In recent months, the buzz around weight loss injections—or ‘skinny jabs’ as they’ve become popularly known—has grown louder. From celebrity endorsements to social media influencers flaunting rapid transformations, it’s easy to see why so many people are curious. But while these medications can be a powerful tool in supporting weight loss for some, they are far from a magic solution—and certainly not without risks.
As a registered nutritionist, I work with clients who are using, or considering using, these medications as part of a medical weight management plan. My role is to ensure that their nutritional needs are being met during this process, and just as importantly, to support the behavioural and emotional side of food, weight and body image.
Let’s take a closer look at what these medications are, who they are for, and why a holistic, supportive approach matters more than ever.
What Are ‘Skinny Jabs’?
Far from being ‘skinny jabs’ these are actually prescription medications (only legally available following assessment by a qualified medical professional). Medications like Semaglutide (found in brands such as Ozempic and Wegovy) belong to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists—originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking the action of the hormone GLP-1 that:
- Stimulates insulin production
- Lowers glucose levels
- Slows digestion and keeps you fuller for longer
- Suppresses appetite
Used under medical supervision, these medications can support significant weight loss in people living with obesity. For some, they can help manage serious health risks such as diabetes, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and sleep apnoea.
However, the decision to take these medications, even when living with diabetes or obesity, is never taken lightly because as with all medications there can be contra indications and side effects and so a holistic approach with medical assessment and advice is required.
Potential risks and side effects of weight loss medications
Common side effects of weight loss medications include:
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- painful stomach cramps and abdominal pain
- nausea and vomiting
- headaches
- fatigue
- hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
- Interactions with other medications, including contraceptives —there have been reports of unplanned pregnancies, sometimes referred to online as ‘Ozempic babies@
There have been rarer and more serious side effects reported such as pancreatitis, issues with gallbladder and kidneys and suicidal thoughts. This highlights the importance of seeking medical advice when considering weight loss medications as left untreated these side effects may have detrimental impacts on your health. A medical Doctor can help you assess any risk involved based on your health history to ensure an informed and safe choice can be made and you receive the support you need moving forward, such as monitoring improvements and side effects through blood tests.
Will I lose weight on these medications?
There is a growing body of evidence that GLP-1 medications can support health in terms of helping to improve diabetes and reducing cardiovascular events.
In terms of weight loss this may depend on the medication, the dose, the individual response, but overall these medications do seem effective at supporting weight loss with a recent meta-analysis showing around 12% weight loss through taking Semaglutide vs the placebo among individuals with obesity and without type 2 diabetes.
Long-term data is still emerging. Some studies show weight loss can be maintained for up to four years, while others report significant regain within two. Interestingly, the risk of regaining weight appears higher when behavioural support is not included—reinforcing that successful weight management is about much more than numbers on a scale.
When These Medications Are Helpful
GLP-1 medications can be incredibly helpful for some people who meet specific medical criteria, such as a BMI of 30 or above, or 27+ if Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean origin, with a weight-related health condition.
They can offer a tool as part of an overall toolbox—perhaps helping to reduce cravings, portion sizes and patterns of eating that feel hard to change alone.
But even when the medication is appropriate, it’s not a stand-alone solution.
This is where nutritional and behavioural support is key.
When appetite and intake reduce, so can energy, protein and micronutrient intake—which are essential for maintaining muscle, bone and heart health. It’s important to ensure meals are balanced, nutrient-dense and satisfying even in smaller portions.
We also need to focus on mindset and habits—because when the medication stops, your relationship with food, body image and health behaviours needs to be strong enough to carry on the same behaviours.
When losing weight it is important to aim to lose fat mass and not muscle mass, as losing muscle can impact on your mobility, risk of falls, metabolic and possibly cardiovascular health.
Over a third of people aged over 65 fall at least once a year. This might not seem significant, but falls are the most common cause of injury-related death. Add in the hormonal changes of menopause, which can lead to both bone and muscle loss, and it becomes clear that protecting muscle and bone health is essential—especially for women
Reducing the number on the scales by any means at the cost of muscle mass and intake of other vital nutrients is not a healthy way to lose weight and therefore anyone that is considering weight loss medication needs nutritional guidance to ensure that they are still maintaining adequate nutritional intake, this is especially important as they will likely impact your appetite and therefore your desire to eat may reduce and so maximising the nutrition of each meal is vital.
Who These Medications Are Not For
The rise in popularity of weight loss injections has led to a worrying trend: people using them who don’t medically qualify or sourcing them from unregulated providers.
These medications are not intended for people who are a little overweight and want to get ‘bikini ready’. They are a clinical tool for those living with obesity, often with co-existing health issues. Using them outside these settings can be dangerous.
Buying from non-prescribers puts you at risk of receiving the wrong drug, wrong dose, or even counterfeit medication.
Some tragic cases have involved injections containing insulin instead of Ozempic—which can be fatal. Others have included contaminated or unregulated versions leading to hospitalisations.
“These are not cosmetic treatments — they are powerful medicines that can only be legally and safely dispensed against a prescription issued by a healthcare professional.”
Andy Morling, deputy director of criminal enforcement at the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
There are many fake companies online, particularly on social media. They go to great lengths to make their ‘shop fronts’ look authentic so it is vital to be aware that behind this front is an illegal and could put you at serious harm. These products may contain harmful contaminants, unlicensed substances, or even entirely different drugs.
Advertising Standards Authority also revealed it was removing up to 100 social media posts per day that advertised prescription-only medicines, many from sources that are not legitimate pharmacies.
Always consult with a registered medical professional, these medications should only be prescribed after a full assessment and followed up with regular health monitoring. If you’re offered a weight-loss medicine in any other circumstances, whether online or offline, you may be putting your health at serious risk and breaking the law. Even if you do buy your medication from a legitimate online pharmacy which is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, you are missing out on the essential monitoring that is required when taking these drugs- this is not a DIY situation!
Why Are So Many People Turning to These Jabs?
Let’s talk about the bigger picture.
There is an issue that for those who could benefit from these medications and fit the criteria for treatment, waiting times to get these drugs on the NHS can be long and this can lead to people sourcing online alternatives. That frustration is completely valid—many people have tried countless diets and feel exhausted by the process. But turning to unsafe alternatives can put your health at serious risk.
There’s no doubt that celebrity culture, social media trends, and pressures to meet the ‘thin ideal’ are playing a role in the demand for these medications. When public figures flaunt dramatic weight loss without context or transparency, it reinforces a harmful message: that thinner equals better, at any cost.
This narrative damages our relationship with food and our bodies—Those using these medications are at risk of ‘masking’ their disordered eating such as emotional eating or binge-restrict cycles-using GLP-1s without addressing these underlying issues can unintentionally reinforce disordered behaviours.
This is why getting support for these underlying issues is vital to GLP-1 users as they won’t be able to remain on these medications forever and so we need to consider their longer-term health and wellbeing. Tools such as therapy and specific nutritional support can be invaluable, so if you are considering GLP-1’s then please consider addressing the deeper work on improving your relationship with food, so you get the care you need to support all your needs, not just focus on the number on the scale.
Last month, I wrote about the toxic pressure to get ‘summer body ready’, and sadly, weight loss jabs have become the latest shortcut marketed to people who are simply trying to feel accepted.
We need to challenge these messages. Weight, health and worth are not the same thing. And quick fixes—whether it’s a shake diet or a jab—often come with long-term consequences.
Final Thoughts: Use With Care, Use with Support
Weight loss medications have a place in medical obesity treatment, but they are not a lifestyle trend.
Take time to reflect on why you’re considering them—what need are you hoping to meet, and is this the most supportive path forward?
You might also find it helpful to speak with a registered Nutritionist or Dietitian who shares your values and has experience in areas like disordered eating or weight-inclusive care. Working with someone who really understands where you’re coming from can make a big difference—it’s about feeling supported and confident in the choices that are right for you.
And just a gentle reminder: nurturing your relationship with food and your body is always worthwhile—whether or not you decide to use weight loss injections.
If you’re considering using them, make sure:
- You are working with a qualified medical team
- You have ongoing support for your nutrition and mental wellbeing
- You understand this is part of a longer journey—not the end goal
And if you’re feeling pressure to use them because you’re struggling with body image or diet culture messages, please know that there is another way.
There’s a lot of focus on weight loss when it comes to GLP-1 medications, but it’s important to remember that these treatments don’t automatically address deeper challenges around eating habits, body image or self-worth. This is why building a healthier relationship with food and your body is still so important—whether you use these medications or not. It’s especially worth keeping in mind if the time comes when you choose, or need, to stop taking them.
If you’re thinking about GLP-1s, it’s essential to speak with a qualified healthcare professional who can assess whether they’re right for you. The biggest risks often come from using these medications without proper medical guidance or from sources that aren’t safe or regulated.
Whatever route you decide is right for you, you deserve clear, trustworthy information and compassionate, respectful support throughout your journey.
My work is about supporting your health and your relationship with food, wherever you’re starting from. If you need help navigating this, I’m here.
Or, if you’re not quite ready to chat, explore my free resources to get started at your own pace.
