on Merseyside is dealing with an outbreak of measles amid concerns over falling vaccination rates. Knowsley has recorded 13 probable cases of the virus including 11 children, although that number is expected to rise as some are still awaiting test of measles have become a concern across the country, a problem many believe is associated with falling uptake of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, usually administered in two doses. Dr Sarah McNulty, director of public health at Knowsley Council, said about a third of people between the ages of two and 30 in the borough had not had either dose of the MMR jab. She said about a fifth of children and young people in Knowsley, including 14% of two to five-years-olds, had not had a dose. Merseyside measles outbreak fear over low vaccine uptake Dr McNulty told BBC Radio Merseyside: "Because we haven't seen measles for a while, I think people forget that measles can be a serious illness. "It's not pleasant to have and it can have some quite severe complications, it can cause things like pneumonia"People who get measles sometimes end up in hospital. It's not an illness that you would want to have if there is, as there is, a pretty good preventative intervention that you can take." Measles infections usually start with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose and coughing and sneezing, according to the NHS. This is followed within days by a distinctive blotchy rash, which usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Dr McNulty said further outbreaks were likely across the country unless "we get really good population coverage of the MMR vaccine". She said the reason for falling vaccination rates was a "mixed picture"."I think some of it is that people tend to forget that it's a serious illness and so don't necessarily prioritize the vaccination for their children," she said. Deliberate "anti-vaccination sentiment" was another reason, she said, adding: "I think that there is misinformation that people are maybe grabbing hold of and not, you know, using other sources of trusted information to try and debate that."Dr McNulty said the MMR vaccine "has a lot of evidence around its safety" and urged anyone with concerns to speak to their GP or healthcare providers. Children are usually given an initial dose of the MMR jab just before their first birthday, with the second administered after they turn three. However, Dr McNulty said that was in the process of changing, and children born within the last year would be eligible to get a second dose at about 18 months who has not already received the vaccine can also request it from their GP at any age. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
