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Metro
29-05-2025
- Health
- Metro
The biggest pros and cons to consider before taking weight loss jabs
In the 90s and 00s, slimming clubs were packed with people looking to shed the pounds. Flash forward to today however, and Weight Watchers has filed for bankruptcy, as the meteoric rise of weight loss jabs saw the company struggling to compete. Medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Rybelsu, previously used to treat diabetes, have exploded in popularity in recent years. An estimated 500,000 Brits are now taking either Mounjaro or Wegovy (both of which are available on the NHS) and Simple Online Pharmacy claims demand is growing by up to 40% each month. However, health secretary Wes Streeting warned that they shouldn't be seen as a quick 'cosmetic' fix, adding: 'These are serious medicines and should only be used responsibly and under medical supervision.' So if you're considering weight loss jabs, we've compiled everything you need to know, as well as a look at the biggest pros and cons… To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Administered as weekly jabs, these drugs – often called GLP-1 agonists – mimic the hormones our bodies release when we eat to help diabetics manage insulin levels. But alongside regulating blood sugar, they also help with reducing appetite (so you feel less hungry throughout the day) and increasing feelings of fullness (so you eat less when you do). In the UK, new rules mean you'll need to have a consultation with a specialist weight management service before being prescribed this kind of treatment. This can be done through the NHS or privately, with the likes of Superdrug and Boots offering prescriptions online. Metro asked Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, about the biggest pros and cons of weight loss injections. In terms of their benefits, here's what she had to say: Weight loss Unsurprisingly, weight loss drugs help you lose weight — but the amount is impressive, with studies showing patients typically see at least a 10% to 15% weight reduction. 'This can be transformative, especially for those with long-standing obesity where lifestyle interventions alone have failed,' says Dr Wylie. Reduction in obesity-related health issues Dr Wylie explains: 'Weight loss of this magnitude is associated with a meaningful drop in the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 'There's also early evidence suggesting improved cardiovascular outcomes, even independent of weight loss. And for patients with pre-diabetes, these medications may delay or prevent progression to full-blown diabetes.' Improved quality of life and mental health Beyond the physical benefits, Dr Wylie says the 'positive impact on self-esteem and mood' caused by weight loss 'can create a virtuous cycle, making it easier to stay engaged with other aspects of health promotion, such as physical activity and social participation.' Support for patients who feel stuck According to Dr Wylie, the helping hand these jabs provide can be a major boost for those who feel they've 'tried everything' without success. She adds: 'As GPs, it's empowering to have another tool to offer that feels both compassionate and effective.' Despite their benefits, there are a number of things to consider before taking weight loss drugs – including possible short-term and long-term side effects. Here's a look at what Dr Wylie considers the biggest downsides: Side effects 'Gastrointestinal side effects are common, particularly during dose escalation,' she says, noting that these can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. Dr Wylie also adds than in rare cases, 'there's a risk of pancreatitis or gallbladder issues.' Weight loss drugs aren't something to mess around with – one side effect colloquially termed 'Ozempic face' is symbolic of that. But what is it? And what are the dangers of taking semaglutide incorrectly? This phenomenon refers to sagging, ageing and lacklustre appearance of the facial skin and structures,' according to Dr Adil Sheraz, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson. He said: 'The face has a layer of fat that essentially stretches the skin. Ozempic results in rapid weight loss and does so very effectively. This, of course, will lead to rapid loss of subcutaneous (under the skin) facial fat. 'The overlying skin however will not be able to shrink at the same rate, resulting in a sagging, droopy and wrinkled appearance.' Dr Paul Jarrod Frank, a dermatologist in New York thought to have coined the phrase, told the New York Times he's started seeing Ozempic face 'every day' since these drugs hit the mainstream. He said: 'A 50-year-old patient will come in, and suddenly, she's super-skinny and needs filler, which she never needed before. I look at her and say: 'How long have you been on Ozempic?' And I'm right 100 per cent of the time.' This isn't necessarily specific to Ozempic. As Dr Sheraz explains, this change in facial features can occur with any type of rapid weight loss. There are other potential complications to look out for too: Ozempic-style weight loss drugs were recently linked to symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation, as well as an increased risk of vision loss. More worryingly, at the end of last year, the government issued a warning after 10 people died and 68 were admitted to hospital as a result of using the injections. More than 7,000 reports of illness associated with the drugs had also been made, leading the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to publicly state they should not be used for 'unauthorised indications such as aesthetic weight loss'. Long-term use Unless you overhaul your habits, the results you see while taking these medications won't last long afterwards. More Trending 'Once stopped, weight regain is common unless there's been a concurrent and sustainable lifestyle change,' says Dr Wylie. Costs Only 'very specific patient groups' are entitled to weight loss jabs on the NHS, and 'privately, these medications are expensive, often over £200 a month.' View More » If you go private, it's important to seriously whether you can afford to keep your prescription going for long enough to see results. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: This daily bathroom habit isn't actually as harmless as it might seem MORE: I've ditched coffee for this energy-boosting mushroom hydration drink MORE: Feargal Sharkey shares shock cancer diagnosis after visiting doctor with sore throat
The Independent
12-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
What are weight-loss jabs like Mounjaro and how do they work?
Hailed as a miracle weight-loss treatment, drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro have helped more than 500,000 people shed the extra pounds. The medications, known as semaglutides, are available on the NHS or via private providers for adults with a high body mass index (BMI). An online seller of these drugs, Simple Online Pharmacy, estimated that half a million people are currently either taking Mounjaro or Wegovy and expect to lose up to 20 per cent of their body weight in a matter of months. The drugs can be used to control blood sugar levels as part of diabetes treatment, but they also reduce food cravings and, as a result, can cause rapid weight loss. Here, The Independent breaks down how these drugs work and which jabs can be used for weight loss. How do weight-loss jabs work? Weight loss jabs, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, work by mimicking the natural hormone which regulates blood sugar, appetite and digestion. They can be prescribed to lower blood sugar in people living with type 2 diabetes, but can also help people to lose weight. Diabetes UK explains that the drugs increase the levels of a type of hormone called incretins, which help the body to produce more insulin when needed and lower blood sugar levels. The drugs also reduce food cravings and slow down how quickly food is digested. This can reduce the rate glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, it makes those who take it feel fuller for longer, eat less and lose weight. What are the side effects? Although GLP-1 agonists have many benefits, like many drugs, there is a long list of possible side effects. Nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vision problems are just some of the side effects listed in guidance by NICE. However, they can also cause fatigue, drowsiness, headaches and hair loss. What are the different types of GLP-1 agonists? Ozempic This is one brand name of semaglutide, which is injected and is prescribed to those with type 2 diabetes to manage blood glucose levels. It is only supposed to be prescribed for diabetes management and not for weight loss, but is often prescribed 'off-label' so people can buy it for that use. Wegovy This is another brand of semaglutide drug, but unlike Ozempic, Wegovy is available on the NHS to help with weight loss. Mounjaro This is the brand name of tirzepatide, another GLP-1 agonist and long-acting GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor, which also plays a role in regulating blood sugar. It is injected once a week and is used to treat type 2 diabetes and as a weight loss drug. But you can only get tirzepatide on the NHS if it is prescribed by a specialist weight management service.
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a weight loss expert - one thing you can do is way better than skinny jabs'
As WeightWatchers files for bankruptcy in the US, Slimming World managing director, Lisa Salmon, says weight loss injections can't replace diet clubs and community support There's no escaping the fact that so called skinny jabs are making an impact on weight loss, not just on bathroom scales but also on the diet industry as a whole. Data from one of the largest retailers of weight-loss injections, Simple Online Pharmacy, suggests half a million Brits are using the jabs – with an estimated 95% of patients buying their medication privately. You might imagine that the bosses at Slimming World, which has been guiding slimmers for more than 55 years, and has 700,000 members in the UK, would be worried that their business is losing traction. Managing director Lisa Salmon assures us this isn't the case. For her, all the fanfare about weight-loss medication is nothing new and she isn't rattled in the slightest. 'We were told liposuction would be the end of us; that weight-loss surgery would be the end of us,' she says. 'We were told drugs would be the end of us but, actually, with the millions of people we know who are struggling, there's space for different offerings.' Earlier this week WeightWatchers filed for bankruptcy in the US. While the company insists it will keep operating there is no doubt there is huge pressure on the diet and exercise industries. You'd expect the Slimming World boss to be anxious. But Lisa is calm. 'I'm not particularly concerned. Slimming World and WeightWatchers were formed around the same time in the very late 1960s. "We've always been shoulder to shoulder and whilst, like any competitors, we've had our differences and we've always believed our service and philosophy to be superior, we would never want to take away from the fact it's another offering in the community. We very firmly believe that losing weight needs support.' Support is key Lisa – who became a Slimming World member in her 20s after putting on weight while at university – is quick to point out that while GLP1 medications might result in weight loss, they don't come with the community benefits of a slimming club. 'We've always believed that support is absolutely key. Of course, we have evolved over the years. We've a greater awareness now of the mindset and support that people need to make sustained changes. 'So, we have a healthy eating plan and active-lifestyle programme, but we also know group support is absolutely essential for each of us to learn about ourselves as a slimmer because we are all so incredibly different.' Lisa is keeping her eye on the weight-loss jabs but so far, has not been swayed. 'In terms of noise around weight-loss injections, we haven't seen any detriment to our membership numbers. We have been approached by many organisations that would like us to prescribe and have said we are watching all the developments closely. 'Fundamentally, it feels like it cuts across what we've stood for over 55 years when we know we can genuinely re-educate people.' Part of the design of Slimming World is to give slimmers the tools with which to live their lives, have a social life, eat healthily and enjoy themselves. Its founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE was passionate that members should feel valued and not humiliated. The messaging has never been about total deprivation and zero treats – something Lisa fears the weight-loss jabs result in. 'The drugs are very, very expensive relative to being a member of something like Slimming World. And, also, nobody knows the side effects that seem to be different in different people. 'Anecdotally we have heard reports of people on the jabs where they've lost interest in food and that's impacting their quality of life. We want people to live the life that they want.' Care and guidance Surprisingly, dieters who have opted for weight-loss medication have begun to join Slimming World. Lisa believes they are looking for knowledge about how to eat and live healthily in order to maintain weight loss and at Slimming World's head office, work is being done by the Nutrition, Research and Health team to tailor the right nutritional support for such individuals. 'We have some members who are taking the drugs that have come to us for our wraparound support,' she says. 'They want guidance and to re-educate themselves.' It's clear that one of the things Lisa is most proud of is the atmosphere franchisees cultivate. She mentions how slimmers begin to regard their clubs as a second family – how the smallest of weight-loss milestones are celebrated and how for the very overweight or obese, the club meetings help them out of isolation. There have been Slimming World marriages and plenty of babies too. Diet clubs may seem like an outdated prospect in a world where so much happens online, but Slimming World has developed its digital offering with work in the pipeline to improve the online membership service. Aware of how time poor so many of us are, which can often lead to unhealthier food choices and a reliance on convenience foods, a Slimming Kitchen recipe box has been devised and was rolled out last year. 'Drugs are not the only option' Lisa has resisted launching a shiny new aspect of Slimming World to counteract any fuss surrounding weight-loss drugs. Instead, her eyes are on a bigger prize – helping to solve the UK's gigantic health crisis. 'Excessive weight is taking years off people's lives and we at Slimming World have a part to play. "What we say to the government is please don't treat the drugs as the only option, medicalising obesity. We'd love to work more with the government. We could do more in the workplace too. We already work with a lot of health professionals to refer people to our groups, but there's more we could do. I take comfort that in the 1980s our founder was being told the day of the slimming club was over. We're absolutely determined. We are not going anywhere. What we provide in our groups is a very, very special thing and it makes a significant difference to people's lives.' A national problem The latest statistics make stark reading when it comes to the health and weight of the UK. Information from the House of Commons this year found that 61% of women in England are obese or overweight, while for men it's 67%. Wales reported a similar picture: 65% of Welsh men were overweight or obese and 57% of Welsh women. In 2023, Scottish figures recorded that 32% of adults were obese and more than seven in 10 adults aged over 35 were overweight or obese. The latest data from Northern Ireland found 69% of men were overweight or obese whereas with women it was 59.5%. The UK ranked as the European country with the fourth highest rates of obesity, and the tenth highest in the world. There are multiple health problems that can stem from being obese, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and an increased risk of respiratory, musculoskeletal and liver diseases. People who are obese are also at increased risk of certain cancers. Slimming World experts have identified some key areas where those who want to lose weight might trip up Emotional eating Finishing the kids' leftovers Boredom School holidays and being out of routine Petrol stations: fill up with fuel and not the shelves of chocolate or crisps The late-night munchies Failing to plan meals Grabbing a pastry when you buy a coffee Fast food after drinking alcohol Having unhealthy snacks in the cupboard
Telegraph
26-02-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
SlimFast on the block as dieters turn to jabs
SlimFast has been put up for sale as dieters increasingly shun meal replacements in favour of weight-loss jabs. Glanbia, the brand's owner, is looking to offload SlimFast after a recent drop in sales – prompted by heightened demand for blockbuster drugs such as Wegovy. Mark Garvey, the chief financial officer of Glanbia, said: 'We've decided to move on because we believe there is a significant change in how weight management is being managed by our consumers.' Founded in Florida in 1977, SlimFast's low-calorie meal replacements soared to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s as diet culture gripped the US and UK – turning it into one of the world's best-known weight-loss brands. However, in recent years sales have fallen as dieters swapped traditional meal replacements and dieting for new drugs. In 2023, SlimFast lost 33pc of its sales in three months as the jabs exploded in popularity. Sold under brands like Wegovy and Mounjaro, weight loss jabs slow the emptying of users' stomachs following meals, making them feel fuller for longer. Ozempic, arguably the best known, is designed to treat people with type 2 diabetes but is commonly used off-prescription for weight loss. Around 12pc of American adults were reported to have tried weight loss drugs last year, according to a KFF Health Tracker survey. Around 500,000 people have also taken them in the UK, according to Simple Online Pharmacy. This includes high-profile figures such as Boris Johnson, who admitted to using weight-loss jabs two years ago. As well as traditional weight-loss companies, other large food and drink businesses are also seeing an impact from the jabs – with the chief executive of Walmart previously blaming them for shoppers buying fewer items. Terry Smith, the British fund manager, ditched his entire stake in Guinness-owner Diageo last year because of fears over the impact of the drugs – which have been shown to reduce alcohol as well as food cravings. Morgan Stanley has estimated that the global market for obesity drugs could reach as much as $105bn (£83bn) by 2030. The Wall Street bank predicts this will trigger a 3pc fall in Americans' consumption of soft drinks, bakery products and snacks by 2035. As well as announcing the proposed sale, Glanbia also told investors on Wednesday it had written $91.4m off the value of SlimFast in the Americas because of 'continuing challenges in the weight management category'. Headquartered in Kilkenny, Ireland, Glanbia sells a range of food supplements and ingredients. Shares in the company fell by more than 14pc on Wednesday, hitting their lowest point since 2007 as it posted revenues below analysts' estimates and warned over the rising cost of whey.
