05-07-2025
Mounjaro warning for weight-loss jabs unexpected side effect
More than 1.5 million people in Britain now using weight-loss jabs like Mounjaro and Wegovy, as well as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes mellitus, and NHS England is now allowing doctors to prescribe the jabs without a referral - with certain strict criteria.
These medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, can lead to average weight loss of 5.9% in just three months, increasing to 10.9% by six months. That's more than a stone for many users.
Key differences between three weight-loss injections: Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic. — Dr sthanu subramanian (@drsthanus) July 2, 2025
Jewellers are reporting a sudden rise in couples needing their rings resized, or in some cases, replaced entirely after the ring unexpectedly slipped off.
'Weight loss injections like Mounjaro are revolutionising the way people lose weight," says Ayesha Bashir, prescribing pharmacist and mounjaro expert, from Chemist4U. "More and more obesity patients are moving away from traditional, rules-based programs and increasingly turning to clinical, medically guided solutions that offer long-term results. Traditional diet programs, which were once household staples, are losing relevance.
"Terms like 'Slimming World' once dominated conversations about weight management, but have been overtaken by searches related to prescription treatments. The data points to a fundamental change in how the public is searching for and likely achieving weight loss.'
But alongside dress sizes dropping and belts being tightened, fingers are slimming down, too.
Neil Dutta, Managing Director of jeweller Angelic Diamonds, says his team has seen a surge in customers reporting loose or lost rings linked to rapid weight loss: 'Weight-loss jabs are changing people's bodies faster than they realise, and most don't think their fingers will shrink until the ring is slipping off.
'Usually, people associate ring resizing with gaining weight, not losing it. But we've seen a real increase in customers needing their rings made smaller.
📢Important update
Eligible people in #Dorset will be able to access Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) weight management medication from autumn 2025.
✅Around 1,000 people in Dorset will qualify under strict national criteria
✅No need to contact your doctor
More: — NHS Dorset (@NHSDorset) June 23, 2025
'Sadly, for some, it's already too late. We've had people come in devastated after their wedding ring fell off during a dog walk or shopping trip. When something so personal just vanishes, it's a horrible feeling, and one they never expected.'
Google searches back it up:
'Ring size adjuster for loose rings' up 450% in the last year
'Ring adjuster for loose rings' up 300%
'Ring adjuster near me' up 250%
'We're getting more calls and emails from people panicking about their rings feeling loose,' says Dutta. 'Some try plastic adjusters as a quick fix, which can help short term, but it's not a long-term solution if the ring is constantly slipping. That's when resizing becomes essential.'
Recommended reading:
Five ways to keep your rings safe if you are prescribed Mounjaro or Wegovy
Test your ring fit once a month. If your ring moves around on its own or slips off with barely any effort, it's a sign it's too loose. Don't ignore it. Take it off during exercise and in cold weather. Fingers shrink slightly with temperature or movement, and that's when a loose ring can slip off without warning. Store it safely if your size is changing. If you're actively losing weight, consider wearing your ring on a chain or keeping it in a safe place until your size settles. Get it professionally resized. 'Resizing is usually quick and affordable,' Dutta explains. 'We adjust the band to your new size without affecting the way it looks or feels. It's the best way to make sure your ring stays on your finger where it belongs.' Know when to redesign. Some rings can't be resized repeatedly, like thin bands or vintage designs. 'In those cases, we can use your original stones and materials to create a new ring that fits properly but still carries all the meaning. It's about keeping the story alive, even if the shape changes.'
What are 'Ozempic hands'?
Some people started using the term 'Ozempic hands' to describe the visible appearance of tendons and slimmer fingers following fast fat loss, although Ozempic is not indicated for weight-management in the UK.
It is only indicated for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes. Most people in the UK are prescribed Mounjaro or Wegovy.
'Most people don't notice it happening,' says Dutta.
'They might just think their ring feels a bit looser, then suddenly one day it's gone. We've had customers who've lost theirs in the garden, at the gym, or while just washing their hands. It's upsetting. And because it's avoidable, it makes the sadness feel even worse.'
