Latest news with #fatjabs
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Double fat jab health warning as women told risks to unborn babies are unknown & injections may affect the pill
WOMEN on fat jabs must take effective contraception, health chiefs have warned for the first time. It comes amid claims of an ' Ozempic baby boom ' - with more women becoming pregnant while using weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro. 3 To date, the Medicines and Healthcare products Agency (MHRA) has received more than 40 pregnancy-related reports involving the jabs, with women online raising fears after discovering they're pregnant while taking the drugs. Now, top doctors say the drugs must not be used during pregnancy, while trying to conceive or breastfeeding, over fears they could lead to miscarriage or birth defects. The MHRA said today: 'This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby.' Dr Bassel Wattar, a consultant gynaecologist and medical director of clinical trials at Anglia Ruskin University, told The Sun: 'It's not the medication itself, but the weight loss that helps regulate a woman's hormones allowing her ovaries to function properly again. 'Pregnancy is more of a happy side effect.' What's more, it is thought that GLP-1 drugs could reduce the absorption of contraceptives, due to the fact they slow down the emptying of the stomach. Professor Rebecca Reynolds from the University of Edinburgh warned we don't fully understand the effects these drugs could have on an unborn baby, due to a lack of scientific evidence. She said: 'There is hardly any available data from human studies to be able to advise if these weight loss drugs are safe in pregnancy. 'The data from animal studies suggest the potential for harm with low birth weight and skeletal abnormalities, though more evidence is needed to assess if there are risks of taking these drugs in pregnant humans.' Dr Wattar added it is rare for pregnant women to be involved in trials like this, due to the fact it can be 'riskier and more expensive'. Julia Hartley-Brewer slams government plan for NHS to offer free 'fat jabs' to tackle obesity crisis Studies on pregnant rats showed semaglutide - the active drug in Wegovy and Ozempic - caused early pregnancy loss and birth defects. Meanwhile, similar results were seen in rabbits and monkeys, with miscarriages and developmental issues found in offspring. The MHRA says women should use reliable contraception if they are taking GLP-1 weight-loss injections, and for up to two months between stopping the jabs and trying to get pregnant. 3 That means women should take either the oral pill or non-oral options, the implant, coil or use condoms effectively. The MHRA guidance also warns those specifically taking Mounjaro to use a non-oral method of contraception after studies found the active drug tirzepatide may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in women who are overweight. Dr Alison Cave, from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said: "This guidance should not be used as a substitute for reading the patient information leaflet or having a conversation with a healthcare professional as part of the prescribing process." 'The power to harm as well as to heal' The warning comes as the jabs fuel a boom in demand, with community pharmacies seeing a surge in requests. Jasmine Shah, of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), said: "Medicines are not like ordinary goods for sale, they must be handled with great care because they have the power to harm as well as to heal." Officials also warned against buying the jabs from dodgy sellers online or in beauty salons, where fake or unsafe products could pose a serious risk. DR Zoe Williams is The Sun's resident GP. Q: What if I am pregnant and taking fat jabs? The fact these drugs suppress appetite means the majority of women who got pregnant on them will have come off, because they are nourishing their baby. The advice is to come off them immediately if you're either pregnant or breastfeeding and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. Q: Why has this advice been issued now? It is because not enough is known about the effect on pregnancy. It's not from studies that found any adverse effects. As a result, the advice is preventative until more is known. If women are on any weight loss jabs and want a baby, the advice is to come off it at least two months before trying. Q: Are fat jabs going to be the 'new thalidomide' scandal? No, the GLP-1 drugs are peptides that work by mimicking existing proteins in our bodies. In contrast, thalidomide is a drug that can affect blood vessel growth. It is not likely that the jabs would cause such significant birth defects, as seen with thalidomide. So far there has been no evidence of danger to the baby, despite many women getting pregnant on them. Q: I'm worried and don't know what to do? When news like this breaks, it is common to have patients get in touch with concerns. Stop taking the medication. But be reassured, there is nothing your GP or midwife will need to do urgently. If they are really concerned, they will get in touch. Anyone concerned about side effects, including severe stomach pain that radiates to the back, a sign of pancreatitis, should seek medical help immediately. GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking hormones that make you feel full, and some, like Mounjaro, also target blood sugar control. A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk that makes Wegovy and Ozempic, told The Sun: 'There is limited data with semaglutide use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for adverse maternal and foetal outcomes. 'Semaglutide should be discontinued in women at least two months before a planned pregnancy due to the long washout period. 'Semaglutide should not be used in pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential are recommended to use contraception when treated with semaglutide. 'In other pharmacology trials, semaglutide did not affect the absorption of oral medications (including the oral contraceptive medication ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel) to any clinically relevant degree. 'Therefore semaglutide is not anticipated to decrease the effect of oral contraceptives. 'Nonetheless, caution should be exercised when oral medications are concomitantly administered with semaglutide.' 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.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Half of British adults should be able to get their hands on fat jabs through the post, says Tony Blair
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that half of the UK should be allowed to get their hands on fat jabs under widened criteria. Researchers at the Tony Blair Institute have suggested extending the measure for eligibility could allow at least 14.7million Brits to get weight loss medication via the post which would in turn boost the NHS. The think tank have called for the eligibility criteria for the drugs to 'drastically lowered', to make them available to people who are overweight but not yet obese. As part of their research, they have also suggested the jabs to be made available over the counter, without the need to see a GP first, and for weight management services to be offered through the NHS App. Such moves would boost the nation's health and wealth and help to tackle inequality, it argues. Obesity is now one of the biggest drivers of ill health in the UK, placing an 'immense strain' on the NHS, the benefit system and wider economy. But the TBI warns obesity is more prevalent in deprived areas and the current slow rollout of fat jabs on the NHS will 'perpetuate access based on the ability to pay rather than need'. The NHS rations the drugs to around 50,000 people a year at specialist weight-loss clinics, although 4million people with a body mass index higher than 35 are eligible. A BMI over 30 is classed as obese, and 40 or above is classed as severely obese. A further 500,000 people are thought to obtain the treatment privately for around £200 a month. The new TBI report demands a 'faster, broader approach to the rollout' and suggests a BMI threshold of just 27, which is overweight. Drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy have been shown to significantly increase productivity in the workforce, with users typically fitter and taking fewer sick days. In trials, weight-loss drugs helped people lose up to a fifth of their body weight, which can reduce their risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Ministers are examining ways to make weight-loss jabs more accessible and Treasury officials are holding talks on their economic benefits. The TBI says the NHS's current approach is 'unlikely to slow, let alone reverse rising obesity rates over the next 12 years ' and the need for a GP referral 'inhibits' potential for broader rollout as it is 'wildly resource intensive and hugely expensive'. Economic modelling by the Institute shows reducing the qualifying BMI is expected to deliver cost-benefit neutrality by 2035 and net gains year on year afterwards, with cumulative fiscal benefits estimated at £52billion by 2050. Comparatively, on the NHS current rollout schedule, cost-benefit neutrality is expected to be achieved by 2053. The report says access to the fat jabs should be means-tested, so only patients who are eligible for free prescriptions can access them at no cost. Dr Charlotte Refsum, director of health policy at TBI, said: 'If the government is looking to improve health and drive economic growth, tackling obesity - as part of a wider prevention agenda - must be a key priority. 'Anti-Obesity Medications are effective, well tolerated by those taking them and highly scalable. 'The government must follow its instincts and be bolder - providing faster, broader access in a more convenient way that meets them where they are - online, at home and in the high street. 'The cost of treating obesity may be high but the cost of not treating it is higher.' A study presented at the European Congress of Obesity earlier this month found semaglutide - sold under the brand name Ozempic as a treatment for diabetes or Wegovy for weight loss - provided an annual productivity boost equivalent to £1,127 per person. The drug helped each patient avoid five sick days a year on average, and enabled people to carry out an extra 12 days of unpaid productive activity, such as volunteering or childcare, saving the state resources. In total this would equate to an extra £4.5billion a year in British economic productivity if the 4million people eligible for the drug on the NHS could have it. Dr Nick Thayer, head of policy at the Company Chemists Association, which represents major pharmacy chains such as Boots and Superdrug, said: 'Weight loss medicines have the potential to significantly reduce the burden of obesity on the NHS and transform the lives of millions. 'The economic impact of allowing many to return to work, offers the government a vital avenue to increase growth and workforce productivity. 'Community pharmacies have a proven track record of delivering preventative healthcare interventions at scale. 'Building on the expertise developed through private services, community pharmacies would be well placed to deliver wraparound weight loss care, to increase access where needed.' Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Obesity is a huge drag on the NHS, the economy, and the quality of people's lives, and these medications are an exciting innovation. 'We're working with the NHS to trial new approaches and digital-first technologies to get these treatments to people faster, all while safeguarding capacity in our health service. 'For too long patients have been failed by inaction, but under our Plan for Change we'll tackle obesity head-on.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
What do YOU want to know about fat jabs? Dr Zoe calls for readers to send in questions for Live Q&A
WHEN it comes to issues of obesity, there is no doubt that so-called fat jabs have turned the tide on treatment options. Even if you are not on them, the chances are you will be curious. As a GP, I understand both the intense interest and also the reservations people may have. That's why I am calling on Sun readers to send in their questions about the jabs to me. No question is too big, too small – or silly! From how much weight you can expect to lose to the long-term side effects, I get asked questions every day about the GLP-1 jabs, Wegovy and Mounjaro. These drugs have been hailed as game-changers because they allow for drastic results. But anyone considering them should make an informed decision. These are medicines, after all, meaning they have potential side-effects and complications. There is no single solution to tackling obesity. They are more of a tool in a large toolbox, and a pricey one at that. Email me at health@ and I will answer questions in a Live Q&A on The Sun's website. Meanwhile, here's what readers have asked me this week . . . PROSTATITIS PUZZLER Q: MY father is in his mid-70s and has non-bacterial prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate). He has researched it online, asked his doctor and pharmacist for advice on how to care for it, but doesn't seem to get much help. He has tried avoiding alcohol and limiting caffeine. Some days it's worse than others, particularly when he's stressed. Because of this, it makes him more stressed, and it remains bad for a fair number of days or continues to flare up. It is like a vicious cycle. A: Chronic prostatitis can have a huge impact on quality of life. Symptoms vary and it can be challenging to treat. You haven't mentioned which symptoms your father has, but they may include urinary symptoms, such as pain, peeing frequently, needing to go urgently, a poor stream or hesitancy when trying to pass urine. The condition can also cause pain in the lower abdomen, perineum, rectum, penis and testicles. If prostatitis has been present for longer than three months, it is classified as chronic. In about ten per cent of cases there is bacterial infection, but as with your father, in the majority of cases there is not. In the absence of infection, sometimes a single course of antibiotics is still advised. Tamsulosin can also help. It's a type of drug called an alpha blocker, and can help relax muscles in the prostate and bladder, easing urination and potentially reducing symptoms associated with chronic prostatitis. Painkillers can help, as can stool softener medication if bowel movements cause pain. There are some self-help measures: Staying hydrated, avoiding bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks), and engaging in regular physical activity, as well as pelvic floor exercise. Finally, stress is a huge factor and you're already one step ahead here because you have identified this. We often feel that we cannot do much to manage the stress factors in our life, but we can take steps to help our bodies deal better with them. Spending time in nature, doing breath-ing exercises (have a look at box-breathing), meditation, reading a good book, taking part in yoga, or gardening will help. If symptoms are severe or persisting, then a referral to a urologist might be necessary. Fortunately, in most cases, the trend is for symptoms to improve over months or years. What are hard lumps on my hand? Q: I'm a 60-year-old female and on my right hand in line with the fourth finger there are two hard lumps/nodules. The second lump seems to have a shaft coming from it, which is going toward my wrist. 4 I was wondering if you had any idea what they are, they are not sore but can be uncomfortable to press or if I stretch my hand to its full width. The problem with my hand nodules have been there a while now, I'm mainly curious as to what they are and if they will be a cause for concern at some point. A: My educated guess from your description would be that you have ganglion cysts. A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that usually develops near a joint or tendon. The cyst can range from the size of a pea to the size of a golf ball. These are not anything to be concerned about unless they are causing significant pain or affecting your ability to use your hand properly. There are two old-fashioned ways that people used to attempt to treat ganglion cysts themselves. The first was hitting the cyst with a heavy object, often a Bible, to cause it to rupture. This can cause injuries to the hand or wrist and bleeding and scarring, so please don't do it. The other, which is also dangerous, was popping the cyst with a needle. This can cause infection and the cysts tend to come back following this method, if not done by a professional. In your case it sounds like they can probably be ignored as they're not causing too much of a problem, but if at some point they do, please have them dealt with by a qualified healthcare professional. I'd advise you to have a little look at some images online to see what they look like. If following this you feel that yours are ganglion cysts, you don't really need to do anything further. But if you're still uncertain, it's worth getting them checked out at your GP practice. VAPES MOST ADDICTIVE VAPING is more addictive than nicotine gum and has a 'high potential for abuse', experts warn. A study by West Virginia University in the US found that young people enjoy vaping more than chewing gum, which makes the practice more addictive. 4 E-cigarettes were intended to help smokers quit tobacco and reduce their risk of cancer. However, use of the gadgets rocketed among people who had never smoked and it has become an addiction in its own right. The study tested the effects of e-cigs and nicotine gum in a group of 16 current or former smokers aged 18 to 24. They had no nicotine overnight, and in the morning chewed nicotine gum or used a vape, before answering questions about cravings. Results showed people who used vapes rated their cravings and withdrawal feelings to be worse than gum users. This suggests e-cigs have a stronger effect which may make it easier to get hooked. Study author, PhD student Andrea Milstred, said in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research: 'Electronic cigarettes have great potential to produce addiction in populations that are otherwise naive to nicotine. 'This often includes youth and young adults.' The UK Government is banning disposable vapes from June 1 in a bid to make them less appealing to teenagers and young people. BEST CARE AT CHEMIST FOUR in ten people found it difficult to see a GP last winter, and one in five struggled with A&E, polling found. Community Pharmacy England said people find chemists the easiest place to get treatment, with just five per cent having trouble dealing with them. That compared with 37 per cent for family doctors or 18 per cent at casualty. The CPE said the figures show ministers and the public should make better use of pharmacies to take pressure off the health service frontline. Patients with coughs, colds, asthma and infections should be helped there as a first point of call, it said. Henry Gregg, of the Taskforce for Lung Health, said: 'Last winter was the busiest year on record for emergency services and lung disease is the leading driver of emergency admissions and winter pressures in the NHS. 'Expanding the use of community pharmacies can reduce the number of respiratory emergency admissions and prevent another winter NHS crisis.' Chemists have already been given powers to manage simple conditions like impetigo (a bacterial skin infection), sore throats, earache, shingles and urinary tract infections. NHS England estimates that up to 40 per cent of A&E visits are unnecessary and could be treated somewhere else. Alastair Buxton at Community Pharmacy England, said: 'Empowering pharmacies could provide the lifeline that our creaking health system needs.' Q: I AM a 74-year-old man with hypertension, arthritis and type 2 diabetes, diagnosed in 2010. Ever since then, I have suffered from chilblains in my big toes every winter but I've been able to manage them reasonably well. 4 However, last winter my big toes and several small ones were adversely affected and seriously blistered. They were extremely painful and made walking very difficult. A GP was concerned by the state of my toes. The blisters have healed, but some of my toes remain painful, and one is deformed. A Doppler ultrasound test revealed the circulation in my feet is inadequate. The GP says that nothing can be done to boost the bloodflow to them. I am dreading the coming winter, and would be grateful for your advice. A: It sounds as though you have been diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease, a type of cardiovascular disease where the blood vessels that supply the extremities have narrowed. In your case, this means bloodflow to the feet is restricted, and that puts you at higher risk of getting chilblains. Other conditions that increase the risk of chilblains are smoking, diabetes and connective tissue disorders such as lupus. I applaud you for having the foresight to try to improve the issue now. Quitting smoking (if you smoke) and exercise are the most important lifestyle changes you can make. Ideally, you would attend a specially designed NHS structured exercise programme if this is available in your area. PAD needs to be treated with medication because those who have it also have a significantly higher risk of future cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. Secondary prevention medications, along with lifestyle modifications, help reduce this risk and improve overall health. Speak to your GP about medicine to thin the blood, reduce blood pressure and minimise cholesterol. When it comes to specifically helping the bloodflow to your feet in winter, calcium channel blockers can help. But it may also be advisable to seek referral to a vascular surgeon as sometimes surgery is the best treatment for people with PAD.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Ozempic boss axed in battle of the fat jabs
The boss of Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk lost his job yesterday after its share price plunged amid intensifying competition in the multi-billion pound fat jab market. Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen is being forced out after the Danish firm's board came under pressure from the foundation that controls the company. The shake-up follows Novo's leading position in the fat jab market – estimated to be worth more than £110billion by the next decade – coming under threat. The company, best known for its Wegovy and Ozempic brands, faces stiff competition from US rival Eli Lilly, which makes Zepbound, marketed in Britain as Mounjaro. Mounjaro has become known as the 'King Kong' of slimming jabs, leading to increasing fears that Eli Lilly will overtake Novo. Jorgensen, 58, expressed shock at the decision to fire him, adding: 'I did not see this coming.' Tough at the top: Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen is being forced out His departure comes after eight years in charge that have seen Novo's sales, profit and share price almost triple as it became the world's leader in fat jabs. The company temporarily became Europe's most valuable. It was worth around £460billion last June but the share price performance has since deteriorated sharply and it is now valued at less than half that – at about £166billion. Novo said Jorgensen was being axed due to 'recent market challenges [the firm] has been facing and the development of the company's share price since mid-2024'. The board – led by BP chairman Helge Lund – has come under pressure from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, which controls the majority of voting rights in the company. Jorgensen will stay on as boss 'for a period to support a smooth transition to new leadership'. The move comes after new weekly prescriptions for Eli Lilly's Zepbound drug overtook those of Novo's Wegovy in the US, its biggest market, for the first time in March. Earlier this month, Novo cut its 2025 sales and profit forecasts for the first time since the launch of Wegovy four years ago. Danske Bank's Carsten Lonborg Madsen said: 'It just feels like there's something that has gone pretty wrong here.' But analysts at JP Morgan said yesterday: 'We believe this reflects decisive action from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.'
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Getting skinny on fat jabs left me with a HOLE in my throat and that wasn't the worst of it – I beg you, DON'T do it!
WHEN Aimee Chapman began using fat jabs just over a year ago, she never expected to end up in hospital fighting for her life, with a hole in her throat. The 34-year-old lost four stone in a matter of months, but was left suffering complications so severe that doctors were left baffled as to how to help her. Now she says she regrets ever taking the injections. 12 12 12 Aimee was rushed to hospital just a few months after starting on the jabs, where doctors discovered a hole in her oesophagus due to frequent vomiting, and a failing liver. Aimee told The Sun: "They were trying all sorts of things to get my liver levels back to normal. It was failing. "They had said it was down to the weight-loss jab, but they didn't know why or how to fix it. "There was so little out there medical-wise, doctors didn't know how to fix it. "I was terrified. It all happened so quickly and I hadn't realised how serious it was until I was transferred and it sunk in that it was worse than I thought it was.' And months after her ordeal, Aimee's waist-length hair began falling out in clumps. She's now warning others against using the popular jabs. The 34-year-old began using the GLP-1-class weight loss injections in March last year. She claims it was for her health, as she'd been diagnosed with fibromyalgia 15 years ago. The condition causes widespread pain, fatigue, headaches and mood problems, and is incurable. But GPs advise exercise, therapy and antidepressants for managing symptoms. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons Aimee, who lives in Southampton, Hampshire, said: "I'd never even thought about it until I saw a post on social media saying you can just buy [weight-loss jabs]. "I noticed that as my weight changed, I was taken less seriously by doctors. My thinking was that if I could weigh less, I would at least get taken a bit more seriously. "It wasn't about getting thinner or looking better for me. That hadn't even crossed my mind." The family of drugs known as GLP-1 RAs were originally developed to treat diabetes - one notable example is Ozempic. 12 12 Now, the same technology has been deployed for weight loss, in the form of drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy. They suppress a patient's appetite, mimicking hormones naturally released by the gut to signal fullness. 'In denial' Aimee bought her jabs from an online pharmacy. She paid around £200 for a month's worth of them. She lost a whopping four stone when she first began using the injectables, dropping from 14 stone to just 10 stone in four months. However, in June last year, Aimee - who is married to Christopher Chapman, 41, a security officer - began feeling unwell and was barely able to eat. She says: '[After a few months of using the jabs] I started noticing I didn't have a lot of energy, I couldn't really do much. I was only eating a couple of times a week. "I stopped being able to walk. I would take a couple of steps and have to stop.' I was throwing up all the time and started throwing up blood. I was sick between 50 and 60 times Aimee But worryingly, Aimee couldn't stop being sick. Feeling and being sick are among the most common side effects when taking GLP-1s, thought to affect around one in 10 people on them. "I was throwing up all the time and started throwing up blood,' says Aimee. 'I was sick between 50 and 60 times. "I collapsed a couple of times. My husband came home and found me passed out in the hallway one night. "I was in a bit of denial about it being linked to the jab because I was fine up until now. I just thought I was poorly and it was some sort of virus." 'Could have died' When Aimee began experiencing chest pains a month later, she went to Winchester Hospital's A&E. It was then that doctors discovered she had developed a hole in her oesophagus that was leaking air around her heart and lungs. Aimee was admitted to the intensive care unit on July 12, and her blood pressure and potassium levels began to plummet. Then, she was rushed to ICU at Southampton General Hospital when doctors noticed her liver function was deteriorating. An organ transplant was considered when Aimee's liver began showing signs of failure. But luckily, Aimee was able to return home after 11 days in hospital. 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. Her liver made a full recovery and the hole in her throat healed itself. But the 34-year-old was told she would never be able to touch GLP-1 jabs again. "After coming out of ICU, the nurse told me this has happened because of these jabs and I can never take one ever again even if I had type 2 diabetes,' Aimee says. "I don't think they know whether this was a general side-effect or whether this was a rare case. I was really surprised about how much of my body it affected. "I was told the hole in the oesophagus can kill people and I may have needed a new liver. They said I could've died." Liver issues are not a common side effect of weight loss injections, but there have been a isolated reports of people developing liver injury after taking the jabs. On the other hand, research has indicated that GLP-1s could lower the risk of liver disease, as people with obesity have a higher risk of developing a particular type called fatty liver disease. Some weight loss jab users develop gallstones or an inflamed gallbladder, which can be connected to liver function. 12 'Don't do it' In September 2024, a few months after her ordeal Aimee began to notice her hair was coming out in clumps. She believes this is related to a vitamin B12 deficiency linked to being on the weight loss jabs. Aimee said: "[The hair loss] kept happening and the handfuls kept getting bigger. I would be so sad. My hair was just above my bum when I went into hospital. 'My husband just said why don't you just cut it off? My hair was such a massive part of my identity and to cut it off just felt really traumatic. But I said to myself it was just hair, it'll grow back. "This feels like another result of the injections.' The 34-year-old was diagnosed as vitamin B deficient after blood tests in October. She now has to get quarterly vitamin B12 injections. Aimee, who doesn't work due to her disability, is now calling on others who are considering using the injectables to do their research and consult a doctor. 'I'm not going to tell people what they can and can't take but I do believe more research needs to be done into these jabs,' she says. "I regret ever taking them. I'd say to other people thinking about trying them, don't do it online, go through your doctor who can give you blood tests and check how you're doing." 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.
