{"id":142258,"date":"2025-05-29T20:13:12","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T20:13:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/142258\/"},"modified":"2025-05-29T20:13:12","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T20:13:12","slug":"the-biggest-pros-and-cons-to-consider-before-taking-weight-loss-jabs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/142258\/","title":{"rendered":"The biggest pros and cons to consider before taking weight loss jabs"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"A
\n\t\tThe jabs shouldn\u2019t be viewed as \u2018cosmetic\u2019 treatments, according to experts (Picture: Steve Christo \u2013 Corbis\/Corbis via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

In the 90s and 00s, slimming clubs were packed with people looking to shed the pounds. <\/p>\n

Flash forward to today however, and Weight Watchers has filed for bankruptcy<\/a>, as the meteoric rise of weight loss jabs saw the company struggling to compete.<\/p>\n

Medications like Ozempic<\/a>, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Rybelsu, previously used to treat diabetes<\/a>, have exploded in popularity in recent years. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

However, health secretary Wes Streeting warned that they shouldn\u2019t be seen as a quick \u2018cosmetic\u2019 fix, adding: \u2018These are serious medicines and should only be used responsibly and under medical supervision.\u2019<\/p>\n

So if you\u2019re considering weight loss jabs, we\u2019ve compiled everything you need to know, as well as a look at the biggest pros and cons\u2026<\/p>\n

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How do weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro work?<\/p>\n

Administered as weekly jabs, these drugs \u2013 often called GLP-1 agonists \u2013 mimic the hormones our bodies release when we eat to help diabetics manage insulin levels.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

How do you get a prescription for weight loss drugs in the UK?<\/p>\n

In the UK, new rules mean you\u2019ll need to have a consultation with a specialist weight management service before being prescribed this kind of treatment.<\/p>\n

This can be done through the NHS or privately, with the likes of Superdrug and Boots offering prescriptions online.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The pros of weight loss jabs<\/p>\n

Metro<\/strong> asked Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor<\/a>, <\/strong>about the biggest pros and cons of weight loss injections. In terms of their benefits, here\u2019s what she had to say:<\/p>\n

Weight loss<\/strong><\/p>\n

Unsurprisingly, weight loss drugs help you lose weight \u2014\u00a0but the amount is impressive, with studies showing patients typically see at least a 10% to 15% weight reduction. <\/p>\n

\u2018This can be transformative, especially for those with long-standing obesity where lifestyle interventions alone have failed,\u2019 says Dr Wylie.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Still
\n\t\tMany people will see signifcant weight loss, which is transformative for those with long-standing obesity (Picture: Michael Siluk\/UCG\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u2060Reduction in obesity-related health issues<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr Wylie explains: \u2018Weight 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. <\/p>\n

\u2018There\u2019s 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.\u2019<\/p>\n

Improved quality of life and mental health<\/strong><\/p>\n

Beyond the physical benefits, Dr Wylie says the \u2018positive impact on self-esteem and mood\u2019 caused by weight loss \u2018can create a virtuous cycle, making it easier to stay engaged with other aspects of health promotion, such as physical activity and social participation.\u2019<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Woman
\n\t\tThere are numerous side effects \u2013 including nausea and vomiting, as well as diarrhoea (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u2060Support for patients who feel stuck<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to Dr Wylie, the helping hand these jabs provide can be a major boost for those who feel they\u2019ve \u2018tried everything\u2019 without success.<\/p>\n

She adds: \u2018As GPs, it\u2019s empowering to have another tool to offer that feels both compassionate and effective.\u2019<\/p>\n

The cons of weight loss jabs<\/p>\n

Despite their benefits, there are a number of things to consider before taking weight loss drugs \u2013 including possible short-term and long-term side effects.\u00a0Here\u2019s a look at what Dr Wylie considers the biggest downsides:<\/p>\n

Side effects<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018Gastrointestinal side effects are common, particularly during dose escalation,\u2019 she says, noting that these can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation.<\/p>\n

Dr Wylie also adds than in rare cases, \u2018there\u2019s a risk of pancreatitis or gallbladder issues.\u2019<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\tWhat is ‘Ozempic face’?\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Weight loss drugs aren\u2019t something to mess around with\u00a0<\/a>\u2013 one side effect colloquially termed \u2018Ozempic face\u2019 is symbolic of that. But what is it? And what are the dangers of taking semaglutide incorrectly?<\/p>\n

This phenomenon refers to sagging, ageing and lacklustre appearance of the facial skin and structures,\u2019 according to Dr Adil Sheraz, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson.<\/p>\n

He said: \u2018The 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.<\/p>\n

\u2018The overlying skin however will not be able to shrink at the same rate, resulting in a sagging, droopy and wrinkled appearance.\u2019<\/p>\n

Dr Paul Jarrod Frank, a dermatologist in New York\u00a0thought to have coined the phrase, told the\u00a0New York Times<\/a>\u00a0he\u2019s started seeing Ozempic face \u2018every day\u2019 since these drugs hit the mainstream.<\/p>\n

He said: \u2018A 50-year-old patient will come in, and suddenly, she\u2019s super-skinny and needs filler, which she never needed before. I look at her and say: \u201cHow long have you been on Ozempic?\u201d And I\u2019m right 100 per cent of the time.\u2019<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t necessarily specific to Ozempic. As Dr Sheraz explains, this change in facial features can occur with any type of rapid weight loss.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, as well as an increased risk of vision loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n

More worryingly, at the end of last year, the government issued a warning after 10 people died<\/a> and 68 were admitted to hospital as a result of using the injections.<\/p>\n

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 \u2018unauthorised indications such as aesthetic weight loss\u2019.<\/p>\n

Long-term use<\/strong><\/p>\n

Unless you overhaul your habits, the results you see while taking these medications won\u2019t last long afterwards.<\/p>\n

\u2018Once stopped, weight regain is common unless there\u2019s been a concurrent and sustainable lifestyle change,\u2019 says Dr Wylie. <\/p>\n

Costs<\/strong><\/p>\n

Only \u2018very specific patient groups\u2019 are entitled to weight loss jabs on the NHS, and \u2018privately, these medications are expensive, often over \u00a3200 a month.\u2019<\/p>\n

If you go private, it\u2019s important to seriously whether you can afford to keep your prescription going for long enough to see results.<\/p>\n

Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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