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…

How do weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro work?

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).

How do you get a prescription for weight loss drugs in the UK?

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. 

The pros of weight loss jabs

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.’

The cons of weight loss jabs

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.’

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.

‘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.’

If you go private, it’s important to seriously whether you can afford to keep your prescription going for long enough to see results.

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